Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony A700

Below, we will be contrasting the Panasonic ZR1 and Sony A700, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZR1 (12MP) and the A700 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the ZR1 (1/2.3") and A700 (APS-C) come with different sensor sizing.

Mastering Nature Photography with a Digital Microscope Camera

The ZR1 was introduced 20 months after the A700 which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZR1 being a Compact camera and the Sony A700 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the ZR1 grades vs the A700 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A700. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZR1 Gallery & Sony A700 Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera frequently, you need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZR1 comes with external measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Sony A700 has measurements of 142mm x 105mm x 80mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.1") with a weight of 768 grams (1.69 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZR1 and Sony A700 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have at that moment. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the ZR1 vs the A700.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZR1 and A700 is 94 and 58 respectively.

Normally, it can be tough to imagine the difference between sensor sizes merely by reading through a spec sheet. The image below will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the ZR1 and A700.

Clearly, both the cameras posses the exact same megapixels albeit different sensor sizes. The ZR1 provides the tinier sensor which will make getting bokeh trickier. The more modern ZR1 should have an edge with regard to sensor technology.