Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony QX30

Below is a extensive assessment of the Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony QX30, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Lens-style by brands Panasonic and Sony. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the ZR1 (12MP) and QX30 (20MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The ZR1 was released 6 years earlier than the QX30 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZR1 being a Compact camera and the Sony QX30 being a Lens-style camera.

Before getting into a full comparison, here is a short overview of how the ZR1 matches up versus the QX30 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-QX30. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZR1 Gallery and Sony QX30 Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera regularly, you need to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZR1 enjoys exterior dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Sony QX30 has sizing of 68mm x 65mm x 58mm (2.7" x 2.6" x 2.3") along with a weight of 193 grams (0.43 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony QX30 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you choose during that time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the ZR1 versus the QX30.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the ZR1 and QX30 is 94 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to visualize the difference in sensor measurements just by seeing a spec sheet. The photograph underneath should offer you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZR1 and QX30.

As you can see, each of these cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different megapixels. You should expect the Sony QX30 to produce extra detail as a result of its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs more aggressively. The older ZR1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.