Sony NEX-C3 vs Nikon Z30
This is a full comparison between the cameras Sony NEX-C3 and Nikon Z30. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.
Manufacturing
Sony NEX-C3 is manufacturered by Sony but Nikon Z30 is from Nikon. Both Sony and Nikon are well known brands though.
Sony NEX-C3 were released 2011 and Nikon Z30 was released 2022. That is a 11 years difference. In tech, this period can be of interest since technology is always improving, etc.Camera | Released |
Sony NEX-C3 | 2011 |
Nikon Z30 | 2022 |
Type of camera
Both these cameras are Mirrorless cameras. No difference there.
Sensors / crop factor
These cameras have different sensors. Sony NEX-C3 has a "Sony APS-C"-sensor while Nikon Z30 has a "Nikon DX"-sensor, and their difference in sensors will also affect the crop factor and experience focal length. See the table below.
Camera | Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 ** |
Sony NEX-C3 | 75 mm Sony APS-C sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.5 |
Nikon Z30 | 75 mm Nikon DX 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)
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Nikon)
Resolution
Sony NEX-C3 has a 16 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Nikon Z30 has 21 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:
Camera | Megapixels |
Sony NEX-C3 |
16 MP
16032768 pixels 4912 x 3264 |
Nikon Z30 |
21 MP
20668416 pixels 5568 x 3712 |
Nikon Z30 has a 29 % larger resolution than Sony NEX-C3. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.
ISO range
Nikon Z30 has a larger ISO-range than Sony NEX-C3. Nikon Z30 has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 51200 while Sony NEX-C3 has 100 to 12800.
Camera | ISO Range |
Sony NEX-C3 | 100-12800 |
Nikon Z30 | 100-51200 |
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-C3
Lens compatibility chart for Nikon Z30
Pictures per second
Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Sony NEX-C3 can shoot up to 5,5 pictures per seconds and Nikon Z30 can shoot up to 11 pictures per seconds.
Camera | FPS (Frames per second) |
Sony NEX-C3 | 5,5 |
Nikon Z30 | 11 |
Ability to record movies
It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.
In this case, both Sony NEX-C3 and Nikon Z30 can shoot movies.
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.
Nikon Z30 weighs 405 gr (equal to 0.89 lb) which is 80% heavier than Sony NEX-C3 and its 225 gr (or 0.5 lb).
Camera | Weight |
Sony NEX-C3 | 225 gr 0.5 lb |
Nikon Z30 | 405 gr 0.89 lb |
Sony NEX-C3 vs Nikon Z30 Specs
Below you will find the complete and detailed technical specs for both Sony NEX-C3 and Nikon Z30, 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-C3 |
Nikon Z30 |
Name | Sony NEX-C3 | Nikon Z30 |
Manufacturer | Sony | Nikon |
Release Date and Price |
Sony NEX-C3 |
Nikon Z30 |
Release Year | 2011 | 2022 |
Release Date | 2011-06-08 | 2022-06-29 |
MSRP | 599 USD | 710 USD |
Buy it today |
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Camera Type |
Sony NEX-C3 |
Nikon Z30 |
Camera Type | Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
Sensor |
Sony NEX-C3 |
Nikon Z30 |
Sensor Size | APS-C (approx 23.5 x 15.6 mm) |
APS-C (approx 23.7 x 15.5 mm) Also known as "DX" |
Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
Resolution | 4912 x 3264 pixels | 5568 x 3712 pixels |
Megapixels | 16 MP | 21 MP |
Image Processor | Bionz | EXPEED 6 |
Image |
Sony NEX-C3 |
Nikon Z30 |
ISO Range | 100 - 12800 | 100 - 51200 |
White Balance Presets | 6 | 0 |
Custom White Balance | Yes | Yes |
Image Stabilization | No | No |
Image Stabilization CIPA Rating | 0 stops | 0 stops |
Uncompressed format | RAW | RAW |
Optics & Focus |
Sony NEX-C3 |
Nikon Z30 |
Autofocus Motor | Yes | Yes |
Autofocus |
Contract Detect (sensor) Multi Area Selective Single Point Single Continuous LiveView |
Contract Detect (sensor) Phase Detect Multi Area Center Selective Single Point Tracking Single Continuous Touch Face Detection LiveView |
Focus Points | 25 | 209 |
Lens Mount |
Sony E See Compatible Lenses |
Nikon Z 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 |
DX / APS-C (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-C3 |
Nikon Z30 |
Articulated LCD | Tilting | Fully articulated |
Screen size | 3” | 3” |
Screen dots | 920000 | 1040000 |
Touch screen | No | Yes |
Screen type | TFT Xtra Fine LCD | TFT LCD |
Live view | Yes | Yes |
Viewfinder Type | No Viewfinder | No Viewfinder |
Viewfinder Coverage | ||
Viewfinder Magnification | ||
Viewfinder Resolution | N/A | 0 |
Photography features |
Sony NEX-C3 |
Nikon Z30 |
Frames per second | 5,5 fps | 11 fps |
Minimum Shutter Speed | 30 seconds | 30 seconds |
Maximum Shutter Speed | 1/4000 seconds | 1/4000 seconds |
Built-in Flash | No | No |
Built-in Flash Range | N/A | N/A |
External Flash | Yes | Yes |
Self-Timer | Yes | Yes |
Time-lapse | No | Yes |
Metering modes |
Multi Center Weighted Spot |
Multi Center Weighted Highlight Weighted Spot |
Exposure Compensation | +/- 2 (at 1/3 EV steps) | +/- 5 (at 1/3 EV, 1/2 EV steps) |
Videography features |
Sony NEX-C3 |
Nikon Z30 |
Video recording | Yes | Yes |
Video format |
MPEG4 |
MPEG4 H.264 |
Video resolution |
1280 x 720 |
1920 x 1080 3840 x 2160 |
Built-in Microphone | No | Yes |
Built-in Speakers | No | Yes |
Storage |
Sony NEX-C3 |
Nikon Z30 |
Memory Card |
Memory Stick Pro Duo SD/SDHC |
SD/SDHC |
Connectivity |
Sony NEX-C3 |
Nikon Z30 |
HDMI Output | Yes | Yes |
Microphone Port | No | Yes |
Headphone Port | No | No |
Wireless |
Yes Eye-Fi Connected |
Yes Built-in (802.11ac + Bluetooth) |
Remote Control | No | Yes (via smartphone) |
GPS | No | No |
Body & Dimensions |
Sony NEX-C3 |
Nikon Z30 |
Enviromentally sealed | No | Yes |
Battery | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
Battery Details |
Lithium-Ion NP-FW50 rechargeable battery & charger
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EN-EL25 lithium-ion battery & charger
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Battery Life (CIPA) | 400 shots | 330 shots |
Width | 110 mm | 128 mm |
Height | 60 mm | 74 mm |
Depth | 33 mm | 60 mm |
Weight | 225 gram | 405 gram |