Sony NEX-C3 vs Leica C

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Sony NEX-C3 vs Leica C

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APS-C 365.0mm²
16.2 megapixels

Go in depth with our full Sony NEX-C3 Review.
See real-world photos taken with the NEX-C3.

1/1.7 inch 43.3mm²
12.1 megapixels
28.00mm - 200.00mm (35mm eq.)

Go in depth with our full Leica C Review.

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Differences

Sony NEX-C3 advantages over Leica C

Less expensive
$600 vs $699 (MSRP)
Save money for lenses or accessories
Larger sensor
APS-C vs 1/1.7 inch
More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
Bigger pixels
~ 4.76 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

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-C3 test data on DxO Mark C test data on DxO Mark

1,083 vs 193 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
Hot shoe
Hot shoe vs None
Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
More pixels
16.2 vs 12.1 megapixels
Higher resolution photos
Bulb shutter
Bulb vs No bulb
Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Leica C advantages over Sony NEX-C3

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
Built-in Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi vs None
Share your photos wirelessly
Internal flash
Internal flash vs None
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
Shoots 1080p video
Yes vs No
You'll want this if you shoot video
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

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
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

Focus peaking
Neither provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
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
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
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

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Buy the Sony NEX-C3

Your purchases support this site

Buy the Leica C

Review Excerpt

Very small body, refined build. Large sensor for good light gathering. Various low-light shooting modes to improve results. HD video mode with real-time autofocus.
Menu-driven interface is sometimes confusing, making quickly finding what you want difficult. Camera may be too small for some.
Read our Sony NEX-C3 Review

We haven’t reviewed the Leica C.
Read our Leica C Preview

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-5N

Sony NEX-C3

Sony NEX-5N

$559
APS-C

Less expensive
Fast startup

$700
APS-C

Shoots 24p video
Shoots 1080p video

Compare Sony NEX-C3 vs Sony NEX-5N

Leica C

Sony NEX-5N

$699
1/1.7 inch

Eye-level viewfinder
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$700
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Leica C vs Sony NEX-5N

Compared to Samsung NX200

Sony NEX-C3

Samsung NX200

$559
APS-C

Lens selection
Less expensive

$600
APS-C

Shoots 1080p video
More pixels

Compare Sony NEX-C3 vs Samsung NX200

Leica C

Samsung NX200

$699
1/1.7 inch

Less expensive
Eye-level viewfinder

$600
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

Compare Leica C vs Samsung NX200

Compared to Canon S100

Sony NEX-C3

Canon S100

$559
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$429
1/1.7 inch

Less expensive
In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Sony NEX-C3 vs Canon S100

Leica C

Canon S100

$699
1/1.7 inch

Eye-level viewfinder
In-camera panoramas

$429
1/1.7 inch

Less expensive
Built-in GPS

Compare Leica C vs Canon S100

Compared to Sony NEX-5R

Sony NEX-C3

Sony NEX-5R

$559
APS-C

Less expensive
Higher effective ISO

$499
APS-C

Focus peaking
Touchscreen

Compare Sony NEX-C3 vs Sony NEX-5R

Leica C

Sony NEX-5R

$699
1/1.7 inch

Eye-level viewfinder
In-Camera Image Stabilization

$499
APS-C

Focus peaking
Larger sensor

Compare Leica C vs Sony NEX-5R

Compared to Panasonic LF1

Sony NEX-C3

Panasonic LF1

$559
APS-C

Larger sensor
Bigger pixels

$248
1/1.7 inch

Less expensive
Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sony NEX-C3 vs Panasonic LF1

Leica C

Panasonic LF1

$699
1/1.7 inch

$248
1/1.7 inch

Less expensive

Compare Leica C vs Panasonic LF1

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