Panasonic S3 vs Ricoh GR Digital IV

Lets look a little more closely at the Panasonic S3 and Ricoh GR Digital IV, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by rivals Panasonic and Ricoh. There is a significant difference between the resolutions of the S3 (14MP) and GR Digital IV (10MP) and the S3 (1/2.3") and GR Digital IV (1/1.7") feature different sensor sizing.

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The S3 was unveiled 8 months earlier than the GR Digital IV and they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise overview of how the S3 matches up against the GR Digital IV for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 and Ricoh GR Digital IV. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic S3 Gallery and Ricoh GR Digital IV Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic S3 enjoys physical dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs) whilst the Ricoh GR Digital IV has dimensions of 109mm x 59mm x 33mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 190 grams (0.42 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic S3 and Ricoh GR Digital IV in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use at that moment. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the S3 compared to the GR Digital IV.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the S3 and GR Digital IV is 96 and 92 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to visualize the difference between sensor measurements merely by going over specs. The visual underneath will help provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the S3 and GR Digital IV.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The S3 with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic S3 will deliver greater detail having an extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop pics much more aggressively. The older S3 is going to be behind in sensor technology.