Fujifilm X-A2 vs Sony NEX-C3 — Which Is Better?
Side by side47 specifications |
Fujifilm · Mirrorless · 16 MP · APS-C · Standard HD video
Fujifilm X-A2
44
SCORE
|
Sony · Mirrorless · 16.2 MP · APS-C · Standard HD video
Sony NEX-C3
46
WINNER
|
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| General | ||
Read the General ComparisonGeneralThe Fujifilm X-A2 and the Sony NEX-C3 are both compact mirrorless cameras, and the X-A2 is the newer design, launched in 2015 four years after the NEX-C3's 2011 debut. A carry advantage goes to the Sony: the NEX-C3 measures 110 x 60 x 33 mm and weighs 225 g, against 117 x 67 x 40 mm and 350 g for the X-A2. It is 125 g lighter and smaller in every dimension, the better fit for a small bag. | ||
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2015 | 2011 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
January 15, 2015 | June 8, 2011 |
| Camera type |  Mirrorless | Mirrorless |
| Camera size | 117 x 67 x 40 mm | 110 x 60 x 33 mm |
| Camera weight | 350 g | 225 g |
| Optics | 53/100 | 50/100 |
Read the Optics ComparisonOpticsThe X-A2 is the stronger choice for focusing on off-centre subjects, with 49 autofocus points against 25 on the NEX-C3, giving you more positions for a face near the frame edge. Resolution is effectively shared: 16 megapixels on the X-A2 and 16.2 on the NEX-C3, a negligible difference in crop room. A native sensitivity difference favours the Sony: the NEX-C3 reaches 12800 ISO, where the X-A2 stops at 6400 ISO, though the X-A2 offers 25600 ISO as an expanded setting. Mount choice matters most over time, Fujifilm X on one body and Sony E on the other, with no crossover. Neither has a viewfinder or in-body stabilisation, so you compose on the rear screen. | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
16 MP050 | 16.2 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
4896 x 3264 | 4912 x 3264 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
15.6 x 23.5 | 15.6 x 23.5 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
 APS-C | APS-C |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
5.6 fps045 | 5.5 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Fujifilm X | Sony E |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
EXR Processor II | Bionz |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
 3:2 | 3:2 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
20030200 | 20030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
64003003280000 | 128003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
10030200 | 20030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
256003003280000 | 128003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
400080032000 | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
490300 | 250300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✗ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
None | None |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | 43/100 | 34/100 |
Read the Video ComparisonVideoCasual sharing is the realistic use for both: each records Standard HD video, and each offers a maximum frame rate of 30 fps. Neither includes a built-in timelapse function, so interval shooting requires manual triggering. A small sharing convenience goes to the Sony: the NEX-C3 records MP4 files that play directly on most phones and players, while the X-A2 writes MOV clips. If you share clips from a phone, MP4 can save a conversion step. | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
 Yes | Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
 Standard HD | Standard HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
1920 x 1080 | 1280 x 720 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
30 fps | 30 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✗ | ✗ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
MOV | MP4 |
| Features | 28/100 | 41/100 |
Read the Features ComparisonFeaturesThe X-A2 is the more practical camera for spontaneous indoor shooting: it has a built-in flash for dim rooms, which the NEX-C3 lacks, and it supports Wi-Fi for sending photos to a phone. The Sony counters with live view for framing on its LCD. Their screens are a similarity: both are 3-inch LCDs with 920000 dots, and both tilt for waist-level or overhead framing. Neither offers a touchscreen, GPS or weather sealing, so photos carry no location data and no rain protection. Both accept external flash. | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
 Yes | No |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
 Yes | Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen type | LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen size | 3" | 3" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
9200001150001500000 | 9200001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
 Yes | Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
No |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
 Yes | No |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | 24/100 | 24/100 |
Read the Storage & battery ComparisonStorage and BatteryStorage overlaps: both write to a single SD, SDHC or SDXC card, so ordinary SD cards work in either camera. The NEX-C3 also accepts Memory Stick Pro Duo and Pro-HG Duo media, useful if you already own Sony cards. Neither offers dual slots or USB charging. Battery ratings are nearly identical: 410 shots for the X-A2 against 400 for the NEX-C3 under their test conditions. They use different packs, the NP-W126 and the NP-FW50, so spares are not interchangeable between brands. | ||
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC | SD / SDHC / SDXC, Memory Stick Pro Duo / Pro-HG Duo |
| Dual memory card slots | ✗ | ✗ |
| Battery type | NP-W126 | NP-FW50 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
410 shots1505000 | 400 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
Read: Verdict
Verdict
For everyday photography, the Fujifilm X-A2 is the better pick: its built-in flash covers dim interiors, Wi-Fi sends photos to a phone, and 49 autofocus points help keep off-centre subjects sharp. Choose the Sony NEX-C3 when the smallest, lightest body is the priority. Whichever you choose, the lens system comes with it: Fujifilm X and Sony E lenses do not fit the other mount.