Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony W230
94 Imaging
34 Features
17 Overall
27


95 Imaging
34 Features
25 Overall
30
Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony W230 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
- Revealed July 2009
- Also referred to as Lumix DMC-ZX1
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 3200
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 640 x 480 video
- 30-120mm (F2.8-5.8) lens
- 156g - 95 x 57 x 22mm
- Introduced February 2009

Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony W230 Overview
Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony W230, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the ZR1 (12MP) and the W230 (12MP) is relatively similar and both cameras offer the identical sensor sizing (1/2.3").

The ZR1 was launched 6 months later than the W230 which means that they are both of a similar age. Both cameras feature the same body design (Compact).
Before diving into a complete comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the ZR1 matches up vs the W230 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony W230 Gallery
Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZR1 Gallery & Sony W230 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Panasonic ZR1 over the Sony W230
ZR1 | W230 |
---|
Reasons to pick Sony W230 over the Panasonic ZR1
W230 | ZR1 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Very accurate focusing | ||
Screen size | 3" | ![]() | 2.7" | Bigger screen (+0.3") |
Common features in the Panasonic ZR1 and Sony W230
ZR1 | W230 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | July 2009 | ![]() | February 2009 | Similar age |
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Exact same screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Neither provides selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Missing Touch screen |
Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony W230 Physical Comparison
For those who are looking to carry your camera frequently, you will have to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZR1 provides outside dimensions 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 W230 has proportions of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 156 grams (0.34 lbs).
Contrast the Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony W230 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are employing at that time. Underneath is a front view measurement comparison of the ZR1 and the W230.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZR1 and W230 is 94 and 95 respectively.

Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony W230 Sensor Comparison
Quite often, its tough to visualize the difference between sensor sizing simply by reading technical specs. The graphic here should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZR1 and W230.
As you have seen, both of the cameras come with the identical sensor size and the same resolution therefore you can expect similar quality of images though you should factor the launch date of the products into consideration.

Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony W230 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony W230 Specifications
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Panasonic | Sony |
Model | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W230 |
Also referred to as | Lumix DMC-ZX1 | - |
Type | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
Revealed | 2009-07-27 | 2009-02-17 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Powered by | Venus Engine V | - |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor measurements | 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 |
Highest resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4000 x 3000 |
Highest native ISO | 6400 | 3200 |
Lowest native ISO | 80 | 80 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focus | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
AF single | ||
AF tracking | ||
Selective AF | ||
AF center weighted | ||
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) | 30-120mm (4.0x) |
Largest aperture | f/3.3-5.9 | f/2.8-5.8 |
Macro focus distance | 3cm | 4cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.9 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Display type | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Display size | 2.7" | 3" |
Resolution of display | 230k dot | 230k dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch functionality | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder | None | None |
Features | ||
Slowest shutter speed | 60 seconds | 1 seconds |
Maximum shutter speed | 1/2000 seconds | 1/1600 seconds |
Continuous shooting speed | 2.0fps | 2.0fps |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual exposure | ||
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Inbuilt flash | ||
Flash range | 5.10 m | 3.90 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 | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Highest video resolution | 1280x720 | 640x480 |
Video data format | Motion JPEG | Motion JPEG |
Microphone jack | ||
Headphone jack | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental seal | ||
Water proof | ||
Dust proof | ||
Shock proof | ||
Crush proof | ||
Freeze proof | ||
Weight | 158 grams (0.35 lb) | 156 grams (0.34 lb) |
Physical dimensions | 98 x 55 x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") | 95 x 57 x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO All around 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 |
Storage slots | 1 | 1 |
Retail price | $280 | $180 |