Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony HX1

Below is a in depth assessment of the Panasonic 3D1 versus Sony HX1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Panasonic and Sony. There exists a huge gap among the sensor resolutions of the 3D1 (12MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the 3D1 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") possess totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The 3D1 was released 2 years later than the HX1 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the 3D1 scores against the HX1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic 3D1 Gallery and Sony HX1 Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic 3D1 features outside dimensions of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") having a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs) while the Sony HX1 has sizing of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") with a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic 3D1 versus Sony HX1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Below is the front view size comparison of the 3D1 against the HX1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 3D1 and HX1 is 93 and 67 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to envision the gap in sensor measurements only by looking through specs. The graphic here will help provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the 3D1 and HX1.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The 3D1 featuring a bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic 3D1 will provide you with extra detail as a result of its extra 3 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots a little more aggressively. The fresher 3D1 will have an edge in sensor tech.