Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony NEX-5R

Below, we are analyzing the Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony NEX-5R, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Sony. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the 3D1 (12MP) and NEX-5R (16MP) and the 3D1 (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) come with different sensor sizes.

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The 3D1 was unveiled 9 months before the NEX-5R and they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting through a more detailed comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the 3D1 scores vs the NEX-5R with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 and Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic 3D1 Gallery and Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera, you will have to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic 3D1 has physical 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 Sony NEX-5R has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony NEX-5R in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the 3D1 vs the NEX-5R.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the 3D1 and NEX-5R is 93 and 89 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to visualize the difference between sensor measurements purely by reviewing a spec sheet. The visual here may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the 3D1 and NEX-5R.

Clearly, the 2 cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The 3D1 having a tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh more difficult and the Sony NEX-5R will deliver greater detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop images much more aggressively. The older 3D1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.