Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony RX100

Below is a extended review of the Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony RX100, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by brands Panasonic and Sony. There is a sizeable difference between the resolutions of the ZR1 (12MP) and RX100 (20MP) and the ZR1 (1/2.3") and RX100 (1") provide totally different sensor sizes.

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The ZR1 was brought out 4 years before the RX100 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZR1 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before going right into a in-depth comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the ZR1 scores against the RX100 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic ZR1 Gallery and Sony RX100 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZR1 provides exterior dimensions 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 RX100 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony RX100 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are utilising during that time. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the ZR1 versus the RX100.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the ZR1 and RX100 is 94 and 91 respectively.

Often, its hard to envision the gap between sensor measurements purely by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph below might give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the ZR1 and RX100.

As you can see, the two cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The ZR1 due to its tinier sensor will make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Sony RX100 will give you more detail having its extra 8MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older ZR1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.