Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony S980
94 Imaging
34 Features
17 Overall
27


94 Imaging
34 Features
17 Overall
27
Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony S980 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Display
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-200mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
- 158g - 98 x 55 x 26mm
- Launched July 2009
- Alternative Name is Lumix DMC-ZX1
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 3200
- 1280 x 720 video
- 33-132mm (F3.3-5.2) lens
- 167g - 93 x 56 x 24mm
- Announced February 2009

Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony S980 Overview
The following is a extended assessment of the Panasonic ZR1 versus Sony S980, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by brands Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZR1 (12MP) and the S980 (12MP) is relatively similar and they feature the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

The ZR1 was announced 6 months after the S980 which means that they are of a similar generation. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).
Before diving straight into a complete comparison, below is a simple summary of how the ZR1 scores vs the S980 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony S980 Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic ZR1 Gallery and Sony S980 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Panasonic ZR1 over the Sony S980
ZR1 | S980 |
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Reasons to pick Sony S980 over the Panasonic ZR1
S980 | ZR1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Dial exact focus |
Common features in the Panasonic ZR1 and Sony S980
ZR1 | S980 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Announced | July 2009 | ![]() | February 2009 | Similar generation |
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen sizing | 2.7" | ![]() | 2.7" | Equivalent screen measurement |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Identical screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Absent selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Absent Touch screen |
Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony S980 Physical Comparison
For those who are aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZR1 features outside measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Sony S980 has dimensions of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).
Contrast the Panasonic ZR1 versus Sony S980 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at that moment. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the ZR1 versus the S980.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZR1 and S980 is 94 and 94 respectively.

Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony S980 Sensor Comparison
More often than not, its difficult to visualise the difference between sensor dimensions merely by reviewing specifications. The image below will provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the ZR1 and S980.
To sum up, both cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing and the same megapixels therefore you should expect similar quality of photographs but you should always take the release date of the products into consideration.

Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony S980 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony S980 Specifications
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Brand Name | Panasonic | Sony |
Model | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 |
Also Known as | Lumix DMC-ZX1 | - |
Type | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
Launched | 2009-07-27 | 2009-02-17 |
Physical type | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | Venus Engine V | - |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 27.7mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixel | 12 megapixel |
Anti aliasing filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Peak resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4000 x 3000 |
Highest native ISO | 6400 | 3200 |
Min native ISO | 80 | 80 |
RAW photos | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
Touch focus | ||
AF continuous | ||
Single AF | ||
Tracking AF | ||
Selective AF | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
AF live view | ||
Face detect focusing | ||
Contract detect focusing | ||
Phase detect focusing | ||
Number of focus points | 11 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mounting type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens focal range | 25-200mm (8.0x) | 33-132mm (4.0x) |
Max aperture | f/3.3-5.9 | f/3.3-5.2 |
Macro focus distance | 3cm | 10cm |
Crop factor | 5.9 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display diagonal | 2.7 inches | 2.7 inches |
Display resolution | 230k dots | 230k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch friendly | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 60 secs | 2 secs |
Max shutter speed | 1/2000 secs | 1/1600 secs |
Continuous shutter rate | 2.0fps | 1.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Change WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Integrated flash | ||
Flash range | 5.10 m | 3.50 m |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync |
External flash | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
Video data format | Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
Mic port | ||
Headphone port | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment sealing | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 158 grams (0.35 lbs) | 167 grams (0.37 lbs) |
Dimensions | 98 x 55 x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") | 93 x 56 x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range score | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light score | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Type of storage | SD/SDHC card, Internal | Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo, Internal |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Retail pricing | $280 | $300 |