Panasonic 3D1 vs Panasonic ZS100

On this page, we will be analyzing the Panasonic 3D1 versus Panasonic ZS100, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and they are both manufactured by Panasonic. There exists a significant gap between the resolutions of the 3D1 (12MP) and ZS100 (20MP) and the 3D1 (1/2.3") and ZS100 (1") provide totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The 3D1 was unveiled 5 years earlier than the ZS100 and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise summation of how the 3D1 matches up vs the ZS100 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic 3D1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic 3D1 has got outside dimensions of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") having a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS100 has measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

See the Panasonic 3D1 versus Panasonic ZS100 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you select during that time. Below is a front view dimension comparison of the 3D1 vs the ZS100.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 3D1 and ZS100 is 93 and 87 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to visualise the difference between sensor measurements just by reading through a spec sheet. The graphic below may provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the 3D1 and ZS100.

Clearly, each of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The 3D1 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Panasonic ZS100 will give you more detail having an extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The older 3D1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.