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Panasonic SZ5 vs Panasonic ZR1

Portability
95
Imaging
38
Features
34
Overall
36
Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 front
 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 front
Portability
94
Imaging
35
Features
17
Overall
27

Panasonic SZ5 vs Panasonic ZR1 Key Specs

Panasonic SZ5
(Full Review)
  • 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 1600 (Expand to 6400)
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 25-250mm (F3.1-5.9) lens
  • 136g - 104 x 58 x 21mm
  • Launched July 2012
Panasonic ZR1
(Full Review)
  • 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 2.7" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 80 - 6400
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1280 x 720 video
  • 25-200mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
  • 158g - 98 x 55 x 26mm
  • Released July 2009
  • Additionally referred to as Lumix DMC-ZX1
Photography Glossary

Panasonic SZ5 vs Panasonic ZR1 Overview

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Panasonic SZ5 vs Panasonic ZR1, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras and both are produced by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SZ5 (14MP) and the ZR1 (12MP) is relatively well matched and they come with the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SZ5 was manufactured 3 years after the ZR1 which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go in to a in-depth comparison, below is a short summation of how the SZ5 scores against the ZR1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

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Reasons to pick Panasonic SZ5 over the Panasonic ZR1

 SZ5 ZR1 
ReleasedJuly 2012July 2009More modern by 37 months
Screen sizing3"2.7"Bigger screen (+0.3")

Reasons to pick Panasonic ZR1 over the Panasonic SZ5

 ZR1 SZ5 

Common features in the Panasonic SZ5 and Panasonic ZR1

 SZ5 ZR1 
Manual focus No manual focus
Screen typeFixed Fixed Fixed screen
Screen resolution230k230kSame screen resolution
Selfie screen Neither features selfie screen
Touch friendly screen Lacking Touch friendly screen

Panasonic SZ5 vs Panasonic ZR1 Physical Comparison

When you are intending to carry around your camera often, you will want to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic SZ5 enjoys outer measurements of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZR1 has sizing of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic SZ5 vs Panasonic ZR1 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool. Camera Size Comparison with Lenses

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the SZ5 compared to the ZR1.

Panasonic SZ5 vs Panasonic ZR1 size comparison

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the SZ5 and ZR1 is 95 and 94 respectively.

Panasonic SZ5 vs Panasonic ZR1 top view buttons comparison

Panasonic SZ5 vs Panasonic ZR1 Sensor Comparison

Generally, it is very tough to see the difference between sensor sizes merely by looking at a spec sheet. The picture below should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ5 and ZR1.

Clearly, both of the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You should count on the Panasonic SZ5 to resolve greater detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more recent SZ5 will have an advantage when it comes to sensor innovation.

Panasonic SZ5 vs Panasonic ZR1 sensor size comparison

Panasonic SZ5 vs Panasonic ZR1 Screen and ViewFinder

Panasonic SZ5 vs Panasonic ZR1 Screen and Viewfinder comparison
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Photography Type Scores

Portrait Comparison

Panasonic SZ5 Portrait photography info
Panasonic ZR1 Portrait photography info
34
good resolution (14MP)
supports face detect focusing
focusing manually not possible
manual exposure not possible
can't use external flash
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
21
manual focus not available
no manual control
cannot use external flash
sensor resolution low (12MP)
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
no RAW support
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Street Comparison

Panasonic SZ5 as a Street photography camera
Panasonic ZR1 as a Street photography camera
63
image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than average (136 grams)
no moving screen
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
56
has image stabilization (Optical)
screen does not articulate
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
no RAW support
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Sports Comparison

Panasonic SZ5 as a Sports photography camera
Panasonic ZR1 as a Sports photography camera
40
image stabilization (Optical)
good resolution (14 megapixels)
supports tracking focus
slow fps (2.0 frames per second)
lack of shutter priority mode
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
does not have phase detect AF
25
has image stabilization (Optical)
very slow continuous shooting (2.0 frames per second)
no shutter priority mode
sensor resolution low (12 megapixels)
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
no phase detect autofocus
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Travel Comparison

