Panasonic S3 vs Sony RX1

The following is a in depth comparison of the Panasonic S3 and Sony RX1, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There exists a huge gap among the sensor resolutions of the S3 (14MP) and RX1 (24MP) and the S3 (1/2.3") and RX1 (Full frame) come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The S3 was unveiled 3 years prior to the RX1 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX1 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting through a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief view of how the S3 grades versus the RX1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic S3 Gallery and Sony RX1 Gallery.

If you are looking to travel with your camera often, you have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic S3 features external 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) whilst the Sony RX1 has sizing of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") having a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Check the Panasonic S3 and Sony RX1 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the S3 vs the RX1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the S3 and RX1 is 96 and 79 respectively.

Normally, it can be hard to see the difference in sensor dimensions merely by looking through technical specs. The pic here should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the S3 and RX1.

As you have seen, each of the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The S3 having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Sony RX1 will provide you with greater detail having an extra 10MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots much more aggressively. The more aged S3 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.