The Sony you have was the top of the line about 4 years ago. Yes there should be better qualiy with a 3ccd chip. And it would be an upgrade. But how much is hard to say. Is there anyway you can go and check them out take a tape and record then watch at home? Upload to your PC and compaire the quality? Then make your choice.
The Panasonic site doesn't give as much info as the Sony site. So it is hard to tell. John