Panasonic L1 vs Panasonic S3

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Panasonic L1 and Panasonic S3, one is a Advanced DSLR and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both designed by Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap among the resolutions of the L1 (7MP) and S3 (14MP) and the L1 (Four Thirds) and S3 (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizing.

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The L1 was manufactured 4 years earlier than the S3 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic L1 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera.

Before we go right into a in depth comparison, here is a short summary of how the L1 grades against the S3 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic L1 Gallery and Panasonic S3 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera, you'll need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic L1 features outer measurements of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) while the Panasonic S3 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic L1 and Panasonic S3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the L1 versus the S3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the L1 and S3 is 65 and 96 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to imagine the gap in sensor sizes merely by viewing specifications. The picture here should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the L1 and S3.

To sum up, both of these cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The L1 due to its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic S3 will provide you with extra detail due to its extra 7MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots way more aggressively. The more aged L1 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.