Panasonic SZ5 Travel photography features
Panasonic ZR1 Travel photography features
70
lighter than average (136 grams)
good resolution (14 megapixels)
flash built-in
relatively wide (25mm)
great zoom (250mm)
lack of Time Lapse recording
doesn't contain selfie friendly display
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.1)
57
has built in flash
really wide (25mm)
doesn't have Time Lapse recording
sensor resolution low (12MP)
doesn't offer selfie friendly screen
slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
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Landscape Comparison

Panasonic SZ5 Landscape photography factors
Panasonic ZR1 Landscape photography factors
42
relatively wide (25mm)
good sized screen (3 inch)
image stabilization (Optical)
good resolution (14 megapixels)
focusing manually not possible
fixed lens (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.1)
manual exposure not possible
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
does not have RAW files
lack of Time Lapse recording
32
really wide (25mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
manual focus not available
can't swap lenses (fixed lens mount)
slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
tiny screen (2.7")
no manual control
sensor resolution low (12 megapixels)
sensor is very small (1/2.3")
no RAW support
doesn't have Time Lapse recording
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Vlogging Comparison

Panasonic SZ5 as a Vlogging camera
Panasonic ZR1 as a Vlogging camera
32
relatively wide (25mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
supports face detect focusing
lighter than average (136g)
somewhat slow maximum aperture (f3.1)
doesn't contain selfie friendly display
video resolution low (1280 x 720 pixels)
lack of mic jack
28
really wide (25mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
doesn't offer selfie friendly screen
low video resolution (1280 x 720 pxls)
doesn't have external mic socket
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Panasonic SZ5 vs Panasonic ZR1 Specifications

Detailed spec comparison table for Panasonic SZ5 and Panasonic ZR1
 Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1
General Information
Company Panasonic Panasonic
Model type Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1
Alternate name - Lumix DMC-ZX1
Class Small Sensor Compact Small Sensor Compact
Launched 2012-07-18 2009-07-27
Physical type Compact Compact
Sensor Information
Powered by - Venus Engine V
Sensor type CCD CCD
Sensor size 1/2.3" 1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions 6.08 x 4.56mm 6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor surface area 27.7mm² 27.7mm²
Sensor resolution 14 megapixel 12 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Full resolution 4320 x 3240 4000 x 3000
Max native ISO 1600 6400
Max boosted ISO 6400 -
Minimum native ISO 100 80
RAW data
Autofocusing
Manual focusing
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Tracking autofocus
Selective autofocus
Autofocus center weighted
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Total focus points 23 11
Lens
Lens mount type fixed lens fixed lens
Lens zoom range 25-250mm (10.0x) 25-200mm (8.0x)
Maximum aperture f/3.1-5.9 f/3.3-5.9
Macro focusing range 5cm 3cm
Focal length multiplier 5.9 5.9
Screen
Type of screen Fixed Type Fixed Type
Screen sizing 3 inches 2.7 inches
Screen resolution 230k dots 230k dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch functionality
Screen technology TFT Screen LCD -
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type None None
Features
Lowest shutter speed 8 secs 60 secs
Highest shutter speed 1/1600 secs 1/2000 secs
Continuous shooting rate 2.0fps 2.0fps
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manual mode
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Inbuilt flash
Flash distance 5.60 m 5.10 m
Flash modes Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync
Hot shoe
Auto exposure bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Supported video resolutions 1280 x 720p ( 30,25 fps), 640 x 480 (30, 25 fps) 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Max video resolution 1280x720 1280x720
Video file format MPEG-4 Motion JPEG
Mic port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless Built-In None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS None None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight 136 gr (0.30 lb) 158 gr (0.35 lb)
Dimensions 104 x 58 x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") 98 x 55 x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0")
DXO scores
DXO All around rating not tested not tested
DXO Color Depth rating not tested not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating not tested not tested
DXO Low light rating not tested not tested
Other
Battery life 250 photographs -
Battery type Battery Pack -
Self timer Yes (2 or 10 secs) Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse feature
Storage type SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal SD/SDHC card, Internal
Card slots Single Single
Launch cost $195 $280