Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony NEX-5R

Its time to look more in depth at the Panasonic ZS3 and Sony NEX-5R, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the resolutions of the ZS3 (10MP) and NEX-5R (16MP) and the ZS3 (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) provide different sensor size.

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The ZS3 was introduced 4 years earlier than the NEX-5R which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving right into a full comparison, here is a brief overview of how the ZS3 grades against the NEX-5R for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 & Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery & Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you'll need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS3 has got exterior dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5R has dimensions of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS3 and Sony NEX-5R in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Underneath is a front view proportions comparison of the ZS3 versus the NEX-5R.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS3 and NEX-5R is 91 and 89 respectively.

Often, its hard to imagine the difference in sensor sizes only by seeing technical specs. The pic below will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS3 and NEX-5R.

As you can tell, both cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The ZS3 with its smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Sony NEX-5R will show extra detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The more aged ZS3 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.