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Nikon D4S vs Sony NEX-3

The Nikon D4S and the Sony Alpha NEX-3 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in February 2014 and May 2010. The D4S is a DSLR, while the NEX-3 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a full frame (D4S) and an APS-C (NEX-3) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 16.2 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 14 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Nikon D4S
versus
Sony NEX-3
Nikon D4S   Sony NEX-3
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
16.2 MP – Full Frame sensor 14 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/60p Video 720/30p Video
ISO 100-25,600 (50 - 409,600) ISO 200-12,800
Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
3.2" LCD – 921k dots 3.0" LCD – 920k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
11 shutter flaps per second 7 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
3020 shots per battery charge330 shots per battery charge
160 x 157 x 91 mm, 1350 g 117 x 62 x 33 mm, 297 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D4S and the Sony Alpha NEX-3? 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.

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Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Nikon D4S and the Sony NEX-3 are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The NEX-3 can be obtained in three different colors (black, silver, red), while the D4S is only available in black.

Size Nikon D4S vs Sony NEX-3
Compare D4S versus NEX-3 top
Comparison D4S or NEX-3 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony NEX-3 is considerably smaller (71 percent) than the Nikon D4S. Moreover, the NEX-3 is substantially lighter (78 percent) than the D4S. It is worth mentioning in this context that the D4S is splash and dust resistant, while the NEX-3 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

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. A larger imaging sensor will tend to go along with bigger and heavier lenses, although exceptions exist. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Nikon Lens Catalog (D4S) and the Sony E-Mount Lens Catalog (NEX-3). Mirrorless cameras, such as the NEX-3, 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 D4S gets 3020 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL18a battery, while the NEX-3 can take 330 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FW50 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the D4S has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 Y Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
2.
 
Sony NEX-3 117 mm 62 mm 33 mm 297 g 330 n May 2010 599ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1551 g 1120 Y Oct 2011 6,799ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D6 160 mm 163 mm 92 mm 1270 g 3580 Y Feb 2020 6,499 amazon.com
5.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 Y Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D750 141 mm 113 mm 78 mm 750 g 1230 Y Sep 2014 2,299ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D810 146 mm 123 mm 82 mm 980 g 1200 Y Jun 2014 3,299ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon Df 144 mm 110 mm 67 mm 760 g 1400 Y Nov 2013 2,749ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1340 g 2600 Y Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D3S 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1240 g 4200 Y Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D3X 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1260 g 4400 Y Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D3 160 mm 157 mm 88 mm 1300 g 4300 Y Aug 2007 4,999ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A5100 110 mm 63 mm 36 mm 283 g 400 n Aug 2014 549ebay.com
14.
 
Sony NEX-3N 110 mm 62 mm 35 mm 269 g 480 n Feb 2013 499ebay.com
15.
 
Sony NEX-5R 111 mm 59 mm 39 mm 276 g 330 n Aug 2012 749ebay.com
16.
 
Sony NEX-5N 111 mm 59 mm 38 mm 269 g 460 n Aug 2011 699ebay.com
17.
 
Sony NEX-5 111 mm 59 mm 38 mm 287 g 330 n May 2010 699ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The NEX-3 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 91 percent) than the D4S, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels 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 tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D4S features a full frame sensor and the Sony NEX-3 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the NEX-3 is 58 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Nikon D4S and Sony NEX-3 sensor measures

With 16.2MP, the D4S offers a higher resolution than the NEX-3 (14MP), but the D4S nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 7.29μm versus 5.11μm for the NEX-3) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the D4S is a much more recent model (by 3 years and 9 months) than the NEX-3, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D4S implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D4S for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 24.6 x 16.4 inches or 62.6 x 41.7 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 19.7 x 13.1 inches or 50.1 x 33.3 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.7 x 27.8 cm. The corresponding values for the Sony NEX-3 are 23 x 15.3 inches or 58.3 x 38.8 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 12.2 inches or 46.7 x 31 cm for very good quality, and 15.3 x 10.2 inches or 38.9 x 25.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Nikon D4S has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 50-409600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha NEX-3 are ISO 200 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.

D4S versus NEX-3 MP

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under review, the D4S provides substantially higher image quality than the NEX-3, with an overall score that is 21 points higher. This advantage is based on 2.3 bits higher color depth, 1.3 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.9 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.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
2.
 
Sony NEX-3 APS-C 14.0 4592 3056720/30p22.112.083068
3.
 
Canon 1D X Full Frame 17.9 5184 34561080/30p23.811.8278682
4.
 
Nikon D6 Full Frame 20.7 5568 37124K/30p25.314.3288695
5.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
6.
 
Nikon D750 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/60p24.814.5295693
7.
 
Nikon D810 Full Frame 36.2 7360 49121080/60p25.714.8285397
8.
 
Nikon Df Full Frame 16.2 4928 3280none24.613.1327989
9.
 
Nikon D4 Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/30p24.713.1296589
10.
 
Nikon D3S Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832720/24p23.512.0325382
11.
 
Nikon D3X Full Frame 24.4 6048 4032none24.713.7199288
12.
 
Nikon D3 Full Frame 12.1 4256 2832none23.512.2229081
13.
 
Sony A5100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.812.7134780
14.
 
Sony NEX-3N APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60i22.812.5106774
15.
 
Sony NEX-5R APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60i23.713.191078
16.
 
Sony NEX-5N APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60i23.612.7107977
17.
 
