Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony RX10 IV

Below, we are looking at the Panasonic 3D1 and Sony RX10 IV, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom by companies Panasonic and Sony. There is a big difference among the resolutions of the 3D1 (12MP) and RX10 IV (20MP) and the 3D1 (1/2.3") and RX10 IV (1") enjoy different sensor sizing.

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The 3D1 was unveiled 6 years earlier than the RX10 IV and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 IV being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving in to a thorough comparison, below is a brief view of how the 3D1 matches up versus the RX10 IV in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 IV. The full galleries are available at Panasonic 3D1 Gallery and Sony RX10 IV Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic 3D1 offers outer dimensions of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") with a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs) and the Sony RX10 IV has specifications of 133mm x 94mm x 145mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 5.7") with a weight of 1095 grams (2.41 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic 3D1 and Sony RX10 IV in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose during that time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the 3D1 against the RX10 IV.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the 3D1 and RX10 IV is 93 and 52 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to picture the gap in sensor sizing simply by looking through a spec sheet. The graphic here may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the 3D1 and RX10 IV.

Clearly, both cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The 3D1 with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Sony RX10 IV will result in extra detail having an extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The older 3D1 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.