Panasonic ZS3 vs Sony RX1R

On this page, we will be comparing the Panasonic ZS3 versus Sony RX1R, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by companies Panasonic and Sony. There exists a substantial gap between the image resolutions of the ZS3 (10MP) and RX1R (24MP) and the ZS3 (1/2.3") and RX1R (Full frame) posses different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS3 was announced 5 years before the RX1R which is quite a big difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX1R being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go right into a full comparison, here is a concise summary of how the ZS3 matches up vs the RX1R in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX1R. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery & Sony RX1R Gallery.

For anybody who is planning to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS3 has outer measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Sony RX1R has specifications of 113mm x 65mm x 70mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 2.8") accompanied by a weight of 482 grams (1.06 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS3 versus Sony RX1R in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the ZS3 compared to the RX1R.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS3 and RX1R is 91 and 79 respectively.

More often than not, it can be tough to imagine the difference between sensor sizes only by reviewing specifications. The image underneath might provide you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS3 and RX1R.

Plainly, both of the cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The ZS3 having a tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Sony RX1R will offer greater detail with its extra 14MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures more aggressively. The more aged ZS3 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.