Panasonic ZR3 vs Samsung NX500

The following is a extended assessment of the Panasonic ZR3 and Samsung NX500, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Samsung. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the ZR3 (14MP) and NX500 (28MP) and the ZR3 (1/2.3") and NX500 (APS-C) feature totally different sensor size.

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The ZR3 was revealed 6 years before the NX500 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera and the Samsung NX500 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the ZR3 grades against the NX500 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 and Samsung NX500. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery and Samsung NX500 Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZR3 offers outer measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Samsung NX500 has sizing of 120mm x 64mm x 43mm (4.7" x 2.5" x 1.7") along with a weight of 287 grams (0.63 lbs).

See the Panasonic ZR3 and Samsung NX500 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have at that time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the ZR3 against the NX500.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the ZR3 and NX500 is 94 and 87 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions merely by viewing specifications. The picture below will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the ZR3 and NX500.

To sum up, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The ZR3 using its smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field more challenging and the Samsung NX500 will result in extra detail because of its extra 14MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The more aged ZR3 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.