Leica D-Lux 6 vs Panasonic TS3

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Leica D-Lux 6 and Panasonic TS3, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Waterproof by manufacturers Leica and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the D-Lux 6 (10MP) and the TS3 (12MP) is relatively well matched but the D-Lux 6 (1/1.7") and TS3 (1/2.3") feature different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The D-Lux 6 was revealed 14 months later than the TS3 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going through a more detailed comparison, below is a brief summary of how the D-Lux 6 grades versus the TS3 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Leica D-Lux 6 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-TS3. The full galleries are viewable at Leica D-Lux 6 Gallery & Panasonic TS3 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera frequently, you should factor its weight and size. The Leica D-Lux 6 has external measurements of 111mm x 68mm x 46mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.8") with a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs) while the Panasonic TS3 has specifications of 103mm x 64mm x 27mm (4.1" x 2.5" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 197 grams (0.43 lbs).

See the Leica D-Lux 6 and Panasonic TS3 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the D-Lux 6 and the TS3.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability grade of the D-Lux 6 and TS3 is 86 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it is very hard to picture the gap between sensor measurements simply by reading through technical specs. The graphic here will help offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the D-Lux 6 and TS3.

As you can tell, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The D-Lux 6 using its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic TS3 will resolve extra detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs far more aggressively. The fresher D-Lux 6 provides a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.