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Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony S980

Portability
93
Imaging
36
Features
36
Overall
36
Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 front
 
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 front
Portability
94
Imaging
34
Features
17
Overall
27

Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony S980 Key Specs

Panasonic 3D1
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3.5" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 25-100mm (F3.9-5.7) lens
  • 193g - 108 x 58 x 24mm
  • Released November 2011
Sony S980
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 3200
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 33-132mm (F3.3-5.2) lens
  • 167g - 93 x 56 x 24mm
  • Introduced February 2009
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Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony S980 Overview

The following is a extended review of the Panasonic 3D1 and Sony S980, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the 3D1 (12MP) and the S980 (12MP) is relatively well matched and they possess the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The 3D1 was brought out 2 years after the S980 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the 3D1 scores against the S980 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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Reasons to pick Panasonic 3D1 over the Sony S980

 3D1 S980 
IntroducedNovember 2011February 2009Newer by 34 months
Screen sizing3.5"2.7"Bigger screen (+0.8")
Screen resolution460k230kSharper screen (+230k dot)
Touch friendly screen Quickly navigate

Reasons to pick Sony S980 over the Panasonic 3D1

 S980 3D1 
Focus manually Very exact focusing

Common features in the Panasonic 3D1 and Sony S980

 3D1 S980 
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Selfie screen Lack of selfie screen

Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony S980 Physical Comparison

When you are intending to travel with your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic 3D1 features outer measurements of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") along with a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs) while the Sony S980 has dimensions of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic 3D1 and Sony S980 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilising during that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the 3D1 compared to the S980.

Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony S980 size comparison

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the 3D1 and S980 is 93 and 94 respectively.

Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony S980 top view buttons comparison

Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony S980 Sensor Comparison

Quite often, it is very hard to envision the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by checking a spec sheet. The picture here may give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the 3D1 and S980.

Clearly, the two cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing and the same MP therefore you should expect similar quality of files however you will need to consider the production date of the products into consideration. The more modern 3D1 will have an edge with regard to sensor technology.

Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony S980 sensor size comparison

Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony S980 Screen and ViewFinder

Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony S980 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Panasonic 3D1 Portrait photography highlights
Sony S980 Portrait photography highlights
27
supports face detection focusing
lack of manual focus
lack of manual mode
no external flash support
low resolution (12 megapixels)
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
no RAW files
27
manual focus
lack of manual mode
no external flash support
megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
has no RAW files
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Street Comparison

Panasonic 3D1 Street photography factors
Sony S980 Street photography factors
61
has image stabilization (Optical)
includes focus via touch
no moving screen
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
no RAW files
47
fixed screen
does not have image stabilization
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
has no RAW files
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Sports Comparison

Panasonic 3D1 Sports photography highlights
Sony S980 Sports photography highlights
30
has image stabilization (Optical)
supports tracking autofocus
maximum shutter speed is a little low (1/1,300 seconds)
no shutter priority mode
low resolution (12 megapixels)
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
low battery power (200 per charge)
no phase detect AF
17
slow continuous shooting (1.0 frames per second)
no shutter priority
does not have image stabilization
megapixel count low (12MP)
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
has no phase detect autofocus
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Travel Comparison

Panasonic 3D1 Travel photography features
Sony S980 Travel photography features
59
includes focus via touch
flash built-in
relatively wide (25mm)
no Time Lapse recording
low battery power (200 per charge)
low resolution (12MP)
doesn't have a selfie friendly display
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.9)
51
flash built-in
does not have Time Lapse mode
megapixel count low (12MP)
screen isn't selfie friendly
wide angle not great (33mm)
slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
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Landscape Comparison

Landscape photography with Panasonic 3D1
Landscape photography with Sony S980
36
relatively wide (25mm)
screen larger than average (3.5 inch)
has image stabilization (Optical)
lack of manual focus
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.9)
lack of manual mode
low resolution (12MP)
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
no RAW files
low battery power (200 per charge)
no Time Lapse recording
27
manual focus
lens is fixed (fixed lens mount)
wide angle not great (33mm)
slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
screen is somewhat small (2.7 inch)
lack of manual mode
does not have image stabilization
megapixel count low (12 megapixels)
tiny sensor (1/2.3")
has no RAW files
does not have Time Lapse mode
Photography Glossary

Vlogging Comparison

Panasonic 3D1 as a Vlogging camera
Sony S980 as a Vlogging camera
34
relatively wide (25mm)
touchscreen functionality
has image stabilization (Optical)
supports face detection focusing
high quality video (1920 x 1080 resolution)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.9)
doesn't have a selfie friendly display
no external mic support
22
wide angle not great (33mm)
slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
screen isn't selfie friendly
does not have image stabilization
low quality video (1280 x 720 resolution)
does not have mic socket
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Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony S980 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Panasonic 3D1 and Sony S980
 Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980
General Information
Brand Name Panasonic Sony
Model Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980
Class Small Sensor Compact Small Sensor Compact
Released 2011-11-07 2009-02-17
Physical type Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type CMOS CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 6.17 x 4.55mm 6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor area 28.1mm² 28.1mm²
Sensor resolution 12 megapixels 12 megapixels
Anti aliasing filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Highest Possible resolution 4000 x 3000 4000 x 3000
Maximum native ISO 6400 3200
Lowest native ISO 100 80
RAW pictures
Autofocusing
Manual focus
AF touch
Continuous AF
Single AF
AF tracking
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
AF multi area
AF live view
Face detection AF
Contract detection AF
Phase detection AF
Number of focus points 23 9
Lens
Lens mount fixed lens fixed lens
Lens focal range 25-100mm (4.0x) 33-132mm (4.0x)
Maximal aperture f/3.9-5.7 f/3.3-5.2
Macro focus range 5cm 10cm
Focal length multiplier 5.8 5.8
Screen
Type of screen Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen diagonal 3.5 inch 2.7 inch
Screen resolution 460 thousand dots 230 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch operation
Screen technology TFT Full Touch Screen with AR coating -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None None
Features
Min shutter speed 60 seconds 2 seconds
Max shutter speed 1/1300 seconds 1/1600 seconds
Continuous shutter rate - 1.0 frames per second
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Change WB
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash range 3.50 m 3.50 m
Flash options Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment exposure
Average exposure
Spot exposure
Partial exposure
AF area exposure
Center weighted exposure
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1920 x 1080 (60, 30 fps), 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps) 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps)
Maximum video resolution 1920x1080 1280x720
Video file format MPEG-4, AVCHD, Motion JPEG Motion JPEG
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless None None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proof
Dust proof
Shock proof
Crush proof
Freeze proof
Weight 193 gr (0.43 lbs) 167 gr (0.37 lbs)
Dimensions 108 x 58 x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") 93 x 56 x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9")
DXO scores
DXO Overall score not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth score not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range score not tested not tested
DXO Low light score not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 200 pictures -
Form of battery Battery Pack -
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 sec) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse feature
Storage type SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo, Internal
Card slots One One
Pricing at release $670 $300