Panasonic 3D1 vs Panasonic FS42

Here is a detailed analysis of the Panasonic 3D1 versus Panasonic FS42, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Ultracompact and both are built by Panasonic. The image resolution of the 3D1 (12MP) and the FS42 (10MP) is pretty similar but the 3D1 (1/2.3") and FS42 (1/2.5") posses different sensor sizes.

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The 3D1 was announced 2 years later than the FS42 and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before diving straight to a complete comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the 3D1 scores vs the FS42 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic 3D1 Gallery & Panasonic FS42 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic 3D1 offers physical measurements of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") with a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs) whilst the Panasonic FS42 has measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs).

Check the Panasonic 3D1 versus Panasonic FS42 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are using at that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the 3D1 compared to the FS42.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 3D1 and FS42 is 93 and 95 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizing only by reading a spec sheet. The photograph below may give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the 3D1 and FS42.

As you can see, both of those cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The 3D1 with its bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic 3D1 will offer you greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The newer 3D1 provides a benefit in sensor technology.