Panasonic S3 vs Sony RX10

The following is a extensive comparison of the Panasonic S3 and Sony RX10, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There is a considerable difference between the resolutions of the S3 (14MP) and RX10 (20MP) and the S3 (1/2.3") and RX10 (1") provide different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The S3 was launched 4 years prior to the RX10 which is quite a large difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going right into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief overview of how the S3 matches up vs the RX10 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic S3 Gallery & Sony RX10 Gallery.

When you are aiming to travel with your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic S3 provides outer 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) while the Sony RX10 has measurements of 129mm x 88mm x 102mm (5.1" x 3.5" x 4.0") and a weight of 813 grams (1.79 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic S3 and Sony RX10 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you use at that time. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the S3 versus the RX10.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the S3 and RX10 is 96 and 58 respectively.

Usually, its difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by reviewing technical specs. The picture below might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the S3 and RX10.

As you have seen, the two cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The S3 due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Sony RX10 will offer you more detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more aged S3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.