• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  •  
  • 2/3 inch 58.1mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 100.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Sony NEX-3 advantages over Fujifilm XQ1

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 2/3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.16 vs 2.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 330 vs 240 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    14.2 vs 12.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    38 vs 9 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Fujifilm XQ1 advantages over Sony NEX-3

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $600 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Doesn't require an AA filter
    Yes vs No
    A unique sensor design provides sharp photos without moiré
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    12.0 fps vs 2.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video

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 Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Sony NEX-3

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Fujifilm XQ1
Fuji XQ1 (Black)
  • Fuji XQ1 (Black)
  • Fuji XQ1 (Silver)
All XQ1 Deals

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-5

Sony NEX-3
Sony NEX-5
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • $700
  • APS-C

Compare Sony NEX-3 vs Sony NEX-5

Fujifilm XQ1
Sony NEX-5
  • $699
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Fujifilm XQ1 vs Sony NEX-5

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

Compare Sony NEX-3 vs Sony NEX-C3

Fujifilm XQ1
Sony NEX-C3
  • $699
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Fujifilm XQ1 vs Sony NEX-C3

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

Compare Sony NEX-3 vs Sony NEX-5N

Fujifilm XQ1
Sony NEX-5N
  • $699
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Fujifilm XQ1 vs Sony NEX-5N

Compared to Fujifilm XF1

Sony NEX-3
Fujifilm XF1
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $460
  • 2/3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sony NEX-3 vs Fujifilm XF1

Fujifilm XQ1
Fujifilm XF1
  • $699
  • 2/3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • $460
  • 2/3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Fujifilm XQ1 vs Fujifilm XF1

Compared to Canon S120

Sony NEX-3
Canon S120
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $449
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking

Compare Sony NEX-3 vs Canon S120

Fujifilm XQ1
Canon S120
  • $699
  • 2/3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Larger sensor
  • $449
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Fujifilm XQ1 vs Canon S120

Compare Other Cameras?