• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  •  
  • 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 120.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • Detailed specifications
  • Sony Alpha NEX-3
  • Canon PowerShot S120
Links
Prices:    
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor:   Canon S110
S110 vs S120
Successor: Sony NEX-3N
NEX-3 vs NEX-3N
 
General
Model Number: NEX-3 S120
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: Compact System Camera Compact
Currently Manufactured: No No
Retail Price: $599.99 $449.99
Street Price:   $449.00
Date Available: 2010-07-15 2013-10-15
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 18.0 oz (511 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
7.7 oz (217 g)
includes batteries
Size: 4.6 x 2.5 x 1.3 in.
(117 x 63 x 33 mm)
3.9 x 2.3 x 1.1 in.
(100 x 59 x 29 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Sony  
Effective Megapixels: 14.2 12.1
Sensor Format: APS-C 1/1.7 inch
Sensor size: 369.72mm2 (23.7mm x 15.6mm) 43.32mm2 (7.6mm x 5.7mm)
Approximate Pixel Pitch: 5.16 microns 1.90 microns
Focal Length Multiplier: 1.5x n/a
Aspect Ratio: 3:2, 16:9 4:3
Color Filter Type: RGBG RGBG
Anti Aliasing Filter: Fixed Fixed
Self-Cleaning: Yes No
Sensor shift image stabilization: No No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 68 56
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 22.1 21.3
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 12.0 11.9
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 830 246
Image Capture
Image Resolution: 4592 x 3056 (14.0 MP, 3:2),
4592 x 2576 (11.8 MP, 16:9),
3344 x 2224 (7.4 MP, 3:2),
3344 x 1872 (6.3 MP, Other),
2288 x 1520 (3.5 MP, Other),
2288 x 1280 (2.9 MP, Other)
4000 x 3000 (12.0 MP, 4:3),
4000 x 2664 (10.7 MP, 3:2),
4000 x 2248 (9.0 MP, 16:9),
2992 x 2992 (9.0 MP, 1:1),
2816 x 1880 (5.3 MP, 3:2),
2816 x 1584 (4.5 MP, 16:9),
2112 x 2112 (4.5 MP, 1:1),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
1600 x 1200 (1.9 MP, 4:3),
1600 x 1064 (1.7 MP, 3:2),
1200 x 1200 (1.4 MP, 1:1),
640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3),
640 x 424 (0.3 MP, Other),
480 x 480 (0.2 MP, 1:1),
2400 x 3000 (7.2 MP, Other),
1696 x 2112 (3.6 MP, Other),
960 x 1200 (1.2 MP, Other),
384 x 480 (0.2 MP, Other)
Image File Format: JPEG, .ARW RAW, RAW+JPEG JPEG (EXIF 2.3), RAW (.CR2), RAW+JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 2.7 11.8
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1280x720 (30)
640x480 (30)
1920x1080 (60p/​30p)
1280x720 (30p)
640x480 (30p/​120p)
320x240 (240p)
Movie File Format: MPEG-4 MOV (Image: H.264, Audio: Stereo Linear PCM)
Composite Video Out: No Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: n/a Yes
Video Usable as Viewfinder: n/a
HD Video Out: Yes Yes
HD Video Connection: HDMI HDMI
Lens & Optics
Lens Mount: Sony E n/a
Lens: Sony SEL1855 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS Canon Zoom Lens
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 27 - 83mm 24 - 120mm
Focal Length (actual): 18 - 55mm 5.2 - 26mm
Zoom Ratio: 3.00x 5.00x
Aperture Range: f/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - 34 (T) f/1.8 (W) / 5.7 (T) - f/8.0
Integrated ND Filter: No Yes
Normal Focus Range: 25 cm to Infinity
9.8 in to Infinity
5 cm to Infinity
2.0 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range:   3 - 50 cm
1.2 - 19.7 in
Filter Thread: 49.0mm n/a
Thread Type: n/a n/a
Optical Image Stabilization: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom: Yes Yes
Digital Zoom Values: Up to 10x Precision digital zoom with prime lens attached Up to 4x
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: Contrast Detect: 25-area, Center, Flexible Spot; with Face Detection Contrast Detect AF: AiAF (Face Detection / 9-point), 1-point AF (Any position is available, fixed centre or Face Select and Track)
Auto Focus Assist Light? Yes Yes
Manual Focus: Yes Yes
Viewfinder
Viewfinder: LCD No / LCD
Viewfinder Type: (Optional FDA-SV1 optical viewfinder available with 16mm FOV)  
Focus Peaking: No Yes
EVF Resolution: n/a n/a
Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent):    
Viewfinder Magnification (nominal/claimed):    
Display
Eye-level Viewfinder: No No
Rear Display: Yes Yes
Rear Display Size (inches): 3.0 3.0
Rear Display Resolution: 921,600 dots 921,600 dots (307,200 px)
Touchscreen: No Yes
Articulating Screen: Yes No
Tilt Swivel Screen: No
Selfie Screen: No
Max Playback Zoom: 13.0x 10.0x
Top Deck Display: No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native):   12800
Minimum ISO (native):   80
ISO Settings: Auto (200-1600), 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800 Auto with selectable upper limit (400-12800), ISO 80-12800 in 1/3 EV steps
Auto ISO Mode: Yes Yes
White Balance Settings: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Incandescent, Fluorescent, Flash, Color Temp./Filter, Custom Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Fluorescent H, Flash, Custom (2), Underwater
