Canon SX170 IS vs Panasonic LX3

On this page, we are comparing the Canon SX170 IS vs Panasonic LX3, former being a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Canon and Panasonic. There exists a sizable gap among the sensor resolutions of the SX170 IS (16MP) and LX3 (10MP) and the SX170 IS (1/2.3") and LX3 (1/1.63") posses totally different sensor size.

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The SX170 IS was released 4 years later than the LX3 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting right into a in-depth comparison, here is a concise summation of how the SX170 IS scores against the LX3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX170 IS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon SX170 IS Gallery & Panasonic LX3 Gallery.

If you're going to lug around your camera frequently, you will want to factor in its weight and size. The Canon SX170 IS has got external dimensions of 108mm x 71mm x 44mm (4.3" x 2.8" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 251 grams (0.55 lbs) and the Panasonic LX3 has specifications of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs).

Take a look at the Canon SX170 IS vs Panasonic LX3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you use at that moment. Here is a front view physical size comparison of the SX170 IS compared to the LX3.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX170 IS and LX3 is 88 and 91 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to visualise the difference in sensor measurements simply by researching technical specs. The graphic underneath might offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX170 IS and LX3.

As you have seen, both of the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The SX170 IS featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field tougher and the Canon SX170 IS will render greater detail as a result of its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The more modern SX170 IS is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor innovation.