Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony A3000

Below, we are analyzing the Panasonic ZR1 and Sony A3000, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There exists a significant gap among the resolutions of the ZR1 (12MP) and A3000 (20MP) and the ZR1 (1/2.3") and A3000 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The ZR1 was brought out 5 years prior to the A3000 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZR1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A3000 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise summation of how the ZR1 scores vs the A3000 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 and Sony Alpha A3000. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZR1 Gallery and Sony A3000 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic ZR1 offers exterior measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Sony A3000 has specifications of 128mm x 91mm x 85mm (5.0" x 3.6" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 411 grams (0.91 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZR1 and Sony A3000 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing at the time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the ZR1 vs the A3000.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZR1 and A3000 is 94 and 69 respectively.

Normally, its hard to envision the contrast in sensor sizing purely by researching a spec sheet. The graphic underneath will help offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the ZR1 and A3000.

As you can see, both of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZR1 because of its smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF more challenging and the Sony A3000 will provide you with greater detail having its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The older ZR1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.