Canon XS vs Sony NEX-C3

The Canon EOS Rebel XS (called Canon 1000D in some regions) and the Sony Alpha NEX-C3 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in June 2008 and June 2011. The XS is a DSLR, while the NEX-C3 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Both cameras are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 10.1 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 16 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Canon XS		Sony NEX-C3
Digital single lens reflex		Mirrorless system camera
Canon EF mount lenses		Sony E mount lenses
10.1 MP – APS-C sensor		16 MP – APS-C sensor
no Video		720/30p Video
ISO 100-800 (100 - 1,600)		ISO 100-12,800
Optical viewfinder		Viewfinder optional
2.5" LCD – 230k dots		3.0" LCD – 920k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
3 shutter flaps per second		5.5 shutter flaps per second
500 shots per battery charge		400 shots per battery charge
126 x 98 x 65 mm, 502 g		110 x 60 x 33 mm, 225 g

Check XS offers at
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Check NEX-C3 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS Rebel XS and the Sony Alpha NEX-C3? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Canon XS and the Sony NEX-C3 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The NEX-C3 can be obtained in three different colors (black, silver, pink), while the XS is only available in black.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony NEX-C3 is considerably smaller (47 percent) than the Canon XS. Moreover, the NEX-C3 is substantially lighter (55 percent) than the XS. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the XS nor the NEX-C3 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Both cameras have similarly sized sensors, but DSLRs have a larger flange-to-focal plane distance than mirrorless cameras, which imposes contraints on the optical engineering process and generally leads to bigger and heavier lenses. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Canon EF Lens Catalog (XS) and the Sony E-Mount Lens Catalog (NEX-C3). Mirrorless cameras, such as the NEX-C3, have moreover the advantage that they can use many lenses from other systems via adapters, as they have a relatively short flange to focal plane distance.

Concerning battery life, the XS gets 500 shots out of its Canon LP-E5 battery, while the NEX-C3 can take 400 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FW50 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon XS	126 mm	98 mm	65 mm	502 g	500	n	Jun 2008	449	ebay.com
2.		Sony NEX-C3	110 mm	60 mm	33 mm	225 g	400	n	Jun 2011	599	ebay.com
3.		Canon 40D	146 mm	108 mm	74 mm	822 g	750	n	Aug 2007	1,299	ebay.com
4.		Canon SX20	123 mm	88 mm	87 mm	600 g	..	n	Aug 2009	399	ebay.com
5.		Canon T1i	129 mm	98 mm	62 mm	520 g	400	n	Mar 2009	799	ebay.com
6.		Canon T3	130 mm	100 mm	78 mm	495 g	700	n	Feb 2011	449	ebay.com
7.		Canon T5	130 mm	100 mm	78 mm	480 g	500	n	Feb 2014	449	ebay.com
8.		Canon T6	129 mm	101 mm	78 mm	485 g	500	n	Mar 2016	449	ebay.com
9.		Canon T7	129 mm	101 mm	78 mm	475 g	500	n	Feb 2018	449	amazon.com
10.		Canon T100	129 mm	102 mm	77 mm	436 g	500	n	Feb 2018	399	amazon.com
11.		Canon XSi	129 mm	98 mm	62 mm	524 g	500	n	Jan 2008	799	ebay.com
12.		Canon XTi	127 mm	84 mm	65 mm	556 g	370	n	Aug 2006	799	ebay.com
13.		Sony NEX-3	117 mm	62 mm	33 mm	297 g	330	n	May 2010	599	ebay.com
14.		Sony NEX-3N	110 mm	62 mm	35 mm	269 g	480	n	Feb 2013	499	ebay.com
15.		Sony NEX-5	111 mm	59 mm	38 mm	287 g	330	n	May 2010	699	ebay.com
16.		Sony NEX-5N	111 mm	59 mm	38 mm	269 g	460	n	Aug 2011	699	ebay.com
17.		Sony NEX-F3	117 mm	67 mm	42 mm	314 g	470	n	May 2012	599	ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The XS was launched at a somewhat lower price (by 25 percent) than the NEX-C3, which makes it more attractive for photographers on a tight budget. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the NEX-C3 is 11 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have format factors, respectively, of 1.6 (XS) and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

