• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  •  
  • 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 90.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • Detailed specifications
  • Sony Alpha NEX-3
  • Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7
Links
Prices:    
Manufacturer URL: Manufacturer website Manufacturer website
Predecessor:   Panasonic LX5
LX5 vs LX7
Successor: Sony NEX-3N
NEX-3 vs NEX-3N
Panasonic LX10
LX7 vs LX10
General
Model Number: NEX-3 LX7
Alternate Model Number(s):    
Camera Format: Compact System Camera Compact
Currently Manufactured: No No
Retail Price: $599.99 $499.99
Street Price:   $297.00
Date Available: 2010-07-15 2012-08-01
Tripod Mount: Yes Yes
Weight: 18.0 oz (511 g)
includes batteries, kit lens
10.5 oz (297 g)
includes batteries
Size: 4.6 x 2.5 x 1.3 in.
(117 x 63 x 33 mm)
4.4 x 2.6 x 1.8 in.
(111 x 67 x 46 mm)
Waterproof: No No
Waterproof Depth: n/a n/a
Image Sensor
Sensor Type: CMOS CMOS
Sensor Manufacturer: Sony  
Effective Megapixels: 14.2 10.1
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 1.92 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  
Self-Cleaning: Yes No
Sensor shift image stabilization: No No
On-Sensor Phase Detect: No No
DxO Sensor Score: 68 50
DxO Color Depth Score (bits): 22.1 20.7
DxO Dynamic Range Score (evs): 12.0 11.7
DxO Maximum Effective ISO Score (iso): 830 147
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)
3648 x 2736 (10.0 MP, 4:3),
3072 x 2304 (7.1 MP, 4:3),
2560 x 1920 (4.9 MP, 4:3),
2048 x 1536 (3.1 MP, 4:3),
1600 x 1200 (1.9 MP, 4:3),
640 x 480 (0.3 MP, 4:3),
3776 x 2520 (9.5 MP, 3:2),
3168 x 2112 (6.7 MP, 3:2),
2656 x 1768 (4.7 MP, 3:2),
2112 x 1408 (3.0 MP, 3:2),
2048 x 1360 (2.8 MP, Other),
640 x 424 (0.3 MP, Other),
3968 x 2232 (8.9 MP, 16:9),
3328 x 1872 (6.2 MP, 16:9),
2784 x 1568 (4.4 MP, 16:9),
2208 x 1248 (2.8 MP, Other),
1920 x 1080 (2.1 MP, 16:9),
640 x 360 (0.2 MP, 16:9),
2736 x 2736 (7.5 MP, 1:1),
2304 x 2304 (5.3 MP, 1:1),
1920 x 1920 (3.7 MP, 1:1),
1536 x 1536 (2.4 MP, 1:1),
480 x 480 (0.2 MP, 1:1)
Image File Format: JPEG, .ARW RAW, RAW+JPEG JPEG (EXIF 2.3), MPO, RAW, RAW+JPEG
Continuous-mode frames/second: 2.7 11.1
Video Capture
Can take movies: Yes Yes
Movie Resolution: 1280x720 (30)
640x480 (30)
1920x1080 (60p/​60i/​30p)
1280x720 (60p/​30p)
640x480 (30p)
1280x720 (120p)
Movie File Format: MPEG-4 AVCHD or MP4, with stereo sound
Composite Video Out: No Yes
NTSC/PAL Switchable Video: n/a No
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 LEICA DC VARIO-SUMMILUX; 11 elements in 10 groups (5 Aspherical Lenses / 9 Aspherical surfaces / 2 ED Lenses (1 Aspherical ED lens), 1 Nano Surface Coating Lens)
Focal Length (35mm equivalent): 27 - 83mm 24 - 90mm
Focal Length (actual): 18 - 55mm 4.7 - 17.7mm
Zoom Ratio: 3.00x 3.80x
Aperture Range: f/3.5 - 22 (W), f/5.6 - 34 (T) f/1.4 (wide) / f/2.3 (tele) - f/8 using multistage diaphragm with 3 step ND filter
Integrated ND Filter: No Yes
Normal Focus Range: 25 cm to Infinity
9.8 in to Infinity
50 cm to Infinity
19.7 in to Infinity
Macro Focus Range:   1 cm to Infinity
0.4 in to Infinity
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 Standard up to 4x, Intelligent Zoom up to 2x
Auto Focus
Auto Focus: Yes Yes
Auto Focus Type: Contrast Detect: 25-area, Center, Flexible Spot; with Face Detection Contrast Detect: Face / AF Tracking / Multi (23pt) / 1pt (flexible / scalable)
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) Optional EVF in hot shoe (DMW-LVF2) Optional OVF in hot shoe (DMW-VF1)
Focus Peaking: No No
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 920,000 dots
Touchscreen: No No
Articulating Screen: Yes No
Tilt Swivel Screen: No
Selfie Screen: No
Max Playback Zoom: 13.0x  
Top Deck Display: No No
Exposure
Maximum ISO (native):   6400
Minimum ISO (native):   80
ISO Settings: Auto (200-1600), 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800 Auto, iISO, 80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200, 6400, 12800* (* by pixel mixed readout), 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, Shade, Flash, Incandescent, Color Temperature (2-axis adjustable), White Set 1, White Set 2
