Panasonic L1 vs Panasonic ZR3

Following is a extensive review of the Panasonic L1 and Panasonic ZR3, former is a Advanced DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both manufactured by Panasonic. There exists a considerable gap among the resolutions of the L1 (7MP) and ZR3 (14MP) and the L1 (Four Thirds) and ZR3 (1/2.3") have different sensor sizing.

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The L1 was launched 3 years prior to the ZR3 which is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic L1 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple overview of how the L1 grades against the ZR3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic L1 Gallery & Panasonic ZR3 Gallery.

When you are intending to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic L1 features outside dimensions of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") along with a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZR3 has specifications of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic L1 and Panasonic ZR3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is a front view size comparison of the L1 against the ZR3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the L1 and ZR3 is 65 and 94 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes just by viewing a spec sheet. The picture below might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the L1 and ZR3.

Clearly, the two cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The L1 due to its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Panasonic ZR3 will render more detail utilizing its extra 7 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos way more aggressively. The more aged L1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.