Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony W550

Below, we are evaluating the Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony W550, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Ultracompact by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the ZR3 (14MP) and the W550 (14MP) is fairly comparable and they feature the exact same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The ZR3 was released 18 months before the W550 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera and the Sony W550 being a Ultracompact camera.

Before we go in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise overview of how the ZR3 matches up vs the W550 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W550. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery & Sony W550 Gallery.

If you're intending to travel with your camera often, you will want to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZR3 has got physical measurements 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 W550 has proportions of 94mm x 56mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.7") having a weight of 110 grams (0.24 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony W550 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the ZR3 compared to the W550.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the ZR3 and W550 is 94 and 96 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions just by going through a spec sheet. The pic here may give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the ZR3 and W550.

As you can see, each of the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements and the same exact megapixels therefore you can expect comparable quality of photographs though you have to take the launch date of the cameras into account. The more aged ZR3 will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.