Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony S980
94 Imaging
36 Features
26 Overall
32


94 Imaging
34 Features
17 Overall
27
Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony S980 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-200mm (F3.3-5.9) lens
- 159g - 98 x 55 x 26mm
- Announced January 2010
- Alternative Name is Lumix DMC-ZX3
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 2.7" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 3200
- 1280 x 720 video
- 33-132mm (F3.3-5.2) lens
- 167g - 93 x 56 x 24mm
- Revealed February 2009

Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony S980 Overview
Following is a detailed assessment of the Panasonic ZR3 and Sony S980, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the ZR3 (14MP) and the S980 (12MP) is relatively well matched and they enjoy the same exact sensor size (1/2.3").

The ZR3 was unveiled 12 months after the S980 so they are of a similar generation. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).
Before getting straight into a detailed comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the ZR3 matches up against the S980 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony S980 Gallery
This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery and Sony S980 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Panasonic ZR3 over the Sony S980
ZR3 | S980 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Revealed | January 2010 | ![]() | February 2009 | More modern by 12 months |
Reasons to pick Sony S980 over the Panasonic ZR3
S980 | ZR3 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manually focus | ![]() | Very accurate focus |
Common features in the Panasonic ZR3 and Sony S980
ZR3 | S980 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Screen type | Fixed | ![]() | Fixed | Fixed screen |
Screen sizing | 2.7" | ![]() | 2.7" | Equivalent screen size |
Screen resolution | 230k | ![]() | 230k | Equal screen resolution |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Missing selfie screen | ||
Touch friendly screen | ![]() | Neither has Touch friendly screen |
Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony S980 Physical Comparison
For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZR3 has outside measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Sony S980 has measurements of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).
Compare the Panasonic ZR3 and Sony S980 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have during that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the ZR3 against the S980.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZR3 and S980 is 94 and 94 respectively.

Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony S980 Sensor Comparison
More often than not, it is tough to picture the contrast between sensor sizes purely by looking at specs. The pic here will help offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZR3 and S980.
All in all, each of these cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should count on the Panasonic ZR3 to give greater detail having an extra 2MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots far more aggressively. The more modern ZR3 provides an advantage with regard to sensor tech.

Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony S980 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony S980 Specifications
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Panasonic | Sony |
Model type | Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 | Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980 |
Otherwise known as | Lumix DMC-ZX3 | - |
Category | Small Sensor Compact | Small Sensor Compact |
Announced | 2010-01-26 | 2009-02-17 |
Body design | Compact | Compact |
Sensor Information | ||
Chip | Venus Engine HD II | - |
Sensor type | CCD | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.08 x 4.56mm | 6.17 x 4.55mm |
Sensor area | 27.7mm² | 28.1mm² |
Sensor resolution | 14 megapixels | 12 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 | 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 4320 x 3240 | 4000 x 3000 |
Max native ISO | 6400 | 3200 |
Min native ISO | 80 | 80 |
RAW format | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
Autofocus touch | ||
Continuous autofocus | ||
Single autofocus | ||
Tracking autofocus | ||
Selective autofocus | ||
Center weighted autofocus | ||
Autofocus multi area | ||
Autofocus live view | ||
Face detection focus | ||
Contract detection focus | ||
Phase detection focus | ||
Total focus points | 11 | 9 |
Lens | ||
Lens mount type | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 25-200mm (8.0x) | 33-132mm (4.0x) |
Largest aperture | f/3.3-5.9 | f/3.3-5.2 |
Macro focusing distance | 3cm | 10cm |
Crop factor | 5.9 | 5.8 |
Screen | ||
Range of screen | Fixed Type | Fixed Type |
Screen size | 2.7" | 2.7" |
Screen resolution | 230 thousand dot | 230 thousand dot |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch operation | ||
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | None | None |
Features | ||
Minimum shutter speed | 60 secs | 2 secs |
Fastest shutter speed | 1/1300 secs | 1/1600 secs |
Continuous shutter speed | 2.0 frames per second | 1.0 frames per second |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Expose Manually | ||
Custom white balance | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 5.30 m | 3.50 m |
Flash options | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Syncro | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye reduction, Slow Sync |
Hot shoe | ||
Auto exposure bracketing | ||
White balance bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment | ||
Average | ||
Spot | ||
Partial | ||
AF area | ||
Center weighted | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1280 x 720 (30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) | 1280 x 720 (30 fps) 640 x 480 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1280x720 | 1280x720 |
Video format | AVCHD Lite | Motion JPEG |
Mic input | ||
Headphone input | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environment seal | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 159 grams (0.35 pounds) | 167 grams (0.37 pounds) |
Dimensions | 98 x 55 x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") | 93 x 56 x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Self timer | Yes (2 or 10 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec) |
Time lapse shooting | ||
Storage media | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal | Memory Stick Duo / Pro Duo, Internal |
Storage slots | Single | Single |
Launch price | $280 | $300 |