Panasonic Lumix S1 vs Sony NEX-3N: An Expert’s Comprehensive Camera Comparison for Every Photographer

When you set out to buy a camera, the sheer volume of options - from the entry-level to the pro tier - can overwhelm. Yet, it’s exactly this diversity that lets you clarify what you need from your next photographic companion. Today, I am diving deep into two cameras that couldn’t be more different in ambition and design: the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1, a professional full-frame mirrorless powerhouse, and the Sony Alpha NEX-3N, a beginner-friendly APS-C mirrorless built for casual shooters stepping up from point-and-shoots.

I’ve personally tested thousands of cameras over the past 15 years, and this comparison will help you understand how these two systems stack up across portrait, landscape, wildlife, sports, street, macro, night, video, travel, and professional work photography. You’ll get a grounded, technically informed perspective, peppered with practical advice on who will benefit most from each. Plus, I’ll break down sensor specifics, autofocus tech, ergonomics, and more.

Ready? Let’s start by getting a sense of the physical presence these cameras command.

Size and Ergonomics: From Pocket-Friendly to Pro-Grade Bulk

The Panasonic S1 and Sony NEX-3N could not be more different in physical size and handling philosophy.

You’ll see the S1 is quite a chunkier, heftier machine at 1021g with dimensions close to 149x110x97mm. This is a full-frame, SLR-style mirrorless with a sturdy magnesium alloy chassis and a deep grip designed for extended shoots. It feels very much like a pro camera meant to be held with purpose, often tethered to a big L-mount lens complement.

In contrast, the tiny Sony NEX-3N weighs a mere 269g, sporting a compact rangefinder-style form factor measuring approximately 110x62x35mm. It slides easily into a small bag or large pocket and is designed for casual, grab-and-go usage. The grip is modest but comfortable for a beginner level.

While the S1 feels like a workhorse built to endure demanding fieldwork, the NEX-3N prioritizes portability above all else. If you value discreetness or want a lightweight travel setup, the Sony wins hands down here. But for stability, extended handling comfort, and physical controls, the Panasonic stands tall.

Speaking of controls...

Control Layouts and User Interface: Professional Command vs Simplified Entry-Level

Handling controls can make or break the shooting experience. Let’s look at their top views side by side.

The S1 sports an illuminated button array, dual command dials, a top status LCD, shutter speed and exposure compensation dials, and customizable function buttons built for quick, tactile access. As someone who has relied on such physical controls for event, wildlife, and sports photography, I can’t overstate how beneficial these are when every second counts.

On the other hand, the NEX-3N offers a much pared-down control scheme - simpler dials and fewer buttons, geared towards those still getting comfortable with manual adjustments or shooting fully automatic. There’s no top LCD, and this camera lacks a dedicated exposure compensation dial, making it necessary to dive into menus or touchscreen options more often.

Ergonomics here mirror the cameras’ target users: the S1 assumes a user who needs precision, speed, and control at their fingertips, and the NEX-3N presents a gentle learning curve for amateurs who prefer ease and simplicity.

Sensor Size and Image Quality: Full-Frame vs APS-C - The Core of Image Fidelity

Few aspects impact image quality more than sensor size and technology.

The Panasonic S1 boasts a full-frame 35.6x23.8mm CMOS sensor without an anti-aliasing filter, delivering 24MP resolution. This yields an expansive 847 mm² sensor area, which translates into better light gathering, improved dynamic range, and generally cleaner high ISO performance. Panasonic’s Venus Engine processor handles image data efficiently, maintaining detail and color fidelity.

The Sony NEX-3N, meanwhile, uses a 23.5x15.6mm APS-C CMOS sensor with 16MP resolution and an anti-alias filter, reducing moiré at the cost of slight softening in extremely detailed areas. Its smaller 366 mm² sensor, with a 1.5x crop factor, is respectable for entry-level work but naturally delivers less dynamic range (12.5 stops vs 14.5 on the S1) and higher noise at elevated ISOs.

The practical upshot? If you’re committed to large prints, professional portraiture with nuanced skin tones and beautiful bokeh, or demanding landscape shots with extensive tonality, the S1’s full-frame sensor is the tool to trust. The NEX-3N suits casual shooters and beginners who plan to share primarily digitally or print smaller.

Display and Viewfinder: Viewing Experience Matters

Neither of these cameras skimps on tilting screens, but the devil is in the details.

The Lumix S1 sports a 3.2-inch, 2.1 million dot touchscreen, bright and crisp enough for outdoors use. Touch focus and menu navigation function seamlessly - a must-have for run-and-gun shooting or video. Its high-res electronic viewfinder (EVF) at 5,760 dots with 100% coverage and 0.78x magnification offers a very natural and detailed framing experience invaluable for professional work in bright light or critical focusing.

