Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony RX100 III

Following is a thorough comparison of the Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony RX100 III, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the 3D1 (12MP) and RX100 III (20MP) and the 3D1 (1/2.3") and RX100 III (1") come with totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The 3D1 was unveiled 3 years prior to the RX100 III which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 III being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the 3D1 scores against the RX100 III when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 III. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic 3D1 Gallery and Sony RX100 III Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera often, you should consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic 3D1 has outer dimensions of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") along with a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs) whilst the Sony RX100 III has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") having a weight of 290 grams (0.64 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony RX100 III in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at the time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the 3D1 versus the RX100 III.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the 3D1 and RX100 III is 93 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to see the difference in sensor sizes only by looking through technical specs. The picture here may give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the 3D1 and RX100 III.

As you can tell, the two cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The 3D1 having a smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Sony RX100 III will provide you with extra detail having an extra 8 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures much more aggressively. The more aged 3D1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.