Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony RX100

Lets look closer at the Panasonic ZR3 versus Sony RX100, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There exists a crucial gap between the image resolutions of the ZR3 (14MP) and RX100 (20MP) and the ZR3 (1/2.3") and RX100 (1") posses totally different sensor sizes.

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The ZR3 was unveiled 3 years before the RX100 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving right into a complete comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the ZR3 matches up versus the RX100 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery and Sony RX100 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera regularly, you will want to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZR3 has got outer measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Sony RX100 has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") having a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZR3 versus Sony RX100 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have during that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the ZR3 against the RX100.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZR3 and RX100 is 94 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to see the contrast between sensor measurements only by reviewing specs. The graphic here will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the ZR3 and RX100.

All in all, the two cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The ZR3 using its tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Sony RX100 will offer you extra detail having an extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop photographs more aggressively. The older ZR3 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.