Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony W730

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Panasonic 3D1 and Sony W730, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the 3D1 (12MP) and W730 (16MP) but they come with the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The 3D1 was brought out 14 months earlier than the W730 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving through a full comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the 3D1 grades against the W730 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W730. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic 3D1 Gallery and Sony W730 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera regularly, you will have to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic 3D1 enjoys 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) and the Sony W730 has specifications of 93mm x 52mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.0" x 0.9") having a weight of 122 grams (0.27 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic 3D1 and Sony W730 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are using at that moment. Following is the front view scale comparison of the 3D1 vs the W730.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 3D1 and W730 is 93 and 96 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to picture the gap between sensor sizing simply by reading through specs. The visual below should offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the 3D1 and W730.

All in all, each of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different resolution. You should expect to see the Sony W730 to give greater detail having its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop photos a little more aggressively. The older 3D1 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.