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Canon 1D X Mark II vs Sony NEX-3

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II and the Sony Alpha NEX-3 are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in February 2016 and May 2010. The 1DX Mark II is a DSLR, while the NEX-3 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a full frame (1DX Mark II) and an APS-C (NEX-3) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 20 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
Canon 1D X Mark II
versus
Sony NEX-3
Canon 1D X Mark II   Sony NEX-3
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Canon EF mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
20 MP – Full Frame sensor 14 MP – APS-C sensor
4K/60p Video 720/30p Video
ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 409,600) ISO 200-12,800
Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
3.2" LCD – 1620k dots 3.0" LCD – 920k dots
Fixed touchscreen Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
16 shutter flaps per second 7 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
1210 shots per battery charge330 shots per battery charge
158 x 168 x 83 mm, 1530 g 117 x 62 x 33 mm, 297 g
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Check 1DX Mark II offers at
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Check NEX-3 offers at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II 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 side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon 1D X Mark II and the Sony NEX-3. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The NEX-3 can be obtained in three different colors (black, silver, red), while the 1DX Mark II is only available in black.

Size Canon 1D X Mark II vs Sony NEX-3
Compare 1DX Mark II versus NEX-3 top
Comparison 1DX Mark II 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 (73 percent) than the Canon 1D X Mark II. Moreover, the NEX-3 is substantially lighter (81 percent) than the 1DX Mark II. It is worth mentioning in this context that the 1DX Mark II 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 Canon EF Lens Catalog (1DX Mark II) 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 1DX Mark II gets 1210 shots out of its Canon LP-E19 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 1DX Mark II has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. 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.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1530 g 1210 Y Feb 2016 US$ 5 999ebay.com
2.
 
Sony NEX-3 117 mm 62 mm 33 mm 297 g 330 n May 2010 US$ 599ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III 150 mm 160 mm 80 mm 1385 g 1800 Y Aug 2007 US$ 7 999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D C 158 mm 164 mm 83 mm 1545 g 1120 Y Apr 2012 US$ 14 999ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D X 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1551 g 1120 Y Oct 2011 US$ 6 799ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1440 g 2850 Y Jan 2020 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark II 152 mm 114 mm 75 mm 850 g 850 Y Sep 2008 US$ 3 499ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark III 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 950 g 950 Y Mar 2012 US$ 3 499ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 5DS 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 6D 145 mm 111 mm 71 mm 770 g 1090 Y Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 6D Mark II 144 mm 111 mm 75 mm 765 g 1200 Y Jun 2017 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
12.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 Y Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A5100 110 mm 63 mm 36 mm 283 g 400 n Aug 2014 US$ 549ebay.com
14.
 
Sony NEX-3N 110 mm 62 mm 35 mm 269 g 480 n Feb 2013 US$ 499ebay.com
15.
 
Sony NEX-5 111 mm 59 mm 38 mm 287 g 330 n May 2010 US$ 699ebay.com
16.
 
Sony NEX-5N 111 mm 59 mm 38 mm 269 g 460 n Aug 2011 US$ 699ebay.com
17.
 
Sony NEX-5R 111 mm 59 mm 39 mm 276 g 330 n Aug 2012 US$ 749ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The NEX-3 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 90 percent) than the 1DX Mark II, 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.

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. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 1D X Mark II 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.

Canon 1D X Mark II and Sony NEX-3 sensor measures

With 20MP, the 1DX Mark II offers a higher resolution than the NEX-3 (14MP), but the 1DX Mark II nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.57μm versus 5.11μm for the NEX-3) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the 1DX Mark II is a much more recent model (by 5 years and 8 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 Canon 1D X Mark II implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the 1DX Mark II for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 27.4 x 18.2 inches or 69.5 x 46.3 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 21.9 x 14.6 inches or 55.6 x 37.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 18.2 x 12.2 inches or 46.3 x 30.9 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 1DX Mark II has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Canon EOS-1D X Mark II has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 51200, 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.

1DX Mark II versus NEX-3 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. 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 1DX Mark II provides substantially higher image quality than the NEX-3, with an overall score that is 20 points higher. This advantage is based on 2 bits higher color depth, 1.5 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.113.5320788
2.
 
Sony NEX-3 APS-C 14.0 4592 3056720/30p22.112.083068
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III Full Frame 21.0 5616 3744none24.012.0166380
4.
 
Canon 1D C Full Frame 17.9 5184 34564K/24p24.313.0215585
5.
 
Canon 1D X Full Frame 17.9 5184 34561080/30p23.811.8278682
6.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.214.5324891
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark II Full Frame 21.0 5616 37441080/30p23.711.9181579
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark III Full Frame 22.1 5760 38401080/30p24.011.7229381
9.
 
Canon 5DS Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.712.4238187
10.
 
Canon 6D Full Frame 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.812.1234082
11.
 
Canon 6D Mark II Full Frame 26.0 6240 41601080/60p24.411.9286285
12.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
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-5 APS-C 14.0 4592 30561080/60i22.212.279669
16.
 
Sony NEX-5N APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60i23.612.7107977
17.
 
Sony NEX-5R APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60i23.713.191078
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. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the 1DX Mark II provides a higher video resolution than the NEX-3. It can shoot video footage at 4K/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 1DX Mark II 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 Canon 1D X Mark II and Sony NEX-3 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
  empty 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 1D X Mark IIoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 16.0/s n n
2.
 
Sony NEX-3optional n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 7.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIoptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 1D Coptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
5.
 
Canon 1D Xoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
6.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIIoptical Y3.2 / 2100 fixed Y 1/8000s 20.0/s n n
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIoptical Y3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/8000s 3.9/s n n
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIIoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s n n
9.
 
