Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony WX300

Its time to look a little more in depth at the Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony WX300, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There exists a big gap among the image resolutions of the ZR1 (12MP) and WX300 (18MP) but they feature the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The ZR1 was manufactured 4 years prior to the WX300 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving in to a complete comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the ZR1 scores versus the WX300 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX300. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic ZR1 Gallery and Sony WX300 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera, you will have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZR1 provides outside measurements 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 WX300 has dimensions of 96mm x 55mm x 25mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 166 grams (0.37 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZR1 vs Sony WX300 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Underneath is the front view measurement comparison of the ZR1 versus the WX300.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZR1 and WX300 is 94 and 94 respectively.

Typically, it is very tough to see the contrast in sensor measurements just by going through technical specs. The graphic here will give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZR1 and WX300.

As you have seen, each of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Sony WX300 to show greater detail due to its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The older ZR1 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.