Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony A500

Let's take a closer look at the Panasonic 3D1 versus Sony A500, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the 3D1 (12MP) and the A500 (12MP) is pretty comparable but the 3D1 (1/2.3") and A500 (APS-C) offer different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The 3D1 was unveiled 2 years later than the A500 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before diving straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise summation of how the 3D1 matches up versus the A500 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The full galleries are available at Panasonic 3D1 Gallery and Sony A500 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic 3D1 features outside measurements of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") along with a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs) whilst the Sony A500 has specifications of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") and a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic 3D1 versus Sony A500 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose during that time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the 3D1 compared to the A500.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the 3D1 and A500 is 93 and 63 respectively.

Usually, its tough to picture the contrast in sensor sizing merely by going through specs. The graphic below will help offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the 3D1 and A500.

All in all, each of these cameras come with the identical resolution albeit different sensor sizing. The 3D1 includes the smaller sensor which is going to make obtaining shallow depth of field trickier. The younger 3D1 should have an edge in sensor technology.