Panasonic S5 vs Panasonic 3D1

Following is a in depth overview of the Panasonic S5 versus Panasonic 3D1, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both sold by Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the S5 (24MP) and 3D1 (12MP) and the S5 (Full frame) and 3D1 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The S5 was launched 8 years after the 3D1 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic S5 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera.

Before getting into a in depth comparison, here is a short summation of how the S5 scores vs the 3D1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DC-S5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic S5 Gallery and Panasonic 3D1 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera frequently, you will have to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic S5 has got physical measurements of 133mm x 97mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") and a weight of 714 grams (1.57 lbs) and the Panasonic 3D1 has specifications of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Check the Panasonic S5 versus Panasonic 3D1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the S5 against the 3D1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S5 and 3D1 is 60 and 93 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizes only by reading a spec sheet. The image here should provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the S5 and 3D1.

As you can see, both cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The S5 because of its larger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic S5 will offer extra detail utilizing its extra 12 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics more aggressively. The more recent S5 will have an edge in sensor technology.