Panasonic FH3 vs Samsung NX1

Following is a comprehensive comparison of the Panasonic FH3 versus Samsung NX1, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Pro Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Samsung. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the FH3 (14MP) and NX1 (28MP) and the FH3 (1/2.3") and NX1 (APS-C) posses different sensor sizes.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The FH3 was announced 5 years earlier than the NX1 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FH3 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a short overview of how the FH3 scores versus the NX1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH3 and Samsung NX1. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FH3 Gallery and Samsung NX1 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FH3 features exterior dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 24mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs) and the Samsung NX1 has dimensions of 139mm x 102mm x 66mm (5.5" x 4.0" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FH3 versus Samsung NX1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you select at that moment. Following is a front view scale comparison of the FH3 and the NX1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FH3 and NX1 is 94 and 66 respectively.

More often than not, it's hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizes simply by reviewing specifications. The picture underneath may provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the FH3 and NX1.

To sum up, the two cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FH3 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Samsung NX1 will offer you more detail with its extra 14 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also enable you to crop images way more aggressively. The more aged FH3 is going to be behind in sensor tech.