Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony NEX-5

Lets look a bit more closely at the Panasonic ZR1 and Sony NEX-5, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the ZR1 (12MP) and the NEX-5 (14MP) is pretty similar but the ZR1 (1/2.3") and NEX-5 (APS-C) provide different sensor sizing.

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The ZR1 was announced 10 months prior to the NEX-5 and they are of a similar age. Both of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZR1 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short summation of how the ZR1 matches up vs the NEX-5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 & Sony Alpha NEX-5. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZR1 Gallery & Sony NEX-5 Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to travel with your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZR1 enjoys exterior dimensions 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 NEX-5 has sizing of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZR1 and Sony NEX-5 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you select during that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the ZR1 and the NEX-5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the ZR1 and NEX-5 is 94 and 89 respectively.

Often, its hard to imagine the difference between sensor dimensions purely by reading a spec sheet. The picture below may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the ZR1 and NEX-5.

Clearly, each of the cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ZR1 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF harder and the Sony NEX-5 will deliver more detail with its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more aged ZR1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.