Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony A58

Here is a in depth review of the Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony A58, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Sony. There exists a sizable gap between the resolutions of the 3D1 (12MP) and A58 (20MP) and the 3D1 (1/2.3") and A58 (APS-C) have totally different sensor sizing.

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The 3D1 was brought out 3 years earlier than the A58 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic 3D1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A58 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going straight to a thorough comparison, here is a simple overview of how the 3D1 grades against the A58 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-3D1 & Sony SLT-A58. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic 3D1 Gallery & Sony A58 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera frequently, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic 3D1 features 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 A58 has sizing of 129mm x 95mm x 78mm (5.1" x 3.7" x 3.1") and a weight of 492 grams (1.08 lbs).

See the Panasonic 3D1 vs Sony A58 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the 3D1 and the A58.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 3D1 and A58 is 93 and 68 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizing merely by reviewing technical specs. The graphic below may give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the 3D1 and A58.

As you have seen, both the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The 3D1 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Sony A58 will deliver more detail having its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The older 3D1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.