Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony HX1

Below is a comprehensive assessment of the Panasonic ZR3 versus Sony HX1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Panasonic and Sony. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the ZR3 (14MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the ZR3 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") possess different sensor measurements.

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The ZR3 was launched 10 months later than the HX1 and they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving through a thorough comparison, below is a quick summary of how the ZR3 matches up vs the HX1 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery and Sony HX1 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you need to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZR3 comes with 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 HX1 has proportions of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") along with a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZR3 versus Sony HX1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you are utilising at that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the ZR3 against the HX1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the ZR3 and HX1 is 94 and 67 respectively.

Oftentimes, its hard to imagine the contrast in sensor measurements purely by researching specifications. The graphic underneath might give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZR3 and HX1.

To sum up, both cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The ZR3 featuring a bigger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic ZR3 will result in extra detail utilizing its extra 5MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The newer ZR3 provides an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.