Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony A33

In this article, we are comparing the Panasonic 3D1 versus Sony A33, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the 3D1 (12MP) and the A33 (14MP) is very close but the 3D1 (1/2.3") and A33 (APS-C) possess different sensor dimensions.

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The 3D1 was manufactured 15 months later than the A33 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A33 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going in to a detailed comparison, below is a brief view of how the 3D1 scores vs the A33 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 and Sony SLT-A33. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic 3D1 Gallery and Sony A33 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera often, you need to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic 3D1 has got outside dimensions of 108mm x 58mm x 24mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs) whilst the Sony A33 has specifications of 124mm x 92mm x 85mm (4.9" x 3.6" x 3.3") along with a weight of 500 grams (1.10 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic 3D1 versus Sony A33 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the 3D1 against the A33.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 3D1 and A33 is 93 and 67 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to imagine the gap in sensor measurements merely by viewing technical specs. The photograph below will offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the 3D1 and A33.

As you have seen, both of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The 3D1 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Sony A33 will render greater detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop images a little more aggressively. The younger 3D1 should have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.