Shutter Speed Range: 1/4000 - 30 sec 1/2500 - 250 sec
Bulb Mode: Yes No
Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 3.0EV in 0.3EV steps
Metering Modes: Multi-segment (49 segments), Center-weighted, Spot Evaluative, Centre-weighted average, Spot; Facial brightness evaluated in Face Detection AF
Program Auto Exposure: Yes Yes
Aperture Priority: Yes Yes
Shutter Priority: Yes Yes
Full Manual Exposure: Yes Yes
Creative Exposure Modes: Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports Action, Sunset, Night Portrait, Night View, Hand-held Twilight, Sweep Panorama SCN: Portrait, Smart Shutter, Star (Star Nightscape, Star Trails, Star Time-Lapse Movie), Handheld Night Scene, Underwater, Snow, Fireworks; Creative Filters: High Dynamic Range, Nostalgic, Fisheye Effect, Miniature Effect, Toy Camera Effect, Background Defocus, Soft Focus, Monochrome, Super Vivid, Poster Effect
Self Timer: 2 or 10 seconds 10, 2, Custom (1-30s (1-10 shots)) seconds
Time Lapse (intervalometer):   Yes
High Resolution Composite: No No
Flash
Built-in Flash: No Yes
Flash Modes: Autoflash, Fill-flash, Rear sync., Slow sync., Red-eye reduction Auto, Auto w/ Red-eye Reduction, Flash On, Flash On w/ Red-eye Reduction, Flash Off; FE lock, Safety FE, Slow Synchro
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): 7.0 m / 23.0 ft. n/a
Flash Range Description: Bundled flash has GN of 7m/ISO 100 1.6 ft. – 23 ft. (W), 1.6 – 7.5 ft. Auto ISO: (T) (50cm – 7m (W), (50cm – 2.3m (T))
Max Flash Sync: 1/160  
Flash Exposure Compensation: +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps +/- 2.0 EV in 0.3EV steps
External Flash Connection: Smart Accessory Terminal (flash is detachable) n/a
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:    
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC / SDXC SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:   UHS-I
Other Memory:    
Dual Card Slots: No No
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: .ARW RAW, RAW+JPEG RAW (.CR2), RAW+JPEG
Movie File Format: MPEG-4 MOV (Image: H.264, Audio: Stereo Linear PCM)
Included Memory:   No memory included
Included Memory Type:    
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No Yes
NFC: No
Bluetooth: No No
Built-In GPS: No No
Microphone Jack: No No
Headphone Jack: No No
External Connections: USB 2.0 High Speed USB 2.0 High Speed,WiFi
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: No No
Remote Control Type:    
Connections (extended): Mini HDMI (Type C) Mini (Type-C) HDMI
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.77 0.94
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 0.77 1.18
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): 17 Unlimited
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot):   1.31
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No No
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 2.7 11.8
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 38 5
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   1.9
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames):   Unlimited
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   1.4
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames):   Unlimited
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.44 seconds 0.17 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele): 0.44 seconds 0.30 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter Lag (manual focus):   0.262 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash):   0.71 seconds
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.115 seconds 0.095 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes):    
Startup Time: 1.0 seconds 1.5 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 1.0 seconds 1.3 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power: 2.8 seconds 6.2 seconds
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): 330 shots 230 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF):    
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary InfoLithium NP-FW50 Proprietary NB-6LH
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeable Lithium-ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary NP-FW50 Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary NB-6LH Lithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Charger Included (dedicated charger or AC/USB adapter): Yes Yes
Dedicated Battery Charger Included: Yes
Internal Charging Supported: No
Software
Included Software: PMB (Picture Motion Browser) 4.3.01 Image Data Converter SR 3.1 Image Data Lightbox SR Digital Camera Solution CD-ROM
OS Compatibility: Windows 2000/XP/Vista; Mac OS X 10.1.3 or later Windows; Mac OS X
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: Available in black, silver or red. DIGIC 6 processor, BSI sensor, f/1.8-5.7 5x lens, built-in Wi-Fi.