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Panasonic ZR1

 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 front
 
  • 12MP - 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
  • 158g - 98 x 55 x 26mm
  • Introduced July 2009
  • Other Name is Lumix DMC-ZX1
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
94
Imaging
35
Features
17
Overall
27

Panasonic ZR1 overview

Panasonic ZR1 is Panasonic's Small Sensor Compact digital camera first announced on July of 2009. It uses a 12 MegaPixel, CCD 1/2.3" sized sensor and has a peak resolution of 4000 x 3000. The camera is referred to as "Lumix DMC-ZX1" in other regions.

The ZR1 places at #223 out of 261 in Small Sensor Compact cameras and all around #1197 out of 1465 for cameras in our list. You can use our Smart camera filter to get camera rankings based on your personalized criteria.

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The following is a graph of specific criteria used in the scoring system.

Panasonic ZR1 history

The Panasonic ZR1 is part of a family of digital cameras. You can view the full range below.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Panasonic-Lumix-DC-ZS80 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS80
ZR1 vs ZS80
24-720mm
F3.3-6.4
20MP1/2.3"2018
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS70 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS70
ZR1 vs ZS70
24-720mm
F3.3-6.4
20MP1/2.3"2017
Body cameras now worn by bakery staff to deter stealing
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS60 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS60
ZR1 vs ZS60
24-720mm
F3.3-6.4
18MP1/2.3"2016
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS50 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS50
ZR1 vs ZS50
24-720mm
F3.3-6.4
12MP1/2.3"2015
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS45 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS45
ZR1 vs ZS45
24-480mm
F3.3-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2015
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS35 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS35
ZR1 vs ZS35
24-480mm
F3.3-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2014
Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS40 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS40
ZR1 vs ZS40
24-720mm
F3.3-6.4
18MP1/2.3"2014
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS30 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS30
ZR1 vs ZS30
24-480mm
F3.3-6.4
18MP1/2.3"2013
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS25 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS25
ZR1 vs ZS25
24-480mm
F3.3-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2013
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS15 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS15
ZR1 vs ZS15
24-384mm
F3.3-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2012
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS20 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS20
ZR1 vs ZS20
24-480mm
F3.3-6.4
14MP1/2.3"2012
Photobucket discusses licensing 13 billion images with AI firms
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS8 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS8
ZR1 vs ZS8
24-384mm
F3.3-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS7 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS7
ZR1 vs ZS7
25-300mm
F3.3-4.9
12MP1/2.3"2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS10 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS10
ZR1 vs ZS10
24-384mm
F3.3-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS5 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS5
ZR1 vs ZS5
25-300mm
F3.3-4.9
12MP1/2.3"2010
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZR3 front thumbnailPanasonic ZR3
ZR1 vs ZR3
25-200mm
F3.3-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2010
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZR1 front thumbnailPanasonic ZR125-200mm
F3.3-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2009
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS3 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS3
ZR1 vs ZS3
25-300mm
F3.3-4.9
10MP1/2.3"2009

Panasonic ZR1 Pros and Cons

Below is a selection of pros and cons of the Panasonic ZR1 based on factors that are often seen as useful in a digital camera.

above average min ISO (80)
good zoom range (25-200mm 8.0 x zoom)
has built in flash
has image stabilization (Optical)
really wide (25mm)
can't swap lenses (fixed lens mount)
can't use external flash
fixed screen
lack of manual focus
lack of shutter priority mode
lacks phase detect autofocus
lacks RAW format
low frames per second (2.0 frames per second)
low resolution screen (230 thousand dots)
low video resolution (1280 x 720 pixels)
manual mode not possible
max zoom aperture not good (f5.9)
missing external microphone socket
missing HDMI socket
missing headphone socket
missing Timelapse mode
MP count low (12MP)
no aperture priority mode
screen is not selfie friendly
screen is small (2.7 inches)
sensor is small (1/2.3")
slow max aperture (f3.3)
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Panasonic ZR1 Sensor specifications

The Panasonic ZR1 features the Venus Engine V processor. The size of the sensor in the Panasonic ZR1 is 6.08mm x 4.56mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor is able to resolve 4000 x 3000 pixels and aspect ratios of 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. The camera includes Image Stabilization (Optical). Optical stabilization is preferable than digital stabilization as the latter can easily lead to cropping.

