Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony WX80

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony WX80, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the ZR3 (14MP) and the WX80 (16MP) is relatively well matched and they use the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The ZR3 was revealed 3 years before the WX80 and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting in to a full comparison, below is a concise synopsis of how the ZR3 scores vs the WX80 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-WX80. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery and Sony WX80 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera regularly, you'll need 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") accompanied by a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Sony WX80 has measurements of 92mm x 52mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.0" x 0.9") along with a weight of 124 grams (0.27 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZR3 vs Sony WX80 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose at that moment. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the ZR3 vs the WX80.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZR3 and WX80 is 94 and 96 respectively.

More often than not, it can be hard to imagine the difference between sensor sizing simply by looking at a spec sheet. The visual below may give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the ZR3 and WX80.

Clearly, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing albeit different MP. You should count on the Sony WX80 to give you more detail because of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs far more aggressively. The older ZR3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.