Panasonic ZR1 vs Panasonic ZS7

The following is a extensive review of the Panasonic ZR1 and Panasonic ZS7, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are manufactured by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the ZR1 (12MP) and the ZS7 (12MP) is very close and they come with the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The ZR1 was announced 24 months prior to the ZS7 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the ZR1 scores versus the ZS7 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZR1 Gallery and Panasonic ZS7 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera often, you'll need to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZR1 has got outer dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS7 has sizing of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 218 grams (0.48 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZR1 and Panasonic ZS7 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are employing at the time. Below is the front view size comparison of the ZR1 compared to the ZS7.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZR1 and ZS7 is 94 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it is tough to visualize the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by viewing specifications. The picture below may give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the ZR1 and ZS7.

To sum up, each of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing and the identical resolution and you should expect comparable quality of images but you really should consider the release date of the cameras into account. The more aged ZR1 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.