Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony NEX-5T

Here is a extended overview of the Panasonic 3D1 versus Sony NEX-5T, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a considerable difference between the image resolutions of the 3D1 (12MP) and NEX-5T (16MP) and the 3D1 (1/2.3") and NEX-5T (APS-C) boast totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The 3D1 was introduced 21 months earlier than the NEX-5T which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5T being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving into a in-depth comparison, here is a short summary of how the 3D1 matches up against the NEX-5T with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 & Sony Alpha NEX-5T. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic 3D1 Gallery & Sony NEX-5T Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera often, you are going to need to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic 3D1 enjoys external measurements of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") with a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5T has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic 3D1 versus Sony NEX-5T in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you select during that time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the 3D1 and the NEX-5T.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the 3D1 and NEX-5T is 93 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to envision the difference between sensor sizing just by going over a spec sheet. The visual here may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the 3D1 and NEX-5T.

Clearly, both of the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The 3D1 with its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF more difficult and the Sony NEX-5T will deliver greater detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The older 3D1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.