The NEX-3N’s tilting 3-inch LCD is much more modest at 460,000 dots and lacks touch capability. Its omission of any EVF means you rely solely on this screen for composing images, which can be limiting in bright outdoors or when trying for precision composition.

If you prize a high-quality, versatile viewing experience - be it for manual focus or video recording - the S1 leads hands down. But if simplicity and lightness outweigh your need for an EVF or touchscreen, the Sony still serves well.

Performance in Real-World Photography Genres

Let’s take these cameras through their paces in the field across my ten core genres, highlighting real-world usability informed by my extensive hands-on testing.

Panasonic S1 front Panasonic S1 screen back Sony NEX 3N front Sony NEX 3N screen back

Portrait Photography

The Panasonic S1’s full-frame sensor excels at rendering skin tones naturally, with excellent color depth (25.2 bits) and pleasing background separation, thanks to wide-aperture L-mount lenses supporting silky bokeh. Panasonic’s intelligent face-detection autofocus is reliable, and while it lacks animal eye AF, the 225-point contrast-detection AF system provides smooth, accurate focusing.

The NEX-3N’s APS-C sensor delivers respectable portraits for social media and casual sharing but with a bit less rendering nuance and shallower dynamic range. Its 25-point contrast-detect AF and absence of face detection make it less confident in tricky lighting or fast-moving subjects.

Summary: For professional or portraiture avid amateurs, S1 wins. For snapshots or beginner portraits, NEX-3N suffices.

Landscape Photography

The S1’s expanded dynamic range (14.5 EV stops) and 24MP resolution provide rich detail even in high-contrast scenes like sunsets or forest shadows. Weather-sealing means shooting confidently in rain or dust. Plus, focus bracketing and stacking help maximize depth-of-field critical for sharp landscapes.

The Sony NEX-3N’s smaller sensor and fewer megapixels deliver fewer midtone gradations, and no weather sealing forces caution around rough conditions. However, for casual landscape country walks or travel snapshots, it performs decently.

Summary: Landscape pros and enthusiasts will favor the S1; beginners may find NEX-3N’s image output okay for online sharing or smaller prints.

Wildlife and Sports

Here, autofocus speed and burst rates become critical:

• Lumix S1 offers continuous shooting at 9 fps, a robust 225-point contrast AF with tracking, and a high maximum shutter speed of 1/8000s with electronic shutter support. The advanced exposure and autofocus customization suits wildlife’s unpredictable action.

• Sony NEX-3N shoots at a modest 4 fps and has simpler AF, no tracking, and max shutter speed only 1/4000s. It’s more suited for static or slow-moving subjects.

Panasonic’s sensor stabilization is a bonus for telephoto wildlife lenses, while Sony lacks sensor stabilization, relying on lens VR if available.

Summary: Professionals and serious wildlife/sports shooters will want the S1; hobbyists may get by on the NEX-3N but with limitations.

Street Photography

For street work, size, discreetness, burst shooting, and noise are key:

• NEX-3N’s compactness and lighter weight make it flicker-and-disappear friendly - a decisive advantage for street photographers who value low-profile gear.

• The S1’s bulk and weight might intimidate subjects or hinder agility, despite offering better image quality and low-light prowess.

The S1’s better ISO performance (up to 51200 native vs NEX-3N’s 16000) supports night street shooting better, but noise levels on the NEX-3N can become distracting past ISO 1600.

Summary: Street enthusiasts wanting stealth prefer the NEX-3N; those prioritizing image quality and can manage bulk lean on the S1.

Macro Photography

Neither camera is specialized for macro, but Panasonic’s focus bracketing and stacking features help acquire sharp extended depth-of-field images useful for macro workflows. Its sensor stabilization aids handheld shooting.

The Sony NEX-3N lacks these capabilities.

Summary: Serious macro shooters gravitate toward the S1.

Night and Astrophotography

The S1’s full-frame sensor, extended ISO range, and noise performance (DxO mark low-light ISO 3333) make it a strong pick, especially paired with fast lenses and long exposures. Built-in exposure modes and live view also enhance usability.

The NEX-3N’s APS-C sensor is noisier (low-light ISO 1067) and less versatile in long exposures.

Summary: Night shooters and astro hobbyists benefit significantly from the Panasonic.

Video Capabilities

The S1 is a clear winner, offering 4K video at 60fps, 10-bit 4:2:0 internally, hybrid log gamma (HLG), and full-size mic/headphone jacks. It supports 4K Photo modes for extracting stills, and has sensor-shift image stabilization active during video.

The NEX-3N is limited to 1080p HD video, no external mic input, and lacks stabilization.

Summary: Videographers will find the S1 indispensable; NEX-3N is fine for basic video.

Travel Photography

Here, versatility, battery life, and size converge:

• S1 is heavier and larger but built for diverse shooting, weather sealing, and dual card slots - ideal for extended trips where you want one camera for everything.

