Panasonic S3 vs Sony WX500

Below is a extended assessment of the Panasonic S3 vs Sony WX500, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the S3 (14MP) and WX500 (18MP) but both cameras offer the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The S3 was introduced 5 years before the WX500 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving into a in depth comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the S3 grades versus the WX500 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX500. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic S3 Gallery and Sony WX500 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you will want to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic S3 offers outside measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs) while the Sony WX500 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") and a weight of 236 grams (0.52 lbs).

See the Panasonic S3 vs Sony WX500 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is a front view dimension comparison of the S3 compared to the WX500.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S3 and WX500 is 96 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to envision the gap in sensor measurements simply by seeing specs. The graphic here may give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the S3 and WX500.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Sony WX500 to provide greater detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop images more aggressively. The older S3 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.