Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony QX100

Below, we are contrasting the Panasonic ZR1 versus Sony QX100, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Lens-style by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the ZR1 (12MP) and QX100 (20MP) and the ZR1 (1/2.3") and QX100 (1") feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The ZR1 was introduced 5 years earlier than the QX100 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZR1 being a Compact camera and the Sony QX100 being a Lens-style camera.

Before going in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief overview of how the ZR1 matches up versus the QX100 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX100. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZR1 Gallery and Sony QX100 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZR1 features 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) while the Sony QX100 has dimensions of 63mm x 63mm x 56mm (2.5" x 2.5" x 2.2") having a weight of 179 grams (0.39 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZR1 versus Sony QX100 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the ZR1 compared to the QX100.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the ZR1 and QX100 is 94 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to envision the gap between sensor sizes merely by reviewing specs. The image below will give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZR1 and QX100.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The ZR1 with its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF harder and the Sony QX100 will deliver greater detail using its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The more aged ZR1 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.