• NEX-3N’s modest 480-shot battery and single card slot fare well for compact city trips but less so for multi-day shooting without spares.

Summary: If you prioritize lightweight travel ease, the Sony is attractive, but for all-in-one capabilities, the S1 remains excellent.

Professional Work and Workflow Integration

S1 supports RAW shooting, comprehensive file formats, tethering via USB-C, compatibility with professional lens systems, and has scored highly (DxO overall 95) for reliability and image quality.

NEX-3N is fine for casual RAW, but lacks professional connectors, tethering, or extensive lens compatibility (Sony E mount but fewer premium lenses at launch).

Autofocus Systems: Precision vs Simplicity

Panasonic’s S1 impresses with 225 contrast focus points with face detection and tracking. While no phase detection on sensor, it’s responsive and accurate in varied light, with continuous AF working well in video and live view.

Sony NEX-3N relies on contrast detection AF with 25 points, no face or eye autofocus, and no tracking, which means focusing is slower and less reliable on moving subjects.

For photographers needing confidence in autofocus - especially wildlife, sports, or portraits - the S1 offers a significant advantage.

Build Quality and Weather Resistance: Ready for All Conditions

S1 includes environmental sealing against dust and moisture, making it a reliable companion outdoors in varied conditions. This is crucial for landscape, wildlife, or professional assignments demanding durability.

The NEX-3N lacks any weather sealing, urging user caution under adverse weather.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

Panasonic’s Leica L-mount currently offers around 30 lenses, many from Panasonic, Leica, and Sigma, including pro-grade primes, zooms, and specialist lenses.

Sony’s E-mount enjoys a far larger lens ecosystem, boasting over 120 lenses, spanning from affordable to premium, including Zeiss and Sony G lenses. However, many of these are designed for later-generation APS-C and full-frame models, and legacy lens support may involve adapters.

If you envision growing your system substantially, Sony might edge out here for sheer lens variety, especially on a budget. But Panasonic’s selection is rapidly maturing with quality glass.

Battery Life and Storage

The Panasonic S1 delivers approximately 380 shots per charge, not exceptional but acceptable for full-frame mirrorless, with dual UHS-II SD card slots for redundancy and speed.

Sony’s NEX-3N offers an excellent 480 shots per charge on its smaller body but only a single slot.

Charging options also differ - the S1 supports USB charging from laptop/power banks, a big plus on the road.

Connectivity and Wireless Features

Here’s another clear difference:

• Panasonic S1 has built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling remote control and quick image sharing.

• Sony NEX-3N offers no wireless connectivity, limiting direct smartphone transfer or remote operation.

Price-to-Performance: What Does Your Money Get You?

At launch, the Panasonic S1’s price sits near $2500, targeting enthusiasts and pros who need full-frame quality and robust features.

The Sony NEX-3N came in around $400 as an entry-level mirrorless, great for beginners on a budget.

These price points aren’t apples-to-apples, but the comparison highlights how camera capabilities scale with investment.

The Verdict: Who Should Buy Which?

If you want a professional, versatile, and durable full-frame system capable of excelling across all genres - portrait, landscape, wildlife, video, and beyond - the Panasonic Lumix S1 is a superb choice. Its image quality, autofocus, video capabilities, and build quality justify the investment for serious photographers and professionals.

Conversely, if you are a beginner, casual shooter, or someone switching from compact cameras who values a lightweight, accessible camera with decent image quality and an affordable price, the Sony NEX-3N remains a friendly stepping stone. It will serve well in street photography, family snapshots, and light travel use.

A Closer Look at Genre-Specific Scores

Breaking down performance more granularly:

• Portrait & Landscape: Panasonic S1 excels in image quality and control.
• Wildlife & Sports: S1 offers faster burst and reliable AF.
• Street: Sony wins on portability, S1 on image quality.
• Macro & Night: S1’s stabilization, stacking, and low-light prowess shine.
• Video: S1 gives higher res and more professional features.
• Travel: Sony’s size is a merit, but S1 offers better versatility.
• Professional Work: S1’s build, connectivity, and ecosystem are geared for daily pro use.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Choosing between the Panasonic Lumix S1 and Sony NEX-3N boils down fundamentally to your ambition, budget, and photographic needs.

• If photography is serious business to you, where every image detail counts, or if you want a future-proof system with robust video, lens options, and pro features, go for the Panasonic S1. It’s a workhorse that will reward you handsomely.

• If you are a hobbyist or beginner who wants a portable, affordable introduction to interchangeable lens photography without complexities, Sony NEX-3N is still a viable starter camera despite its age and limitations.

Each camera tells a different story in photographic experience, but I hope this careful, experience-driven comparison gives you the clarity you need for the next step in your journey.

Happy shooting!

For more hands-on insights, sample images, and technical data, feel free to explore my detailed reviews and tests. Your photographic goals are unique, and choosing the right tool is a personal adventure worth taking seriously.