Sony NEX-5 APS-C 14.0 4592 30561080/60i22.212.279669
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the D4S provides a higher video resolution than the NEX-3. It can shoot video footage at 1080/60p, while the Sony is limited to 720/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the D4S has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the NEX-3 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the NEX-3 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the FDA-SV1. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Nikon D4S and Sony NEX-3 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
# image 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.
 
Nikon D4Soptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
2.
 
Sony NEX-3optional n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 7.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon 1D Xoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
4.
 
Nikon D6optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
5.
 
Nikon D5optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
6.
 
Nikon D750optical Y3.2 / 1229 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D810optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon Dfoptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s n n
9.
 
Nikon D4optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
10.
 
Nikon D3Soptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
11.
 
Nikon D3Xoptical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
12.
 
Nikon D3optical Y3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
13.
 
Sony A5100none n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
14.
 
Sony NEX-3Noptional n3.0 / 460 tilting n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
15.
 
Sony NEX-5Roptional n3.0 / 920 tilting Y 1/4000s 10.0/s n n
16.
 
Sony NEX-5Noptional n3.0 / 920 tilting Y 1/4000s 10.0/s n n
17.
 
Sony NEX-5optional n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 7.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One feature that is present on the D4S, but is missing on the NEX-3 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The NEX-3 has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the D4S does not have a selfie-screen.

The Nikon D4S has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The D4S writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or XQD cards, while the NEX-3 uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The D4S features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the NEX-3 only has one slot.

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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 Nikon D4S and Sony Alpha NEX-3 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Nikon D4SYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
2.
 
Sony NEX-3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon 1D XYmono / -Y-mini2.0---
4.
 
Nikon D6Ystereo / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
5.
 
Nikon D5Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0---
6.
 
Nikon D750Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y--
7.
 
Nikon D810Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
8.
 
Nikon DfY- / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Nikon D4Ymono / monoYYmicro2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D3SYstereo / ---mini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D3XY- / ---mini2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D3Y- / ---mini2.0---
13.
 
Sony A5100-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
14.
 
Sony NEX-3N-stereo / mono--micro2.0---
15.
 
Sony NEX-5RYstereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
16.
 
Sony NEX-5NYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
17.
 
Sony NEX-5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
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It is notable that the D4S has a microphone port, which is missing on the NEX-3. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D4S (unlike the NEX-3) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the D4S and the NEX-3 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The NEX-3 was replaced by the Sony NEX-3N, while the D4S was followed by the Nikon D5. Further information on the features and operation of the D4S and NEX-3 can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D4S Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony NEX-3 Manual.

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Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D4S and the Sony NEX-3? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Arguments in favor of the Nikon D4S:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (16.2 vs 14MP) with a 7% higher linear resolution.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (21 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (2.3 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.3 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (1.9 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (1080/60p vs 720/30p).
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 7 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (3020 versus 330) on a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More modern: Reflects 3 years and 9 months of technical progress since the NEX-3 launch.

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Advantages of the Sony Alpha NEX-3:

  • 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.
  • More compact: Is smaller (117x62mm vs 160x157mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 1053g or 78 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (91 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in May 2010).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D4S is the clear winner of the match-up (20 : 7 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.

D4S 20:07 NEX-3

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D4S and the Sony NEX-3 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 technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the D4S or the NEX-3 perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
2.
 
Sony NEX-3......70/1004.5/54/5 May 2010 599ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2011 6,799ebay.com
4.
 
Nikon D6....4/5..4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2020 6,499 amazon.com
5.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D7505/5+ +4/590/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 2,299ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D8105/5..5/586/1005/54.5/5 Jun 2014 3,299ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon Df4/5....81/1004/54/5 Nov 2013 2,749ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4........4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2012 5,999ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D3S5/5....89/1004.5/55/5 Oct 2009 5,199ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D3X......86/1004/55/5 Dec 2008 7,999ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D3......+ +5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 4,999ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A51004.5/5+....4.5/55/5 Aug 2014 549ebay.com
14.
 
Sony NEX-3N3/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2013 499ebay.com
15.
 
Sony NEX-5R........4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2012 749ebay.com
16.
 
Sony NEX-5N3/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2011 699ebay.com
17.
 
Sony NEX-53/5+ +..71/1004.5/54/5 May 2010 699ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications: Nikon D4S vs Sony NEX-3

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Nikon D4S Sony NEX-3
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date February 2014 May 2010
    Launch Price USD 6,499 USD 599
    Sensor Specs Nikon D4S Sony NEX-3
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 23.9 mm 23.4 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 860.4 mm2 365.04 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.2 mm 28.1 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 16.2 Megapixels 14 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4928 x 3280 pixels 4592 x 3056 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 7.29 μm 5.11 μm
    Pixel Density 1.88 MP/cm2 3.84 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video 720/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 25,600 ISO 200 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 409,600 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor EXPEED 4 BIONZ
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 89 68
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 24.4 22.1
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.3 12.0
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3074 830
    Screen Specs Nikon D4S Sony NEX-3
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 921k dots 920k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D4S Sony NEX-3
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s 7 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF or XQD cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D4S Sony NEX-3
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Body Specs Nikon D4S Sony NEX-3
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Nikon EN-EL18a Sony NP-FW50
    Battery Life (CIPA)3020 shots per charge330 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 160 x 157 x 91 mm
    (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.6 in)
    117 x 62 x 33 mm
    (4.6 x 2.4 x 1.3 in)
    Camera Weight 1350 g (47.6 oz) 297 g (10.5 oz)
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    Check D4S offers at
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    Check NEX-3 offers at
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