Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony RX10

Lets look much closer at the Panasonic ZR1 and Sony RX10, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Large Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There is a big difference between the sensor resolutions of the ZR1 (12MP) and RX10 (20MP) and the ZR1 (1/2.3") and RX10 (1") provide totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The ZR1 was introduced 5 years before the RX10 which is quite a big gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZR1 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before going into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple view of how the ZR1 scores versus the RX10 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZR1 Gallery and Sony RX10 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry around your camera, you're going to have to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic ZR1 provides outside dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Sony RX10 has specifications of 129mm x 88mm x 102mm (5.1" x 3.5" x 4.0") accompanied by a weight of 813 grams (1.79 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZR1 and Sony RX10 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using at that moment. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the ZR1 compared to the RX10.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the ZR1 and RX10 is 94 and 58 respectively.

Generally, it's tough to envision the difference between sensor sizes only by reading through technical specs. The picture below should give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZR1 and RX10.

As you have seen, both of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The ZR1 with its tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh tougher and the Sony RX10 will give you more detail using its extra 8MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop images way more aggressively. The more aged ZR1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.