• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 16,000
  • 1 inch 115.3mm2
  • 14.2 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800

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Differences

Sony NEX-3N advantages over Nikon S2

  • Lens selection
    Good vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.78 vs 2.85 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 480 vs 270 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/160 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 30 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens

Nikon S2 advantages over Sony NEX-3N

  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.0 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

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 Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

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Your purchases support this site

Buy the Nikon S2
Kit with 11-27.5mm Lens
  • Kit with 11-27.5mm Lens
  • Kit with 11-27.5mm and 30-110mm Lenses
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Review Excerpt

  • Excellent image quality for an entry-level mirrorless; User interface ideal for consumers stepping up from point-and-shoots; Speedy and accurate autofocusing; Zoom lever on body; Tremendous value.

  • Lack of hot shoe or accessory port limits more advanced shooting; No electronic viewfinder; Performance lags behind previous model, especially on burst shooting speed.

  • Read our Sony NEX-3N Review

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-5R

Sony NEX-3N
Sony NEX-5R
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Sony NEX-3N vs Sony NEX-5R

Nikon S2
Sony NEX-5R
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon S2 vs Sony NEX-5R

Compared to Samsung NX1100

Sony NEX-3N
Samsung NX1100
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Higher-res screen

Compare Sony NEX-3N vs Samsung NX1100

Nikon S2
Samsung NX1100
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Nikon S2 vs Samsung NX1100

Compared to Pentax Q7

Sony NEX-3N
Pentax Q7
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Higher max flash sync

Compare Sony NEX-3N vs Pentax Q7

Nikon S2
Pentax Q7
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $380
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S2 vs Pentax Q7

Compared to Sony NEX-5T

Sony NEX-3N
Sony NEX-5T
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $299
  • APS-C
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Sony NEX-3N vs Sony NEX-5T

Nikon S2
Sony NEX-5T
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $299
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking

Compare Nikon S2 vs Sony NEX-5T

Compared to Pentax Q-S1

Sony NEX-3N
Pentax Q-S1
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Higher max flash sync

Compare Sony NEX-3N vs Pentax Q-S1

Nikon S2
Pentax Q-S1
  • $399
  • 1 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $350
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Nikon S2 vs Pentax Q-S1

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