• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  •  
  • 4/3 224.9mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800

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Differences

Sony NEX-3 advantages over Olympus AIR

  • Rear display
    Yes vs No
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 4/3
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.16 vs 3.75 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
  • Thinner
    33 mm vs 43 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Has anti-aliasing filter
    Filter vs No Filter
    Reduces unsightly moiré in photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    38 vs 23 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Olympus AIR advantages over Sony NEX-3

  • Lens selection
    Excellent vs Good
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • 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
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Yes vs No
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Newer
    9 years vs 14 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Lighter weight
    240g vs 511g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
    No Filter vs Filter
    Enjoy sharper photos
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 2.7 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

Common Weaknesses

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Neither provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • 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

User reviews

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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

Olympus AIR
Sony NEX-5
  • $300
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • Larger sensor

Compare Olympus AIR 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

Olympus AIR
Sony NEX-C3
  • $300
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • Larger sensor

Compare Olympus AIR 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

Olympus AIR
Sony NEX-5N
  • $300
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Rear display
  • Larger sensor

Compare Olympus AIR vs Sony NEX-5N

Compared to Panasonic GM1

Sony NEX-3
Panasonic GM1
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking

Compare Sony NEX-3 vs Panasonic GM1

Olympus AIR
Panasonic GM1
  • $300
  • 4/3
  • Less expensive
  • Built-in Bluetooth
  • $479
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Touchscreen

Compare Olympus AIR vs Panasonic GM1

Compared to YI M1

Sony NEX-3
YI M1
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $199
  • 4/3
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking

Compare Sony NEX-3 vs YI M1

Olympus AIR
YI M1
  • $300
  • 4/3
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • Faster shutter
  • $199
  • 4/3
  • Rear display
  • Less expensive

Compare Olympus AIR vs YI M1

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