Panasonic S3 vs Sony NEX-5R

Its time to take a deeper look at the Panasonic S3 versus Sony NEX-5R, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the S3 (14MP) and the NEX-5R (16MP) is relatively comparable but the S3 (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) have different sensor sizing.

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The S3 was announced 20 months prior to the NEX-5R which makes them a generation away from one another. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving right into a detailed comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the S3 grades versus the NEX-5R in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 and Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic S3 Gallery and Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic S3 enjoys outside dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5R has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Check the Panasonic S3 versus Sony NEX-5R in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you use at that time. Following is a front view proportions comparison of the S3 versus the NEX-5R.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S3 and NEX-5R is 96 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to imagine the difference in sensor sizes only by going through a spec sheet. The image underneath might offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the S3 and NEX-5R.

As you can see, both of the cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The S3 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Sony NEX-5R will show extra detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs more aggressively. The more aged S3 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.