Canon A3100 IS vs Panasonic ZR1

Below, we are reviewing the Canon A3100 IS and Panasonic ZR1, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by manufacturers Canon and Panasonic. The resolution of the A3100 IS (12MP) and the ZR1 (12MP) is very similar and they feature the exact same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The A3100 IS was revealed 6 months after the ZR1 which means that they are of a similar age. Each of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise summary of how the A3100 IS scores vs the ZR1 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot A3100 IS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1. The full galleries are viewable at Canon A3100 IS Gallery & Panasonic ZR1 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Canon A3100 IS comes with exterior measurements of 97mm x 58mm x 28mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 165 grams (0.36 lbs) and the Panasonic ZR1 has proportions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs).

Examine the Canon A3100 IS and Panasonic ZR1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose at the time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the A3100 IS vs the ZR1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability score of the A3100 IS and ZR1 is 94 and 94 respectively.

Generally, its hard to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes only by going over specs. The image below will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the A3100 IS and ZR1.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements and the exact same megapixels therefore you can expect similar quality of photos although you should really take the age of the products into consideration.