• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  •  
  • 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 140.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony NEX-3 advantages over Canon G12

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/1.7 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.16 vs 2.08 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Fast startup
    ~1.00 vs 2.7 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Higher effective ISO
    830 vs 161 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Thinner
    33 mm vs 48 mm
    Thinner
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 461k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Less shutter lag
    0.44 vs 0.66 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • More pixels
    14.2 vs 10.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 15 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    2.7 fps vs 2.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Canon G12 advantages over Sony NEX-3

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $600 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Integrated ND filter
    Yes vs No
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/2000 vs 1/160 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 38 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Canon G11

Sony NEX-3
Canon G11
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $577
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Canon G12
Canon G11
  • $854
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Shoots 24p video
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $577
  • 1/1.7 inch

Compared to Sony NEX-5

Sony NEX-3
Sony NEX-5
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • $700
  • APS-C
Canon G12
Sony NEX-5
  • $854
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon P7000

Sony NEX-3
Nikon P7000
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $400
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Canon G12
Nikon P7000
  • $854
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $400
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • More dots on screen

Compared to Sony NEX-C3

Sony NEX-3
Sony NEX-C3
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
Canon G12
Sony NEX-C3
  • $854
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony NEX-5N

Sony NEX-3
Sony NEX-5N
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Longer stills battery life
Canon G12
Sony NEX-5N
  • $854
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
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