Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony A500

Below, we will be reviewing the Panasonic ZR1 and Sony A500, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZR1 (12MP) and the A500 (12MP) is relatively close but the ZR1 (1/2.3") and A500 (APS-C) use different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The ZR1 was unveiled within a month of the A500 and they are of a similar age. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZR1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A500 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go in to a detailed comparison, below is a quick view of how the ZR1 grades against the A500 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A500. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZR1 Gallery & Sony A500 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry around your camera, you should factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZR1 provides outside dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Sony A500 has proportions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") with a weight of 630 grams (1.39 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZR1 and Sony A500 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are employing at that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the ZR1 versus the A500.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the ZR1 and A500 is 94 and 63 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizes merely by viewing specs. The image here will give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZR1 and A500.

All in all, both of these cameras posses the exact same resolution albeit different sensor sizes. The ZR1 comes with the smaller sensor which should make getting shallower DOF harder.