Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony QX1

In this write-up, we will be matching up the Panasonic 3D1 versus Sony QX1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Lens-style by brands Panasonic and Sony. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the 3D1 (12MP) and QX1 (20MP) and the 3D1 (1/2.3") and QX1 (APS-C) use different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The 3D1 was announced 3 years earlier than the QX1 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera and the Sony QX1 being a Lens-style camera.

Before diving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a short overview of how the 3D1 scores vs the QX1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 and Sony Alpha QX1. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic 3D1 Gallery and Sony QX1 Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic 3D1 has external dimensions of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") with a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs) while the Sony QX1 has proportions of 74mm x 70mm x 53mm (2.9" x 2.8" x 2.1") having a weight of 216 grams (0.48 lbs).

See the Panasonic 3D1 versus Sony QX1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the 3D1 and the QX1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the 3D1 and QX1 is 93 and 90 respectively.

Often, its tough to imagine the difference between sensor measurements just by reviewing specs. The graphic underneath might provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the 3D1 and QX1.

All in all, both of the cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The 3D1 with its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Sony QX1 will offer you extra detail with its extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures far more aggressively. The older 3D1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.