Panasonic S3 vs Sony HX100V

Lets take a more detailed look at the Panasonic S3 vs Sony HX100V, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the S3 (14MP) and the HX100V (16MP) is relatively well matched and they come with the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The S3 was brought out 9 months earlier than the HX100V and they are both of a similar age. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX100V being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going through a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick highlight of how the S3 scores versus the HX100V with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX100V. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic S3 Gallery & Sony HX100V Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera, you should take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic S3 provides external dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Sony HX100V has sizing of 122mm x 87mm x 93mm (4.8" x 3.4" x 3.7") with a weight of 577 grams (1.27 lbs).

See the Panasonic S3 vs Sony HX100V in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have at that moment. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the S3 vs the HX100V.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the S3 and HX100V is 96 and 66 respectively.

In many cases, it is difficult to see the gap between sensor measurements purely by checking a spec sheet. The visual here should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the S3 and HX100V.

Clearly, both of these cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements albeit not the same MP. You can count on the Sony HX100V to give you more detail having its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures much more aggressively. The older S3 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.