Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony RX10 II

On this page, we will be comparing the Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony RX10 II, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the ZR3 (14MP) and RX10 II (20MP) and the ZR3 (1/2.3") and RX10 II (1") posses different sensor size.

Body cameras now worn by bakery staff to deter stealing

The ZR3 was brought out 6 years before the RX10 II and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX10 II being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving into a in depth comparison, here is a short overview of how the ZR3 grades versus the RX10 II in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery and Sony RX10 II Gallery.

When you are intending to carry your camera frequently, you will need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZR3 comes with physical measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") along with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) while the Sony RX10 II has dimensions of 129mm x 88mm x 102mm (5.1" x 3.5" x 4.0") along with a weight of 813 grams (1.79 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony RX10 II in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the ZR3 vs the RX10 II.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZR3 and RX10 II is 94 and 58 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to imagine the gap between sensor sizing simply by reading through technical specs. The graphic here will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the ZR3 and RX10 II.

As you have seen, both of these cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZR3 due to its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF more challenging and the Sony RX10 II will give greater detail having its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures more aggressively. The older ZR3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor technology.