• APS-C 366.6mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 16,000
  • 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 28.00mm - 200.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Sony NEX-3N advantages over Panasonic LF1

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/1.7 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.78 vs 1.90 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,067 vs 211 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 480 vs 250 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Shoots 24p video
    Yes vs No
    Gives your movies a big-screen feel
  • More pixels
    16.1 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Panasonic LF1 advantages over Sony NEX-3N

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Fast startup
    ~1.50 vs 2.2 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Higher-res screen
    307k vs 154k pixels
    More detail on the screen lets you judge focus and composition
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    250 vs 30 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 4.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    12 vs 6 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

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
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • 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

  • 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
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • 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
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

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.

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
Panasonic LF1
Sony NEX-5R
  • $248
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Canon S110

Sony NEX-3N
Canon S110
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $249
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic LF1
Canon S110
  • $248
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $249
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen

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
Panasonic LF1
Samsung NX1100
  • $248
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $450
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

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
Panasonic LF1
Sony NEX-5T
  • $248
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $299
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Leica C

Sony NEX-3N
Leica C
  • $449
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $699
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
Panasonic LF1
Leica C
  • $248
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $699
  • 1/1.7 inch
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