Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony A550

Below is a extended review of the Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony A550, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZR3 (14MP) and the A550 (14MP) is pretty well matched but the ZR3 (1/2.3") and A550 (APS-C) use totally different sensor measurements.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The ZR3 was unveiled 2 months later than the A550 so they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera and the Sony A550 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a more detailed comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the ZR3 grades versus the A550 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A550. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery and Sony A550 Gallery.

In case you're going to lug around your camera often, you should factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZR3 enjoys 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 Sony A550 has measurements of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") accompanied by a weight of 632 grams (1.39 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony A550 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you use at that time. Underneath is the front view over all size comparison of the ZR3 vs the A550.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the ZR3 and A550 is 94 and 63 respectively.

Oftentimes, its hard to envision the difference between sensor measurements purely by looking at technical specs. The visual below may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZR3 and A550.

As you can tell, each of the cameras offer the same exact MP albeit not the same sensor measurements. The ZR3 offers the tinier sensor which will make getting shallow DOF trickier.