Panasonic S3 vs Sony HX1

Here is a thorough overview of the Panasonic S3 and Sony HX1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Panasonic and Sony. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the S3 (14MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the S3 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") boast totally different sensor dimensions.

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The S3 was launched 21 months later than the HX1 which makes them a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going into a in depth comparison, here is a quick overview of how the S3 scores vs the HX1 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic S3 Gallery and Sony HX1 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera often, you need to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic S3 features physical dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") having a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs) whilst the Sony HX1 has sizing of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") along with a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic S3 and Sony HX1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at that time. Following is a front view size comparison of the S3 vs the HX1.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the S3 and HX1 is 96 and 67 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizing simply by researching specs. The graphic underneath might give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the S3 and HX1.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The S3 because of its bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic S3 will result in extra detail utilizing its extra 5 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more modern S3 is going to have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.