Shutter Speed Range: 1/4000 - 30 sec 1/4000 - 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 Intelligent Multiple, Center-Weighted, Spot
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 Scene: Portrait, Soft Skin, Scenery, Panorama shot, Sports, Night Portrait, Night Scenery, Handheld Night Shot, HDR, Food, Baby1, Baby2, Pet, Sunset, Glass Through, 3D Photo; Creative Control: Expressive, Retro, High Key, Low Key, Sepia, Dynamic Monochrome, Impressive Art, High Dynamic, Cross Process, Toy Effect, Miniature Effect, Soft Focus, Star Filter, One Point Color, Radial Defocus, Smooth Defocus
Self Timer: 2 or 10 seconds 2, 10, 3 in 10 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/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off, Flash Synchro; 1st/2nd Slow Sync
Flash Guide Number (ISO 100): 7.0 m / 23.0 ft. n/a
Flash Range Description: Bundled flash has GN of 7m/ISO 100 0.8 - 8.5m (Wide/ISO Auto), 0.3 - 5.2m (Tele/ISO Auto)
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) Hot Shoe
Built-In Wireless Flash Control:    
Image Storage
Usable Memory Types: MS PRO Duo / SD / SDHC / SDXC SD / SDHC / SDXC
UHS Support:   No UHS support
Other Memory:    
Dual Card Slots: No No
RAW Capture Support: Yes Yes
Uncompressed Format: .ARW RAW, RAW+JPEG RAW, RAW+JPEG
Movie File Format: MPEG-4 AVCHD or MP4, with stereo sound
Included Memory:   70.0 MB
Included Memory Type:   Internal
Connectivity
Built-In Wi-Fi: No No
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
PictBridge Compliant: Yes Yes
DPOF Compliant: Yes Yes
Remote Control: No No
Remote Control Type:    
Connections (extended): Mini HDMI (Type C) Mini HDMI (Type C) with Viera Link
Performance Timing
Cycle time for JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame, max resolution): 0.77 0.77
Cycle time for RAW shooting in single shot mode (seconds per frame): 0.77 0.75
Buffer size for RAW shooting in single shot mode (frames): 17 16
Cycle time for RAW+JPEG shooting in single shot mode (seconds per shot):   0.79
Camera penalizes early shutter press? No Yes
JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps, max resolution): 2.7 11.1
Buffer size for JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames, max resolution): 38 12
RAW shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   11.1
Buffer size for RAW shooting in burst mode (frames):   12
RAW+JPEG shooting speed in burst mode (fps):   11.1
Buffer Size for RAW+JPEG shooting in burst mode (frames):   12
Shutter lag (full AF, wide/mid): 0.44 seconds 0.24 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, tele): 0.44 seconds  
Shutter lag (full AF, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter lag (prefocused, live view - DSLR):    
Shutter Lag (manual focus):   0.255 seconds
Shutter lag (full AF, with flash):   0.45 seconds
Shutter Lag (prefocused): 0.115 seconds 0.010 seconds
Shutter Lag (notes):   Full AF shutter lag, 23-area: 0.228s Full AF shutter lag, Quick mode: 0.246s
Startup Time: 1.0 seconds 3.7 seconds
Play -> Record Time: 1.0 seconds 0.8 seconds
Flash cycle time, full power: 2.8 seconds 3.1 seconds
Power
Battery Life, Stills (CIPA Rating Monitor/Live View): 330 shots 330 shots
Battery Life, Still (CIPA Rating OVF/EVF):    
Battery Life, Video:    
Battery Form Factor: Proprietary InfoLithium NP-FW50 Proprietary
Usable Battery Types: Lithium-ion rechargeable 3.6V 1250mAh Lithium Ion rechargeable
Batteries Included: 1 x Proprietary NP-FW50 Lithium-ion rechargeable 1 x Proprietary 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 PHOTOfunSTUDIO 8.3 PE, SILKYPIX Developer Studio, Adobe Reader
OS Compatibility: Windows 2000/XP/Vista; Mac OS X 10.1.3 or later  
Miscellaneous
Notes & Features: Available in black, silver or red. Power OIS optical image stabilization, Full HD video up to 60p, raw capture, AF Tracking, Intelligent D-range Control, Intelligent Scene Selector, Face Recognition, Intelligent ISO Control, Intelligent HDR (High Dynamic Range), Intelligent Handheld Night Shot and Motion Deblur modes, 11 fps full-resolution burst mode, 5 fps with Continuous AF. Available in black or white.