Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony NEX-5T

Here, we are comparing the Panasonic ZR1 versus Sony NEX-5T, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the ZR1 (12MP) and NEX-5T (16MP) and the ZR1 (1/2.3") and NEX-5T (APS-C) offer totally different sensor size.

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The ZR1 was manufactured 5 years prior to the NEX-5T which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZR1 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5T being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting into a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise summary of how the ZR1 grades versus the NEX-5T in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 and Sony Alpha NEX-5T. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZR1 Gallery and Sony NEX-5T Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZR1 has got exterior measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Sony NEX-5T has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZR1 versus Sony NEX-5T in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using during that time. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the ZR1 versus the NEX-5T.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the ZR1 and NEX-5T is 94 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes purely by viewing specs. The image here may provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZR1 and NEX-5T.

All in all, each of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The ZR1 due to its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Sony NEX-5T will provide you with extra detail due to its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop photos way more aggressively. The more aged ZR1 will be behind in sensor innovation.