Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony NEX-5N

Here is a in depth overview of the Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony NEX-5N, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZR3 (14MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is fairly close but the ZR3 (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The ZR3 was manufactured 20 months earlier than the NEX-5N making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going in to a full comparison, below is a short highlight of how the ZR3 matches up versus the NEX-5N in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 & Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery & Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

If you're looking to carry your camera often, you should think about its weight and size. The Panasonic ZR3 has got outer dimensions 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 NEX-5N has specifications of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

See the Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony NEX-5N in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are using at that time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the ZR3 versus the NEX-5N.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZR3 and NEX-5N is 94 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it is very difficult to see the difference in sensor sizing simply by viewing a spec sheet. The graphic underneath should provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZR3 and NEX-5N.

Clearly, both cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The ZR3 because of its smaller sensor will make shooting bokeh more challenging and the Sony NEX-5N will result in greater detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos far more aggressively. The older ZR3 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.