With 16MP, the NEX-C3 offers a higher resolution than the XS (10.1MP), but the NEX-C3 has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.78μm versus 5.71μm for the XS). Yet, the NEX-C3 is a much more recent model (by 2 years and 11 months) than the XS, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

The resolution advantage of the Sony NEX-C3 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the NEX-C3 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 24.6 x 16.3 inches or 62.4 x 41.5 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 19.6 x 13.1 inches or 49.9 x 33.2 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.6 x 27.6 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon XS are 19.4 x 13 inches or 49.4 x 32.9 cm for good quality, 15.6 x 10.4 inches or 39.5 x 26.3 cm for very good quality, and 13 x 8.6 inches or 32.9 x 21.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS Rebel XS has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 800, which can be extended to ISO 100-1600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha NEX-C3 are ISO 100 to ISO 12800 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the NEX-C3 offers substantially better image quality than the XS (overall score 11 points higher). The advantage is based on 0.7 bits higher color depth, 1.3 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.6 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Canon XS	APS-C	10.1	3888	2592	none	22.0	10.9	719	62
2.		Sony NEX-C3	APS-C	16.0	4912	3264	720/30p	22.7	12.2	1083	73
3.		Canon 40D	APS-C	10.1	3888	2592	none	22.1	11.3	703	64
4.		Canon SX20	1/2.3	12.0	4000	3000	720/30p	19.2	10.5	225	37
5.		Canon T1i	APS-C	15.1	4752	3168	1080/20p	21.7	11.5	663	63
6.		Canon T3	APS-C	12.2	4272	2848	720/30p	21.9	11.0	755	62
7.		Canon T5	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.9	11.3	724	63
8.		Canon T6	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	22.0	11.7	781	66
9.		Canon T7	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/30p	23.8	13.3	1684	81
10.		Canon T100	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.9	11.4	695	63
11.		Canon XSi	APS-C	12.2	4272	2848	none	21.9	10.8	692	61
12.		Canon XTi	APS-C	10.1	3888	2592	none	22.1	11.0	664	62
13.		Sony NEX-3	APS-C	14.0	4592	3056	720/30p	22.1	12.0	830	68
14.		Sony NEX-3N	APS-C	16.0	4912	3264	1080/60i	22.8	12.5	1067	74
15.		Sony NEX-5	APS-C	14.0	4592	3056	1080/60i	22.2	12.2	796	69
16.		Sony NEX-5N	APS-C	16.0	4912	3264	1080/60i	23.6	12.7	1079	77
17.		Sony NEX-F3	APS-C	16.0	4912	3264	1080/60i	22.7	12.3	1114	73
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The NEX-C3 indeed provides for movie recording, while the XS does not. The highest resolution format that the NEX-C3 can use is 720/30p.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the XS has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the NEX-C3 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the NEX-C3 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the FDA-SV1. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon XS and Sony NEX-C3 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Max Shutter Speed *	Max Shutter Flaps *	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Canon XS	optical	n	2.5 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
2.		Sony NEX-C3	optional	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	n	1/4000s	5.5/s	n	n
3.		Canon 40D	optical	Y	3.0 / 230	fixed	n	1/8000s	6.5/s	Y	n
4.		Canon SX20	202	n	2.5 / 230	swivel	n	1/3200s	0.7/s	Y	Y
5.		Canon T1i	optical	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.4/s	Y	n
6.		Canon T3	optical	n	2.7 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
7.		Canon T5	optical	n	3.0 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
8.		Canon T6	optical	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
9.		Canon T7	optical	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
10.		Canon T100	optical	n	2.7 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
11.		Canon XSi	optical	n	3.0 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.5/s	Y	n
12.		Canon XTi	optical	n	2.5 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
13.		Sony NEX-3	optional	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	n	1/4000s	7.0/s	n	n
14.		Sony NEX-3N	optional	n	3.0 / 460	tilting	n	1/4000s	4.0/s	Y	n
15.		Sony NEX-5	optional	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	n	1/4000s	7.0/s	n	n
16.		Sony NEX-5N	optional	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	Y	1/4000s	10.0/s	n	n
17.		Sony NEX-F3	optional	n	3.0 / 920	tilting	n	1/4000s	5.5/s	Y	n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The XS has one, while the NEX-C3 does not. While the built-in flash of the XS is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The XS writes its imaging data to SDHC cards, while the NEX-C3 uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS Rebel XS and Sony Alpha NEX-C3 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Mic / Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Canon XS	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
2.		Sony NEX-C3	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
3.		Canon 40D	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
4.		Canon SX20	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	YES	2.0	-	-	-
5.		Canon T1i	Y	mono / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
6.		Canon T3	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
7.		Canon T5	Y	mono / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
8.		Canon T6	Y	mono / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
9.		Canon T7	Y	mono / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
10.		Canon T100	Y	mono / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
11.		Canon XSi	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Canon XTi	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Sony NEX-3	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Sony NEX-3N	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	-	-	-
15.		Sony NEX-5	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Sony NEX-5N	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
17.		Sony NEX-F3	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-

