Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic ZR3

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Panasonic GF5 and Panasonic ZR3, one is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are created by Panasonic. The image resolution of the GF5 (12MP) and the ZR3 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the GF5 (Four Thirds) and ZR3 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor size.

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The GF5 was introduced 2 years after the ZR3 which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera.

Before going right into a detailed comparison, here is a simple overview of how the GF5 scores versus the ZR3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic GF5 Gallery and Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

For those who are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic GF5 offers exterior measurements of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") along with a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs) while 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).

Take a look at the Panasonic GF5 and Panasonic ZR3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the GF5 vs the ZR3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GF5 and ZR3 is 89 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to see the gap between sensor dimensions purely by looking at a spec sheet. The pic below might give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the GF5 and ZR3.

As you can see, both the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The GF5 using its bigger sensor will make shooting bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic ZR3 will resolve more detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures way more aggressively. The fresher GF5 will have a benefit in sensor tech.