Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony A230

Here is a thorough assessment of the Panasonic 3D1 versus Sony A230, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the 3D1 (12MP) and the A230 (10MP) is very close but the 3D1 (1/2.3") and A230 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The 3D1 was introduced 2 years later than the A230 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A230 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving into a full comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the 3D1 matches up versus the A230 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic 3D1 Gallery and Sony A230 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you'll have to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic 3D1 features external dimensions of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") and a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs) whilst the Sony A230 has specifications of 128mm x 97mm x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") accompanied by a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic 3D1 versus Sony A230 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached during that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the 3D1 and the A230.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 3D1 and A230 is 93 and 69 respectively.

Typically, it is tough to visualise the difference in sensor sizing purely by viewing specifications. The visual here will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the 3D1 and A230.

Plainly, each of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The 3D1 with its smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Panasonic 3D1 will render greater detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The newer 3D1 is going to have an advantage in sensor technology.