Nikon S32 vs Panasonic 3D1

Below is a extended assessment of the Nikon S32 versus Panasonic 3D1, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. The resolution of the S32 (13MP) and the 3D1 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the S32 (1/3") and 3D1 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The S32 was revealed 2 years later than the 3D1 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before going into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick summary of how the S32 scores against the 3D1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix S32 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon S32 Gallery and Panasonic 3D1 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera, you should consider its weight and volume. The Nikon S32 comes with physical dimensions of 108mm x 66mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.6") accompanied by a weight of 175 grams (0.39 lbs) while the Panasonic 3D1 has sizing of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") having a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Check the Nikon S32 versus Panasonic 3D1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you use at that time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the S32 versus the 3D1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S32 and 3D1 is 90 and 93 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to visualise the gap between sensor measurements merely by reading through specifications. The visual here should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the S32 and 3D1.

Plainly, the 2 cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The S32 using its tinier sensor will make getting shallow depth of field trickier and the Nikon S32 will resolve greater detail because of its extra 1 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The fresher S32 will have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.