Sony NEX-3 vs Panasonic GF2

Sony NEX-3 advantages over Panasonic GF2

• Larger sensor
  APS-C vs 4/3
  More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
• Less expensive
  $600 vs $700 (MSRP)
  Save money for lenses or accessories
• Bigger pixels
  ~ 5.16 vs 4.33 microns
  Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
• In-camera panoramas
  Yes vs No
  Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
• Higher effective ISO

  Higher effective ISO

  Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

  Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

  You can learn more at our glossary entry.

  Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.

  NEX-3 test data on DxO Mark GF2 test data on DxO Mark
  830 vs 506 iso
  Take photos in low light with less noise
• More dynamic range

  More dynamic range

  Cameras with more dynamic range allow you to take photos with dramatic differences in highlight and shadow areas while retaining detail in both.

  Think of a brilliant sunset on a rocky beach: Bright sunset in the background, with dark rocks in the foreground. High dynamic range means more of the extremes will be faithfully reproduced.

  Dynamic range test data courtesy of DxO Mark.

  NEX-3 test data on DxO Mark GF2 test data on DxO Mark
  11.9 vs 10.3 evs
  Retain detail in highlight and shadows
• More telephoto lens reach
  83 mm vs 28 mm
  Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
• More dots on screen
  922k vs 460k dots
  Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
• More pixels
  14.2 vs 12.1 megapixels
  Higher resolution photos
• Bulb shutter
  Bulb vs No bulb
  Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
• Higher extended ISO
  12800 vs 6400 ISO
  Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility