Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony A700

Here, we will be evaluating the Panasonic ZR3 versus Sony A700, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Advanced DSLR by brands Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZR3 (14MP) and the A700 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the ZR3 (1/2.3") and A700 (APS-C) offer different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The ZR3 was introduced 2 years after the A700 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera and the Sony A700 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving right into a in-depth comparison, here is a short introduction of how the ZR3 grades vs the A700 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A700. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery and Sony A700 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera regularly, you will need to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZR3 has physical 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) and the Sony A700 has measurements of 142mm x 105mm x 80mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.1") having a weight of 768 grams (1.69 lbs).

See the Panasonic ZR3 versus Sony A700 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have at the time. Following is a front view measurements comparison of the ZR3 against the A700.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZR3 and A700 is 94 and 58 respectively.

Quite often, it's hard to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by checking specs. The image below should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the ZR3 and A700.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The ZR3 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field tougher and the Panasonic ZR3 will give greater detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures way more aggressively. The fresher ZR3 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor tech.