Panasonic S1R vs Sony NEX-3

In this article, we will be reviewing the Panasonic S1R and Sony NEX-3, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Sony. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the S1R (47MP) and NEX-3 (14MP) and the S1R (Full frame) and NEX-3 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The S1R was launched 8 years later than the NEX-3 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic S1R being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the S1R grades vs the NEX-3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic S1R Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to carry your camera regularly, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic S1R has got outer dimensions of 149mm x 110mm x 97mm (5.9" x 4.3" x 3.8") with a weight of 1020 grams (2.25 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3 has dimensions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic S1R and Sony NEX-3 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you use during that time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the S1R and the NEX-3.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the S1R and NEX-3 is 54 and 89 respectively.

Usually, it is very hard to visualise the difference in sensor sizing purely by seeing technical specs. The visual underneath will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the S1R and NEX-3.

As you can tell, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The S1R featuring a bigger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field simpler and the Panasonic S1R will produce greater detail utilizing its extra 33MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop photographs far more aggressively. The younger S1R is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.