Nikon S31 vs Panasonic 3D1

On this page, we are matching up the Nikon S31 and Panasonic 3D1, former being a Waterproof while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. The resolution of the S31 (10MP) and the 3D1 (12MP) is fairly well matched but the S31 (1/2.9") and 3D1 (1/2.3") boast different sensor measurements.

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The S31 was released 20 months later than the 3D1 making them a generation apart from one another. The two cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving straight to a full comparison, here is a quick summary of how the S31 scores vs the 3D1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix S31 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon S31 Gallery & Panasonic 3D1 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Nikon S31 has got outside measurements of 105mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.1" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 185 grams (0.41 lbs) while the Panasonic 3D1 has dimensions of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") with a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

See the Nikon S31 and Panasonic 3D1 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have at the time. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the S31 and the 3D1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S31 and 3D1 is 90 and 93 respectively.

Normally, it's difficult to imagine the difference between sensor measurements merely by checking technical specs. The visual here will help offer you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the S31 and 3D1.

As you can tell, both of those cameras have different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The S31 because of its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Panasonic 3D1 will give extra detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The fresher S31 provides an advantage in sensor technology.