Leica C vs Panasonic S3

Below is a thorough review of the Leica C vs Panasonic S3, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by manufacturers Leica and Panasonic. The resolution of the C (12MP) and the S3 (14MP) is relatively close but the C (1/1.7") and S3 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizing.

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The C was released 2 years later than the S3 and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving straight to a full comparison, here is a simple overview of how the C grades against the S3 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica C & Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3. The complete galleries are available at Leica C Gallery & Panasonic S3 Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera frequently, you need to factor in its weight and volume. The Leica C offers outside dimensions of 103mm x 63mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.5" x 1.1") having a weight of 195 grams (0.43 lbs) whilst the Panasonic S3 has sizing of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs).

Contrast the Leica C vs Panasonic S3 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you choose at that time. The following is a front view size comparison of the C and the S3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the C and S3 is 92 and 96 respectively.

Often, it is very hard to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements purely by viewing technical specs. The visual here should give you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the C and S3.

As you can tell, both the cameras have different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The C because of its bigger sensor will make getting shallower DOF easier and the Panasonic S3 will render greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will also let you crop shots a bit more aggressively. The younger C is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.