Panasonic FP8 vs Panasonic ZR3

Its time to take a deeper look at the Panasonic FP8 vs Panasonic ZR3, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are produced by Panasonic. The image resolution of the FP8 (12MP) and the ZR3 (14MP) is fairly well matched and both cameras offer the same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The FP8 was introduced 6 months earlier than the ZR3 and they are of a similar generation. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FP8 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the FP8 scores vs the ZR3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP8 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FP8 Gallery and Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FP8 has got outer dimensions of 96mm x 60mm x 20mm (3.8" x 2.4" x 0.8") with a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) and the Panasonic ZR3 has measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FP8 vs Panasonic ZR3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have attached at that time. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the FP8 versus the ZR3.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the FP8 and ZR3 is 95 and 94 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to visualize the gap between sensor sizes purely by looking at a spec sheet. The picture underneath might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the FP8 and ZR3.

As you can see, each of the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions but different MP. You should anticipate the Panasonic ZR3 to give more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop pics more aggressively.