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Nikon D500 vs Sony NEX-3N

The Nikon D500 and the Sony Alpha NEX-3N are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in January 2016 and February 2013. The D500 is a DSLR, while the NEX-3N is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. Both cameras are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 20.7 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
Nikon D500
versus
Sony NEX-3N
Nikon D500   Sony NEX-3N
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Nikon F mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
20.7 MP – APS-C sensor 16 MP – APS-C sensor
4K/30p Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 1,640,000) ISO 200-16,000
Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
3.2" LCD – 2359k dots 3.0" LCD – 460k dots
Tilting touchscreen Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
10 shutter flaps per second 4 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
1240 shots per battery charge480 shots per battery charge
147 x 115 x 81 mm, 860 g 110 x 62 x 35 mm, 269 g
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Check D500 price at
amazon.com
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Check NEX-3N offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D500 and the Sony Alpha NEX-3N? 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 side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Nikon D500 and the Sony NEX-3N. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The NEX-3N can be obtained in two different colors (black, white), while the D500 is only available in black.

Size Nikon D500 vs Sony NEX-3N
Compare D500 versus NEX-3N top
Comparison D500 or NEX-3N rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony NEX-3N is considerably smaller (60 percent) than the Nikon D500. Moreover, the NEX-3N is substantially lighter (69 percent) than the D500. It is worth mentioning in this context that the D500 is splash and dust resistant, while the NEX-3N 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. 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 Nikon Lens Catalog (D500) and the Sony E-Mount Lens Catalog (NEX-3N). Mirrorless cameras, such as the NEX-3N, 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 D500 gets 1240 shots out of its EN-EL15 battery, while the NEX-3N can take 480 images on a single charge of its NP-FW50 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons 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 D500 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 860 g 1240 Y Jan 2016 1,999 amazon.com
2.
 
Sony NEX-3N 110 mm 62 mm 35 mm 269 g 480 n Feb 2013 499ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D7500 136 mm 104 mm 73 mm 720 g 950 Y Apr 2017 1,299 amazon.com
4.
 
Nikon D5600 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 465 g 970 n Nov 2016 699 amazon.com
5.
 
Nikon D3400 124 mm 98 mm 76 mm 445 g 1200 n Aug 2016 499ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D5500 124 mm 97 mm 70 mm 470 g 820 n Jan 2015 899ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D7200 136 mm 107 mm 76 mm 765 g 1110 Y Mar 2015 1,199ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D750 141 mm 113 mm 78 mm 750 g 1230 Y Sep 2014 2,299ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D7100 136 mm 107 mm 76 mm 765 g 950 Y Feb 2013 1,199ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D610 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Oct 2013 1,999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D600 141 mm 113 mm 82 mm 850 g 900 Y Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D300S 147 mm 115 mm 81 mm 938 g 950 Y Jul 2009 1,799ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A5000 110 mm 63 mm 36 mm 269 g 420 n Jan 2014 449ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A5100 110 mm 63 mm 36 mm 283 g 400 n Aug 2014 549ebay.com
15.
 
Sony NEX-F3 117 mm 67 mm 42 mm 314 g 470 n May 2012 599ebay.com
16.
 
Sony NEX-3 117 mm 62 mm 33 mm 297 g 330 n May 2010 599ebay.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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The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The NEX-3N was launched at a markedly lower price (by 75 percent) than the D500, which puts it into a different market segment. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors 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. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and 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-3N is 1 percent smaller. They nevertheless have the same format factor of 1.5. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

Nikon D500 and Sony NEX-3N sensor measures

With 20.7MP, the D500 offers a higher resolution than the NEX-3N (16MP), but the D500 has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.22μm versus 4.78μm for the NEX-3N). However, the D500 is a much more recent model (by 2 years and 10 months) than the NEX-3N, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the D500 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D500 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D500 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 27.8 x 18.6 inches or 70.7 x 47.1 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 22.3 x 14.8 inches or 56.6 x 37.7 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 18.6 x 12.4 inches or 47.1 x 31.4 cm. The corresponding values for the Sony NEX-3N are 24.6 x 16.3 inches or 62.4 x 41.5 cm for good quality, 19.6 x 13.1 inches or 49.9 x 33.2 cm for very good quality, and 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.6 x 27.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Nikon D500 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51200, which can be extended to ISO 50-1640000. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha NEX-3N are ISO 200 to ISO 16000 (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.

