Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony NEX-5N

In this article, we are matching up the Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony NEX-5N, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Panasonic and Sony. There exists a huge gap among the sensor resolutions of the 3D1 (12MP) and NEX-5N (16MP) and the 3D1 (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The 3D1 was revealed 2 months later than the NEX-5N and they are both of a similar generation. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight into a full comparison, below is a brief overview of how the 3D1 matches up vs the NEX-5N in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic 3D1 Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic 3D1 comes with outer dimensions of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") and a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5N has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony NEX-5N in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select at that time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the 3D1 against the NEX-5N.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 3D1 and NEX-5N is 93 and 89 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to visualise the gap in sensor measurements purely by looking through a spec sheet. The visual underneath should offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the 3D1 and NEX-5N.

As you can see, each of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The 3D1 having a smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Sony NEX-5N will result in greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos a little more aggressively.