Canon G12 vs Panasonic 3D1

The following is a comprehensive analysis of the Canon G12 versus Panasonic 3D1, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by manufacturers Canon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the G12 (10MP) and the 3D1 (12MP) is pretty similar but the G12 (1/1.7") and 3D1 (1/2.3") have different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The G12 was announced 9 months prior to the 3D1 so they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the G12 matches up versus the 3D1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot G12 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1. The whole galleries are viewable at Canon G12 Gallery and Panasonic 3D1 Gallery.

In case you're going to travel with your camera frequently, you're going to have to take into account its weight and size. The Canon G12 comes with outside dimensions of 112mm x 76mm x 48mm (4.4" x 3.0" x 1.9") with a weight of 401 grams (0.88 lbs) while the Panasonic 3D1 has specifications of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") along with a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon G12 versus Panasonic 3D1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have at that time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the G12 against the 3D1.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the G12 and 3D1 is 83 and 93 respectively.

Normally, its difficult to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions only by going over specifications. The picture here should offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the G12 and 3D1.

To sum up, the 2 cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The G12 with its bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF simpler and the Panasonic 3D1 will offer you extra detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs a bit more aggressively. The more aged G12 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.