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The CCD sensor boasts 12MP and supports a standard ISO range of 80 - 6400. Unfortunately, RAW photos are not supported which means that you have less room to maneuver in post.

The picture below shows the ZR1's sensor dimensions compared to other popular sizes. The ZR1 sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.9 and is highlighted in green.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 sensor size Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music video

To get a sense of various aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Panasonic ZR1 dimensions

Panasonic ZR1 has a weight of 0.35 lbs (158 gr / 5.57 ounces) and features exterior measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0"). The weight of general Small Sensor Compact camera is 174 gr so the Panasonic ZR1 is very similar as compared to its competitors.

Photography Glossary

The following is a visual of the Panasonic ZR1 besides a softdrink so you can have a feel for its scale.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 dimensions scale

The top view directly below will show you the button arrangement on the ZR1.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 topview buttons dials

Panasonic ZR1 Lens specifications

The ZR1 includes a built-in lens featuring a focal range of 25-200mm giving it a 8.0 x zoom which might not be outstanding however it will surely be helpful in a few conditions.

At the widest 25mm, the lens offers an aperture of f3.3 and that's kind of slow and not good in low light situations and you will struggle to capture good bokeh. You will also have to increase the ISO setting causing noisy photos. Towards the tele end, 200mm comes at f5.9 making it fairly sluggish and you may need to apply slower shutter speeds.

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Panasonic ZR1 Connectivity

The ZR1 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes

Cameras that contain NFC and / or Bluetooth compatibility can be used wirelessly by smartphones. You are able to copy files and at times alter settings without the hassle of connecting physically to the camera.

Certain applications even give a Liveview and press the shutter whenever you aren't close to the camera. If the camera features a HDMI out, it can be connected to an external monitor. The majority of cameras will allow you to charge the battery through the USB port.

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Panasonic ZR1 Video specifications

The highest video resolution in the Panasonic ZR1 is 1280 x 720 and it can shoot in Motion JPEG file format. 720p is low by today's requirements. You really should target a minimum FUll HD resolution for good video. The camera doesn't include a mic and / or headphone port which means you have got little control over your sound. It is probably best to order another camera in case you require better sound in your videos.

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Panasonic ZR1 Weather Sealing

There is no weather proofing in the Panasonic ZR1 so you need to be cautious in rainy or dusty situations.

Panasonic ZR1 Screen and Viewfinder

The Panasonic ZR1 houses a 2.7 inch fixed display screen supporting a resolution of 230 thousand dots.

Unfortunately the display screen isn't a touch screen.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 screen and viewfinder Meta to Introduce 'AI-Generated' Labels for Media starting next month

The View Finder details regarding Panasonic ZR1 are the following:

  • ViewFinder None

In those bright outdoor situations which make the camera screens washed out and tricky to view, viewfinders are particularly useful.

Panasonic ZR1 Shutter specifications

Panasonic ZR1 is able to shoot continuously at 2.0 frames per second. The maximum shutter speed is 1/2000 seconds.

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Panasonic ZR1 Flash and Hot shoe specifications

Panasonic ZR1 includes only in-built flash with no external flash ability.

Panasonic ZR1 Autofocusing specifications

Panasonic ZR1 includes just Contrast Based AF and doesn't have Phase Detect AF. Phase Detection autofocusing is a lot quicker & precise when compared to Contrast Based autofocusing.

It boasts 11 focus points to choose from. Panasonic ZR1 does not have manual focusing. Manual focusing ability is useful for low light situations or you want to have more precise focus control.

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Panasonic ZR1 Battery life

The typical Small Sensor Compact camera battery life is 241. Fujifilm X30 has got the highest (470) battery life for this group of cameras.

Here is a listing of Small Sensor Compact cameras having the strongest battery life:

Panasonic ZR1 for varying styles of photography

The following illustration shows a analysis of the Panasonic ZR1 for varying styles of photography. To learn more, go to the specific paragraph below.

Portrait photography with Panasonic ZR1

The Panasonic ZR1 has a score of 21 which is really bad, and means the camera is not really acceptable to use for portrait photography. Photographing portrait images favors greatly towards sensor dimensions, support for RAW files along with the flexibility to use off-camera flash.