Both the XS and the NEX-C3 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The XS was replaced by the Canon T3, while the NEX-C3 does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the XS and NEX-C3 can be found, respectively, in the Canon XS Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony NEX-C3 Manual.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Canon XS and the Sony NEX-C3? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Arguments in favor of the Canon EOS Rebel XS:

• Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (500 versus 400) on a single battery charge.
• Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced segment (25 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in June 2008).

Advantages of the Sony Alpha NEX-C3:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (16 vs 10.1MP), which boosts linear resolution by 26%.
• Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (11 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
• More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.3 EV of extra DR).
• Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (0.6 stops ISO advantage).
• Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 720/30p video.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.5") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (920k vs 230k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5.5 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• More compact: Is smaller (110x60mm vs 126x98mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 277g or 55 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
• More modern: Reflects 2 years and 11 months of technical progress since the XS launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the NEX-C3 is the clear winner of the contest (14 : 5 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon XS and the Sony NEX-C3 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the XS or the NEX-C3 perform in practice. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DCW   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon XS	..	82/100	..	+ +	3.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2008	449	ebay.com
2.		Sony NEX-C3	3/5	+ +	..	74/100	4.5/5	4/5	Jun 2011	599	ebay.com
3.		Canon 40D	..	+ +	..	+ +	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2007	1,299	ebay.com
4.		Canon SX20	..	+ +	..	73/100	..	4/5	Aug 2009	399	ebay.com
5.		Canon T1i	..	+ +	..	74/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2009	799	ebay.com
6.		Canon T3	..	80/100	..	69/100	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2011	449	ebay.com
7.		Canon T5	3/5	+	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	449	ebay.com
8.		Canon T6	4/5	o	4/5	73/100	4/5	4/5	Mar 2016	449	ebay.com
9.		Canon T7	..	o	3.5/5	..	3.5/5	3.5/5	Feb 2018	449	amazon.com
10.		Canon T100	..	o	3/5	..	3.5/5	3.5/5	Feb 2018	399	amazon.com
11.		Canon XSi	..	+ +	..	+ +	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2008	799	ebay.com
12.		Canon XTi	..	+ +	..	+ +	o	4/5	Aug 2006	799	ebay.com
13.		Sony NEX-3	..	..	..	70/100	4.5/5	4/5	May 2010	599	ebay.com
14.		Sony NEX-3N	3/5	..	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2013	499	ebay.com
15.		Sony NEX-5	3/5	+ +	..	71/100	4.5/5	4/5	May 2010	699	ebay.com
16.		Sony NEX-5N	3/5	+ +	..	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2011	699	ebay.com
17.		Sony NEX-F3	4/5	..	..	74/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	May 2012	599	ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Check NEX-C3 offers at
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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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