• APS-C 365.0mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  •  
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 10.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400

Buy From

Differences

Sony NEX-C3 advantages over Nikon S1

  • Lens selection
    Good vs Limited
    Better lens selection gives you more options
  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.76 vs 3.41 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Higher effective ISO
    1,083 vs 397 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    12.2 vs 11.1 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Higher max flash sync
    1/160 vs 1/60 sec
    Reduce the effect of ambient light in flash shots
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 460k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More pixels
    16.2 vs 10.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle kit lens
    27 mm vs 30 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Nikon S1 advantages over Sony NEX-C3

  • Less expensive
    $500 vs $600 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Yes vs No
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Lighter weight
    323g vs 497g
    Lighter weight
  • 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
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    60.0 fps vs 5.5 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

  • 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

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

User reviews

Buy From

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.

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
Nikon S1
Sony NEX-5N
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Samsung NX200

Sony NEX-C3
Samsung NX200
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • More pixels
Nikon S1
Samsung NX200
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Nikon J1

Sony NEX-C3
Nikon J1
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Internal flash
Nikon S1
Nikon J1
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $500
  • 1 inch
  • Wider angle kit lens

Compared to Nikon J2

Sony NEX-C3
Nikon J2
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Internal flash
Nikon S1
Nikon J2
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • $550
  • 1 inch
  • More dots on screen
  • Wider angle kit lens

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
Nikon S1
Sony NEX-5R
  • $199
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Internal flash
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
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