Panasonic GF2 vs Panasonic ZR3

Let's take a closer look at the Panasonic GF2 versus 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 resolution of the GF2 (12MP) and the ZR3 (14MP) is fairly well matched but the GF2 (Four Thirds) and ZR3 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor measurements.

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The GF2 was introduced 14 months after the ZR3 making them a generation away from one another. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GF2 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera.

Before we go into a full comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the GF2 matches up versus the ZR3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic GF2 Gallery and Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera often, you'll have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GF2 has exterior measurements of 113mm x 68mm x 33mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.3") having a weight of 310 grams (0.68 lbs) and the Panasonic ZR3 has dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic GF2 versus Panasonic ZR3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the GF2 compared to the ZR3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GF2 and ZR3 is 88 and 94 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to see the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by reading through technical specs. The pic below will offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the GF2 and ZR3.

As you can tell, both of these cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The GF2 using its larger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic ZR3 will resolve more detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics more aggressively. The more recent GF2 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.