Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony HX5

On this page, we are contrasting the Panasonic ZR3 versus Sony HX5, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There is a big difference among the sensor resolutions of the ZR3 (14MP) and HX5 (10MP) and the ZR3 (1/2.3") and HX5 (1/2.4") offer different sensor measurements.

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The ZR3 was released 4 months earlier than the HX5 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going right into a full comparison, here is a concise highlight of how the ZR3 scores against the HX5 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery and Sony HX5 Gallery.

For those who are going to lug around your camera, you'll have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZR3 provides exterior dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Sony HX5 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") along with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZR3 versus Sony HX5 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at that time. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the ZR3 vs the HX5.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the ZR3 and HX5 is 94 and 92 respectively.

Often, it can be difficult to imagine the gap in sensor measurements only by researching a spec sheet. The visual below will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the ZR3 and HX5.

Clearly, both cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The ZR3 featuring a larger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh easier and the Panasonic ZR3 will provide you with extra detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics more aggressively.