Canon 5DSoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
10.
 
Canon 6Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 4.5/s n n
11.
 
Canon 6D Mark IIoptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.5/s n n
12.
 
Nikon D5optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/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-5optional n3.0 / 920 tilting n 1/4000s 7.0/s n n
16.
 
Sony NEX-5Noptional n3.0 / 920 tilting Y 1/4000s 10.0/s n n
17.
 
Sony NEX-5Roptional n3.0 / 920 tilting Y 1/4000s 10.0/s n n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that is present on the 1DX Mark II, 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 1DX Mark II does not have a selfie-screen.

The 1DX Mark II writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or CFast cards, while the NEX-3 uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The 1DX Mark II 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 Canon EOS-1D X Mark II 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
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
2.
 
Sony NEX-3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark IIIYmono / ----2.0---
4.
 
Canon 1D CYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
5.
 
Canon 1D XYmono / -Y-mini2.0---
6.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIIYmono / monoYYmini3.1Y-Y
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIYmono / monoY-mini2.0---
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark IIIYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
9.
 
Canon 5DSYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
10.
 
Canon 6DYmono / monoY-mini2.0Y--
11.
 
Canon 6D Mark IIYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
12.
 
Nikon D5Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0---
13.
 
Sony A5100-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
14.
 
Sony NEX-3N-stereo / mono--micro2.0---
15.
 
Sony NEX-5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
16.
 
Sony NEX-5NYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
17.
 
Sony NEX-5RYstereo / mono--mini2.0Y--

It is notable that the 1DX Mark II 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 Canon 1D X Mark II (unlike the NEX-3) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the 1DX Mark II has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

Both the 1DX Mark II 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 1DX Mark II was followed by the Canon 1DX Mark III. Further information on the features and operation of the 1DX Mark II and NEX-3 can be found, respectively, in the Canon 1D X Mark II Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony NEX-3 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Canon 1D X Mark II better than the Sony NEX-3 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Advantages of the Canon EOS-1D X Mark II:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (20 vs 14MP) with a 19% higher linear resolution.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (20 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (2 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (1.5 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (2 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/60p vs 720/30p).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • 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 (1620k vs 920k 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 (16 vs 7 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (1210 versus 330) on a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
  • 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 5 years and 8 months of technical progress since the NEX-3 launch.

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Arguments in favor 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 158x168mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 1233g or 81 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 (90 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in May 2010).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the 1DX Mark II is the clear winner of the match-up (24 : 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.

1DX Mark II 24:07 NEX-3

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 1D X Mark II 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 the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the 1DX Mark II and the NEX-3 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II....4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 US$ 5 999ebay.com
2.
 
Sony NEX-3......70/1004.5/54/5 May 2010 US$ 599ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1Ds Mark III......+ +4.5/5.. Aug 2007 US$ 7 999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 1D C............ Apr 2012 US$ 14 999ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1D X5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Oct 2011 US$ 6 799ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 1D X Mark III..+ +5/5..4.5/54/5 Jan 2020 US$ 6 499 amazon.com
7.
 
Canon 5D Mark II4/591/100..79/1004/5.. Sep 2008 US$ 3 499ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 5D Mark III..+ +..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2012 US$ 3 499ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 5DS..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 6D5/5+ +..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 US$ 2 099ebay.com
11.
 
Canon 6D Mark II4/5+4/580/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2017 US$ 1 999 amazon.com
12.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A51004.5/5+....4.5/55/5 Aug 2014 US$ 549ebay.com
14.
 
Sony NEX-3N3/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2013 US$ 499ebay.com
15.
 
Sony NEX-53/5+ +..71/1004.5/54/5 May 2010 US$ 699ebay.com
16.
 
Sony NEX-5N3/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2011 US$ 699ebay.com
17.
 
Sony NEX-5R........4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2012 US$ 749ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price 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? 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: Canon 1D X Mark II 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 Canon 1D X Mark II Sony NEX-3
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date February 2016 May 2010
    Launch Price USD 5,999 USD 599
    Sensor Specs Canon 1D X Mark II Sony NEX-3
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Full Frame Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 36.0 x 24.0 mm 23.4 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 864 mm2 365.04 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 43.3 mm 28.1 mm
    Crop Factor 1.0x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 20 Megapixels 14 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 5472 x 3648 pixels 4592 x 3056 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 6.57 μm 5.11 μm
    Pixel Density 2.31 MP/cm2 3.84 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 4K/60p Video 720/30p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 51,200 ISO 200 - 12,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 50 - 409,600 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor DIGIC 6+ (Dual) BIONZ
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 88 68
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 24.1 22.1
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 13.5 12.0
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 3207 830
    Screen Specs Canon 1D X Mark II Sony NEX-3
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Viewfinder optional
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.76x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1620k dots 920k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Canon 1D X Mark II Sony NEX-3
    Focus System Phase-detect AF Contrast-detect AF
    Continuous Shooting 16 shutter flaps/s 7 shutter flaps/s
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium CF or CFAST cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs Canon 1D X Mark II Sony NEX-3
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.0 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
    Geotagging GPS built-in no internal GPS
    Body Specs Canon 1D X Mark II Sony NEX-3
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Canon LP-E19 Sony NP-FW50
    Battery Life (CIPA)1210 shots per charge330 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 158 x 168 x 83 mm
    (6.2 x 6.6 x 3.3 in)
    117 x 62 x 33 mm
    (4.6 x 2.4 x 1.3 in)
    Camera Weight 1530 g (54.0 oz) 297 g (10.5 oz)
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    Check NEX-3 offers at
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