D500 versus NEX-3N MP

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 review, the D500 has a notably higher overall DXO score than the NEX-3N (overall score 9 points higher), which gives it an advantage in terms of imaging quality. This advantage is based on 1.2 bits higher color depth, 1.5 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.3 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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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 D500 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.014.0132483
2.
 
Sony NEX-3N APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60i22.812.5106774
3.
 
Nikon D7500 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.314.0148386
4.
 
Nikon D5600 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0130684
5.
 
Nikon D3400 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.813.9119286
6.
 
Nikon D5500 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.114.0143884
7.
 
Nikon D7200 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.514.6133387
8.
 
Nikon D750 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/60p24.814.5295693
9.
 
Nikon D7100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.213.7125683
10.
 
Nikon D610 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.4292594
11.
 
Nikon D600 Full Frame 24.2 6016 40161080/30p25.114.2298094
12.
 
Nikon D300S APS-C 12.2 4288 2848720/24p22.512.278770
13.
 
Sony A5000 APS-C 19.8 5456 36321080/60i23.813.0108979
14.
 
Sony A5100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.812.7134780
15.
 
Sony NEX-F3 APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60i22.712.3111473
16.
 
Sony NEX-3 APS-C 14.0 4592 3056720/30p22.112.083068
17.
 
Sony NEX-5 APS-C 14.0 4592 30561080/60i22.212.279669
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the D500 provides a higher video resolution than the NEX-3N. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the Sony is limited to 1080/60i.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the D500 has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the NEX-3N relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the NEX-3N can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the FDA-SV1. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon D500 and Sony NEX-3N in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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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 D500optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n n
2.
 
Sony NEX-3Noptional n3.0 / 460 tilting n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
3.
 
Nikon D7500optical Y3.2 / 922 tilting Y 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
4.
 
Nikon D5600optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
5.
 
Nikon D3400optical n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
6.
 
Nikon D5500optical n3.2 / 1037 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
7.
 
Nikon D7200optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
8.
 
Nikon D750optical Y3.2 / 1229 tilting n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
9.
 
Nikon D7100optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D610optical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D600optical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 5.5/s Y n
12.
 
Nikon D300Soptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y n
13.
 
Sony A5000none n3.0 / 461 tilting n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
14.
 
Sony A5100none n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
15.
 
Sony NEX-F3optional n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 5.5/s Y n
16.
 
Sony NEX-3optional n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 7.0/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 D500, but is missing on the NEX-3N 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-3N 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 D500 does not have a selfie-screen.

The Nikon D500 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 D500 writes its imaging data to SDXC or XQD cards, while the NEX-3N uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The D500 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the NEX-3N only has one slot. The D500 supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the NEX-3N cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

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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 D500 and Sony Alpha NEX-3N 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 D500Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0YYY
2.
 
Sony NEX-3N-stereo / mono--micro2.0---
3.
 
Nikon D7500Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y-Y
4.
 
Nikon D5600Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
5.
 
Nikon D3400Ymono / mono--mini2.0--Y
6.
 
Nikon D5500Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0Y--
7.
 
Nikon D7200Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0YY-
8.
 
Nikon D750Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y--
9.
 
Nikon D7100Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D610Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D600Ymono / monoYYmini2.0---
12.
 
Nikon D300SYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
13.
 
Sony A5000-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
14.
 
Sony A5100-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
15.
 
Sony NEX-F3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
16.
 
Sony NEX-3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
17.
 
