Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony NEX-5R

Here is a comprehensive overview of the Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony NEX-5R, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the ZR3 (14MP) and the NEX-5R (16MP) is very similar but the ZR3 (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) feature different sensor dimensions.

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The ZR3 was brought out 3 years before the NEX-5R and that is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick summation of how the ZR3 matches up versus the NEX-5R in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

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

If you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZR3 enjoys outer dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") and a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5R has proportions of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony NEX-5R in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the ZR3 versus the NEX-5R.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the ZR3 and NEX-5R is 94 and 89 respectively.

In many cases, it is tough to visualize the difference between sensor sizing simply by going over a spec sheet. The graphic here will provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZR3 and NEX-5R.

As you can see, both of those cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZR3 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Sony NEX-5R will deliver extra detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The older ZR3 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.