• APS-C 365.0mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  •  
  • 1 inch 116.2mm2
  • 20.5 megapixels
  • ISO 160 - 12,800

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Differences

Sony NEX-C3 advantages over Samsung NX Mini

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 4.76 vs 2.41 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Fast startup
    ~1.20 vs 2.0 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 461k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen

Samsung NX Mini advantages over Sony NEX-C3

  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 530 vs 400 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    22 mm vs 33 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    269g vs 497g
    Lighter weight
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    20.5 vs 16.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Wider angle kit lens
    24 mm vs 27 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens
  • Faster shutter
    1/16000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 vs 12800 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • In-camera panoramas
    Both provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Both provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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

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
Samsung NX Mini
Sony NEX-5N
  • $600
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Samsung NX200

Sony NEX-C3
Samsung NX200
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Less expensive
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • More pixels
Samsung NX Mini
Samsung NX200
  • $600
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen
  • $600
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

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
Samsung NX Mini
Sony NEX-5R
  • $600
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $499
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor

Compared to Nikon J4

Sony NEX-C3
Nikon J4
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • Touchscreen
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Samsung NX Mini
Nikon J4
  • $600
  • 1 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $350
  • 1 inch
  • On-sensor phase detect
  • Higher-res screen

Compared to Nikon J5

Sony NEX-C3
Nikon J5
  • $559
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Larger sensor
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
Samsung NX Mini
Nikon J5
  • $600
  • 1 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Thinner
  • $497
  • 1 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • On-sensor phase detect
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