Panasonic FS15 vs Sony NEX-3

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Panasonic FS15 and Sony NEX-3, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the FS15 (12MP) and the NEX-3 (14MP) is pretty comparable but the FS15 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FS15 was revealed 16 months prior to the NEX-3 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FS15 being a Ultracompact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going right into a in-depth comparison, here is a short overview of how the FS15 matches up vs the NEX-3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS15 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FS15 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera, you should think about its weight and size. The Panasonic FS15 provides outer dimensions of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") and a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) and the Sony NEX-3 has specifications of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FS15 and Sony NEX-3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have attached during that time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the FS15 and the NEX-3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the FS15 and NEX-3 is 95 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to see the gap in sensor measurements simply by going through specs. The photograph below might provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the FS15 and NEX-3.

All in all, both of the cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FS15 having a smaller sensor will make achieving bokeh harder and the Sony NEX-3 will produce extra detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop photographs way more aggressively. The older FS15 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.