Panasonic ZR3 vs Panasonic ZS15

Here is a in-depth assessment of the Panasonic ZR3 vs Panasonic ZS15, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are built by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the ZR3 (14MP) and the ZS15 (12MP) is relatively well matched and both cameras provide the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The ZR3 was unveiled 3 years prior to the ZS15 and that is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a quick summary of how the ZR3 matches up versus the ZS15 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery & Panasonic ZS15 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZR3 has got external dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS15 has sizing of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZR3 vs Panasonic ZS15 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the ZR3 compared to the ZS15.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZR3 and ZS15 is 94 and 92 respectively.

More often than not, it's difficult to see the difference between sensor sizing purely by reading through specs. The photograph below will offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZR3 and ZS15.

As you can plainly see, both the cameras come with the identical sensor size albeit not the same MP. You can count on the Panasonic ZR3 to give greater detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The older ZR3 is going to be behind in sensor tech.