Panasonic F5 vs Panasonic ZR3

Its time to look closer at the Panasonic F5 and Panasonic ZR3, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras and they are both produced by Panasonic. The image resolution of the F5 (14MP) and the ZR3 (14MP) is very well matched and they feature the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The F5 was unveiled 2 years after the ZR3 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the F5 grades against the ZR3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic F5 Gallery and Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera often, you should take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic F5 enjoys external dimensions of 97mm x 58mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.9") accompanied by a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) and the Panasonic ZR3 has sizing of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic F5 and Panasonic ZR3 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at that time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the F5 compared to the ZR3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the F5 and ZR3 is 96 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, it's hard to envision the difference between sensor dimensions just by reading through a spec sheet. The pic below will give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the F5 and ZR3.

As you can see, both the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing and the same resolution so you should expect similar quality of files although you need to consider the release date of the products into consideration. The younger F5 is going to have an edge in sensor tech.