Panasonic S3 vs Panasonic ZR1

Lets look much closer at the Panasonic S3 and Panasonic ZR1, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras and both of them are produced by Panasonic. The image resolution of the S3 (14MP) and the ZR1 (12MP) is pretty well matched and both cameras provide the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The S3 was unveiled 18 months after the ZR1 which makes them a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before delving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a short highlight of how the S3 grades versus the ZR1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1. The full galleries are available at Panasonic S3 Gallery and Panasonic ZR1 Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic S3 provides external measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs) and the Panasonic ZR1 has dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic S3 and Panasonic ZR1 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you select at that moment. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the S3 vs the ZR1.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the S3 and ZR1 is 96 and 94 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to envision the difference between sensor dimensions purely by looking at specifications. The pic here may provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the S3 and ZR1.

To sum up, both the cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same MP. You should expect the Panasonic S3 to give greater detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The newer S3 is going to have an edge in sensor tech.