• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 14.0 megapixels
  • 22.00mm - 896.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 16,000

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Differences

Olympus SP-820UZ advantages over Sony NEX-3N

  • Less expensive
    $330 vs $500 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Sony NEX-3N advantages over Olympus SP-820UZ

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.78 vs 1.44 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Thinner
    34 mm vs 93 mm
    Thinner
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 14.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    4.0 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    6 vs 3 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    16000 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

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Buy the Olympus SP-820UZ

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Buy the Sony NEX-3N
Sony NEX-3N

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality for an entry-level mirrorless; User interface ideal for consumers stepping up from point-and-shoots; Speedy and accurate autofocusing; Zoom lever on body; Tremendous value.

  • Lack of hot shoe or accessory port limits more advanced shooting; No electronic viewfinder; Performance lags behind previous model, especially on burst shooting speed.

  • Read our Sony NEX-3N Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon P500

Olympus SP-820UZ
Nikon P500
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Olympus SP-820UZ vs Nikon P500

Sony NEX-3N
Nikon P500
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sony NEX-3N vs Nikon P500

Compared to Samsung NX1100

Olympus SP-820UZ
Samsung NX1100
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Olympus SP-820UZ vs Samsung NX1100

Sony NEX-3N
Samsung NX1100
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Higher-res screen

Compare Sony NEX-3N vs Samsung NX1100

Compared to Sony NEX-5T

Olympus SP-820UZ
Sony NEX-5T
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $299
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compare Olympus SP-820UZ vs Sony NEX-5T

Sony NEX-3N
Sony NEX-5T
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $299
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Sony NEX-3N vs Sony NEX-5T

Compared to Canon SX520 HS

Olympus SP-820UZ
Canon SX520 HS
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 60p video
  • $345
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Longer exposure

Compare Olympus SP-820UZ vs Canon SX520 HS

Sony NEX-3N
Canon SX520 HS
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $345
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sony NEX-3N vs Canon SX520 HS

Compared to Canon SX530 HS

Olympus SP-820UZ
Canon SX530 HS
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoots 60p video
  • Bulb shutter
  • $479
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC

Compare Olympus SP-820UZ vs Canon SX530 HS

Sony NEX-3N
Canon SX530 HS
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $479
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Sony NEX-3N vs Canon SX530 HS

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