Panasonic S1R vs Panasonic S3

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic S1R and Panasonic S3, former being a Pro Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are created by Panasonic. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the S1R (47MP) and S3 (14MP) and the S1R (Full frame) and S3 (1/2.3") posses different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The S1R was brought out 8 years later than the S3 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic S1R being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a complete comparison, here is a quick overview of how the S1R grades versus the S3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R & Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic S1R Gallery & Panasonic S3 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera, you are going to need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic S1R has outside dimensions of 149mm x 110mm x 97mm (5.9" x 4.3" x 3.8") with a weight of 1020 grams (2.25 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S3 has proportions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic S1R and Panasonic S3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you select at that time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the S1R against the S3.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S1R and S3 is 54 and 96 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to picture the gap between sensor sizing merely by looking at specifications. The graphic underneath will provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the S1R and S3.

To sum up, each of the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The S1R featuring a larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic S1R will give greater detail having its extra 33 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos more aggressively. The younger S1R provides a benefit when it comes to sensor tech.