Panasonic GH4 vs Panasonic ZR1

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Panasonic GH4 and Panasonic ZR1, one is a Pro Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are produced by Panasonic. There exists a significant gap between the image resolutions of the GH4 (16MP) and ZR1 (12MP) and the GH4 (Four Thirds) and ZR1 (1/2.3") possess totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The GH4 was announced 4 years after the ZR1 which is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GH4 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZR1 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the GH4 grades against the ZR1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH4 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic GH4 Gallery and Panasonic ZR1 Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic GH4 has got physical dimensions of 133mm x 93mm x 84mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 560 grams (1.23 lbs) while the Panasonic ZR1 has specifications of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic GH4 and Panasonic ZR1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Here is the front view size comparison of the GH4 and the ZR1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the GH4 and ZR1 is 66 and 94 respectively.

Normally, it can be difficult to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions purely by checking specs. The pic here might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the GH4 and ZR1.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The GH4 with its larger sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic GH4 will resolve extra detail with its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images far more aggressively. The younger GH4 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.