Panasonic ZR3 vs Panasonic ZS100

Lets take a closer look at the Panasonic ZR3 vs Panasonic ZS100, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact and both are produced by Panasonic. There exists a sizeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the ZR3 (14MP) and ZS100 (20MP) and the ZR3 (1/2.3") and ZS100 (1") posses totally different sensor dimensions.

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The ZR3 was brought out 7 years before the ZS100 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before getting straight to a thorough comparison, here is a short highlight of how the ZR3 matches up against the ZS100 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery and Panasonic ZS100 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera, you'll need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZR3 offers outside measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS100 has measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZR3 vs Panasonic ZS100 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have at that time. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the ZR3 versus the ZS100.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZR3 and ZS100 is 94 and 87 respectively.

Sometimes, its tough to see the contrast in sensor measurements merely by checking out a spec sheet. The photograph underneath may give you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZR3 and ZS100.

As you can see, both of these cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The ZR3 featuring a smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF more difficult and the Panasonic ZS100 will provide greater detail having its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older ZR3 will be behind in sensor technology.