Sony NEX-3 vs Sony a450

This is a full comparison between the cameras Sony NEX-3 and Sony a450. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Sony NEX-3

Sony a450

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Sony.

These two camera models were both released 2010.

Camera	Released
Sony NEX-3	2010
Sony a450	2010

Type of camera

Sony NEX-3 is a Mirrorless camera while Sony a450 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.

Camera	Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Sony NEX-3	75 mm Sony APS-C sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5
Sony a450	75 mm Sony APS-C sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5

** 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 a450 has 14 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera	Megapixels
Sony NEX-3	14 MP 14033152 pixels 4592 x 3056
Sony a450	14 MP 14033152 pixels 4592 x 3056

ISO range

Both of these cameras offer the exact same ISO range. They both have 200 to 12800.

Camera	ISO Range
Sony NEX-3	200-12800
Sony a450	200-12800

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 a450

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 a450 can shoot up to 7 pictures per seconds.

Camera	FPS (Frames per second)
Sony NEX-3	7
Sony a450	7

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 a450 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 a450 weighs 560 gr (equal to 1.23 lb) which is 89% heavier than Sony NEX-3 and its 297 gr (or 0.65 lb).

Camera	Weight
Sony NEX-3	297 gr 0.65 lb
Sony a450	560 gr 1.23 lb