Panasonic G10 vs Panasonic ZR3

Following is a detailed overview of the Panasonic G10 and Panasonic ZR3, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both of them are produced by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the G10 (12MP) and the ZR3 (14MP) is fairly comparable but the G10 (Four Thirds) and ZR3 (1/2.3") offer different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The G10 was launched 7 months after the ZR3 and they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic G10 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera.

Before delving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a brief view of how the G10 grades against the ZR3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-G10 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic G10 Gallery and Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic G10 offers external dimensions of 124mm x 90mm x 74mm (4.9" x 3.5" x 2.9") accompanied by a weight of 388 grams (0.86 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZR3 has sizing of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

See the Panasonic G10 and Panasonic ZR3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the G10 against the ZR3.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the G10 and ZR3 is 72 and 94 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to imagine the gap in sensor sizes merely by seeing a spec sheet. The picture underneath will help give you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the G10 and ZR3.

As you can see, both cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The G10 featuring a larger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic ZR3 will show more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more modern G10 provides an edge with regard to sensor technology.