Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony NEX-6

Below, we will be comparing the Panasonic ZR1 and Sony NEX-6, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by companies Panasonic and Sony. There exists a large gap between the sensor resolutions of the ZR1 (12MP) and NEX-6 (16MP) and the ZR1 (1/2.3") and NEX-6 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The ZR1 was released 4 years prior to the NEX-6 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZR1 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-6 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving in to a full comparison, below is a concise summary of how the ZR1 scores vs the NEX-6 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 & Sony Alpha NEX-6. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZR1 Gallery & Sony NEX-6 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera often, you will want to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZR1 provides exterior 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 NEX-6 has dimensions of 120mm x 67mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 345 grams (0.76 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZR1 and Sony NEX-6 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the ZR1 against the NEX-6.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZR1 and NEX-6 is 94 and 85 respectively.

Normally, it's tough to visualise the contrast between sensor sizing purely by reading a spec sheet. The graphic below should offer you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the ZR1 and NEX-6.

Clearly, both cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The ZR1 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Sony NEX-6 will deliver more detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The older ZR1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.