Sony NEX-3 vs Sony a350

This is a full comparison between the cameras Sony NEX-3 and Sony a350. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Sony.

Type of camera

Sony NEX-3 is a Mirrorless camera while Sony a350 is a DSLR camera. More information about their differences will come soon.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Sony APS-C") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a multiplier.

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Sony)

Resolution

Both these cameras have the exact same resolution. Sony NEX-3 has a 14 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Sony a350 has 14 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

ISO range

Sony NEX-3 has a larger ISO-range than Sony a350. Sony NEX-3 has an ISO range that stretches from 200 to 12800 while Sony a350 has 100 to 3200.

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Sony NEX-3
Lens compatibility chart for Sony a350

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Sony NEX-3 can shoot up to 7 pictures per seconds and Sony a350 can shoot up to 3 pictures per seconds.

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

When comparing these two cameras there is only one of them that can shoot movies and that is Sony NEX-3. Unfortunately Sony a350 does not support recording movies and movie clips.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Sony a350 weighs 674 gr (equal to 1.49 lb) which is 127% heavier than Sony NEX-3 and its 297 gr (or 0.65 lb).

Sony NEX-3 vs Sony a350 Specs

Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Sony NEX-3 and Sony a350, next to each other. Each category of data is a link to an article covering the subject, giving you a deeper understanding so you can better understand the strengths and weaknesses of the two camera models.

Product	Sony NEX-3	Sony a350
Name	Sony NEX-3	Sony a350
Manufacturer	Sony	Sony
Release Date and Price	Sony NEX-3	Sony a350
Release Year	2010	2008
Release Date	2010-05-11	2008-01-30
MSRP	599 USD	899 USD
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Camera Type	Sony NEX-3	Sony a350
Camera Type	Mirrorless	DSLR
Sensor	Sony NEX-3	Sony a350
Sensor Size	APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm)	APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm)
Sensor Type	CMOS	CCD
Resolution	4592 x 3056 pixels	4592 x 3056 pixels
Megapixels	14 MP	14 MP
Image Processor	Bionz	Bionz
Image	Sony NEX-3	Sony a350
ISO Range	200 - 12800	100 - 3200
White Balance Presets	6	6
Custom White Balance	Yes	Yes
Image Stabilization	No	Yes (Sensor-Shift)
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating	0 stops	0 stops
Uncompressed format	RAW	RAW
Optics & Focus	Sony NEX-3	Sony a350
Autofocus Motor	Yes	Yes
Autofocus	Contract Detect (sensor) Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView	Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView
Focus Points	25	9
Lens Mount	Sony E See Compatible Lenses	Sony A See Compatible Lenses
Focal Length Multiplier	APS-C Sensor (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm	APS-C Sensor (1.5x) 1.5x multiplier Example: 24 mm becomes 36 mm 50 mm becomes 75 mm 100 mm becomes 150 mm 200 mm becomes 300 mm
Screen & Viewfinder	Sony NEX-3	Sony a350
Articulated LCD	Tilting	Tilting
Screen size	3”	2.7”
Screen dots	920000	230000
Touch screen	No	No
Screen type	TFT Xtra Fine LCD	N/A
Live view	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder Type	No Viewfinder	Optical (pentamirror)
Viewfinder Coverage		95%
Viewfinder Magnification		0.74× (0.49× 35mm equiv.)
Viewfinder Resolution	N/A	N/A
Photography features	Sony NEX-3	Sony a350
Frames per second	7 fps	3 fps
Minimum Shutter Speed	30 seconds	30 seconds
Maximum Shutter Speed	1/4000 seconds	1/4000 seconds
Built-in Flash	No	Yes
Built-in Flash Range	N/A	12 meters
External Flash	Yes	Yes
Self-Timer	Yes	Yes
Time-lapse	No	No
Metering modes	Multi Center Weighted Spot	Multi Center Weighted Spot
Exposure Compensation	+/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps)	+/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps)
Videography features	Sony NEX-3	Sony a350
Video recording	Yes	No
Video format	MPEG4	N/A
Video resolution	1280 x 720	N/A
Built-in Microphone	Yes	No
Built-in Speakers	No	No
Storage	Sony NEX-3	Sony a350
Memory Card	Memory Stick Pro Duo SD/SDHC	Compact Flash Memory Stick Pro Duo
Connectivity	Sony NEX-3	Sony a350
HDMI Output	Yes	No
Microphone Port	No	No
Headphone Port	No	No
Wireless	Yes Eye-Fi Connected	No
Remote Control	No	Yes (Wired or wirelss (optional))
GPS	No	No
Body & Dimensions	Sony NEX-3	Sony a350
Enviromentally sealed	No	No
Battery	Battery Pack	Battery Pack
Battery Details	Lithium-Ion NP-FW50 rechargeable battery & charger	NP-FM500H
Battery Life (CIPA)	330 shots	730 shots
Width	117 mm	131 mm
Height	62 mm	99 mm
Depth	33 mm	75 mm
Weight	297 gram	674 gram