Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony NEX-F3

Here is a detailed analysis of the Panasonic ZR3 and Sony NEX-F3, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZR3 (14MP) and the NEX-F3 (16MP) is pretty comparable but the ZR3 (1/2.3") and NEX-F3 (APS-C) offer different sensor sizing.

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The ZR3 was launched 3 years before the NEX-F3 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-F3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going into a full comparison, here is a concise view of how the ZR3 grades versus the NEX-F3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 & Sony Alpha NEX-F3. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery & Sony NEX-F3 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZR3 has got outside dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-F3 has proportions of 117mm x 67mm x 42mm (4.6" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 314 grams (0.69 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZR3 and Sony NEX-F3 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are using at that moment. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the ZR3 vs the NEX-F3.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZR3 and NEX-F3 is 94 and 86 respectively.

Quite often, it can be hard to visualize the gap in sensor sizing just by going through specs. The photograph underneath should give you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZR3 and NEX-F3.

All in all, each of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZR3 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF harder and the Sony NEX-F3 will provide more detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The older ZR3 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.