Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony A580

Following is a in-depth assessment of the Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony A580, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Entry-Level DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZR3 (14MP) and the A580 (16MP) is fairly close but the ZR3 (1/2.3") and A580 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor size.

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The ZR3 was revealed 16 months before the A580 making them a generation away from one another. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera and the Sony A580 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go right into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the ZR3 scores against the A580 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A580. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery and Sony A580 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry around your camera, you'll need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZR3 comes with exterior dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Sony A580 has dimensions of 137mm x 104mm x 84mm (5.4" x 4.1" x 3.3") along with a weight of 599 grams (1.32 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony A580 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you select at that moment. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the ZR3 against the A580.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZR3 and A580 is 94 and 64 respectively.

More often than not, it is hard to visualise the gap in sensor sizes only by looking through specs. The image underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZR3 and A580.

All in all, the 2 cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The ZR3 using its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow DOF trickier and the Sony A580 will provide you with greater detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The more aged ZR3 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.