Sony NEX-3N has a
16.0MP APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Bionz processor. On the other hand, Sony a5100 has a
24.0MP APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm ) sized CMOS sensor and features Bionz X processor.
Sony a5100's sensor provides 8MP more than Sony NEX-3N's sensor, which gives a significant advantage in real life. You can print your images larger or crop more freely.
On the other hand, please keep in mind that Max sensor resolution is not the only determinant of resolving power. Factors such as the optical elements, low pass filter, pixel size and sensor technology also affects the final resolution of the captured image.
Below you can see the NEX-3N and a5100 sensor size comparison.
Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Sony NEX-3N and Sony a5100 Cameras
Sony NEX-3N and Sony a5100 have the same sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Sony NEX-3N has 49% larger pixel area compared to Sony a5100, it has potential to collect more light on pixel level hence have less noise in low light / High ISO images.
DxOMark Sensor Scores
DxOMark is a benchmark that scientifically assesses image quality of camera sensors. It scores camera sensors for color depth (DXO Portrait), dynamic range (DXO Landscape) and low-light sensitivity (DXO Sports), and also gives them an overall score. Sony NEX-3N and Sony a5100 sensors have been tested by DxO and the results show that a5100 has a better overall score of 80, 6 points higher compared to NEX-3N's score of 74.
Model
Overall
Color Depth
Dynamic Range
Low-light ISO
Sony NEX-3N
74
22.8 bits
12.5 Evs
1067 ISO
Sony a5100
80
23.8 bits
12.7 Evs
1347 ISO
Sensor size sets the circle of confusion, so it drives how much depth of field each
of these bodies gives you at a given aperture. You can calculate it exactly for the
Sony NEX-3N
or the
Sony a5100 ,
including hyperfocal distance.