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focusing manually not possible
no manual mode
can't use external flash
low resolution sensor (12MP)
small sensor (1/2.3")
lack of RAW support

Panasonic ZR1 Street photography features

Having a average points total of 56, the Panasonic ZR1 is fairly suited to buy for street photography. A good street photography camera gives a good balance of image quality plus portability.

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image stabilization (Optical)
screen is fixed
small sensor (1/2.3")
doesn't have RAW format

Panasonic ZR1 Sports photography highlights

A really bad sports photography score of 25 indicates the Panasonic ZR1 is not really acceptable for taking photos of sports. A camera needs great autofocus plus fast continuous shooting for sports photography.

Photography Glossary
has image stabilization (Optical)
low fps (2.0 frames/s)
no shutter priority mode
low MP (12 megapixels)
small sensor size (1/2.3")
lacks phase detect autofocus

Panasonic ZR1 Travel photography factors

Portability is extremely critical when picking a camera for travel. Over-all, the Panasonic ZR1 gets a reasonable 57 as a travel camera which is somewhat adequate to take with you on your journeys.

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flash built-in
pretty wide (25mm)
does not have Time Lapse function
low megapixels (12 megapixels)
screen isn't selfie friendly
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.3)

Panasonic ZR1 Landscape photography information

If you're looking to purchase a digital camera for landscape photography, the most significant factor will no doubt be image quality. The Panasonic ZR1 and it's really bad score of 32 for a landscape camera is not really acceptable amongst it's rivals.

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pretty wide (25mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
no manual focus
can't change lenses (fixed lens mount)
slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
screen is somewhat small (2.7")
lack of manual exposure
megapixel count low (12MP)
sensor size is very small (1/2.3")
has no RAW support
missing Time Lapse function

Vlogging with Panasonic ZR1

A vlogging camera should offer a moving display screen, microphone input and ideally image stabilization. Taking all things in to account, the Panasonic ZR1 is not really acceptable as a vlog camera as it gets a really bad rating of 28.

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pretty wide (25mm)
has image stabilization (Optical)
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.3)
screen isn't selfie friendly
video res low (1280 x 720 pixels)
does not have external microphone socket

Panasonic ZR1 Alternatives

If you are in the market for replacements to the ZR1, below is a range of the top rated cameras which fall in to the category of Small Sensor Compact.

The chart listed below offers you a bird's eye view of the ZR1 compared to it's top scored competitors suggested earlier.

These are some more cameras you might consider as alternatives. To review a thorough comparison, simply click on the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Company
Panasonic
Model type
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1
Other name
Lumix DMC-ZX1
Class
Small Sensor Compact
Introduced
2009-07-27
Physical type
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CCD
Powered by
Venus Engine V
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor measurements
6.08 x 4.56mm
Sensor area
27.7mm²
Sensor resolution
12 megapixel
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio
4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Highest resolution
4000 x 3000
RAW files
Highest native ISO
6400
Minimum native ISO
80
Autofocusing
Focus manually
Autofocus touch
Continuous autofocus
Single autofocus
Autofocus tracking
Selective autofocus
Center weighted autofocus
Autofocus multi area
Autofocus live view
Face detection focus
Contract detection focus
Phase detection focus
Total focus points
11
Lens
Lens mount type
fixed lens
Lens zoom range
25-200mm (8.0x)
Largest aperture
f/3.3-5.9
Macro focusing range
3cm
Focal length multiplier
5.9
Screen
Type of screen
Fixed Type
Screen sizing
2.7 inches
Resolution of screen
230 thousand dots
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder
None
DXO scores
DXO All around rating
not tested
DXO Color Depth rating
not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating
not tested
DXO Low light rating
not tested
Features
Lowest shutter speed
60 seconds
Highest shutter speed
1/2000 seconds
Continuous shooting rate
2.0 frames per sec
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Expose Manually
Change white balance
Image stabilization
Integrated flash
Flash distance
5.10 m
Flash settings
Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync
Hot shoe
AE bracketing
White balance bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF area
Center weighted
Video features
Video resolutions
1280 x 720 (30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
Highest video resolution
1280x720
Video data format
Motion JPEG
Microphone port
Headphone port
Connectivity
Wireless
None
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
None
Physical
Environmental sealing
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight
158 grams (0.35 lbs)
Dimensions
98 x 55 x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0")
Other
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse recording
Type of storage
SD/SDHC card, Internal
Card slots
Single
Launch price
$280