Sony NEX-5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
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It is notable that the D500 has a hotshoe, while the NEX-3N does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Nikon D500 (unlike the NEX-3N) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The D500 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Nikon. In contrast, the NEX-3N has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the NEX-3N was succeeded by the Sony A5000. Further information on the features and operation of the D500 and NEX-3N can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D500 Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony NEX-3N Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Nikon D500 better than the Sony NEX-3N or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Reasons to prefer the Nikon D500:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (20.7 vs 16MP) with a 13% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (9 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (1.2 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.5 EV of extra DR).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60i).
  • 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.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2359k vs 460k dots).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 4 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (1240 versus 480) on a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • 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.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports Ultra High Speed (UHS-II) SDXC cards.
  • More modern: Reflects 2 years and 10 months of technical progress since the NEX-3N launch.

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Advantages of the Sony Alpha NEX-3N:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • More compact: Is smaller (110x62mm vs 147x115mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 591g or 69 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (75 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in February 2013).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the D500 is the clear winner of the match-up (27 : 8 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

D500 27:08 NEX-3N

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D500 and the Sony NEX-3N 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 specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the D500 and the NEX-3N in practical situations. 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 why expert reviews 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 D5005/5+ +4.7/591/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 1,999 amazon.com
2.
 
Sony NEX-3N3/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2013 499ebay.com
3.
 
Nikon D75004.5/5+ +4.5/586/1005/54.5/5 Apr 2017 1,299 amazon.com
4.
 
Nikon D56004/5..4/579/1004.5/54/5 Nov 2016 699 amazon.com
5.
 
Nikon D34004/5+4/576/1004/54.5/5 Aug 2016 499ebay.com
6.
 
Nikon D55005/5+..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Jan 2015 899ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D72004/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2015 1,199ebay.com
8.
 
Nikon D7505/5+ +4/590/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 2,299ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D71005/5+ +..85/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2013 1,199ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D6104/5+ +..87/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2013 1,999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D6004/5+ +..87/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 2,099ebay.com
12.
 
Nikon D300S5/5+ +..82/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2009 1,799ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A50003/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2014 449ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A51004.5/5+....4.5/55/5 Aug 2014 549ebay.com
15.
 
Sony NEX-F34/5....74/1004.5/54.5/5 May 2012 599ebay.com
16.
 
Sony NEX-3......70/1004.5/54/5 May 2010 599ebay.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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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes 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 D500 vs Sony NEX-3N

    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 D500 Sony NEX-3N
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Nikon F mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date January 2016 February 2013
    Launch Price USD 1,999 USD 499
    Sensor Specs Nikon D500 Sony NEX-3N
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 23.5 x 15.7 mm 23.4 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 368.95 mm2 365.04 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 28.3 mm 28.1 mm
    Crop Factor 1.5x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 20.7 Megapixels 16 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5568 x 3712 pixels 4912 x 3264 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 4.22 μm 4.78 μm
    Pixel Density 5.60 MP/cm2 4.39 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 51,200 ISO 200 - 16,000 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 1,640,000 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor EXPEED 5 BIONZ
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 83 74
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 24.0 22.8
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.0 12.5
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 1324 1067
    Screen Specs Nikon D500 Sony NEX-3N
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.67x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 2359k dots 460k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Nikon D500 Sony NEX-3N
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 4 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC or XQD cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-II no
    Connectivity Specs Nikon D500 Sony NEX-3N
    External Flash Hotshoe no Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Headphone Socket Headphone port no Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in no NFC
    Bluetooth Support Bluetooth built-in no Bluetooth
    Body Specs Nikon D500 Sony NEX-3N
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type EN-EL15 NP-FW50
    Battery Life (CIPA)1240 shots per charge480 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 147 x 115 x 81 mm
    (5.8 x 4.5 x 3.2 in)
    110 x 62 x 35 mm
    (4.3 x 2.4 x 1.4 in)
    Camera Weight 860 g (30.3 oz) 269 g (9.5 oz)
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