Nikon AW100 vs Panasonic LX3

Lets look more closely at the Nikon AW100 vs Panasonic LX3, one is a Waterproof and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Nikon and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the AW100 (16MP) and LX3 (10MP) and the AW100 (1/2.3") and LX3 (1/1.63") have different sensor sizes.

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The AW100 was introduced 2 years after the LX3 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go straight to a complete comparison, here is a short introduction of how the AW100 matches up versus the LX3 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix AW100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3. The whole galleries are provided at Nikon AW100 Gallery and Panasonic LX3 Gallery.

For those who are looking to carry around your camera regularly, you should factor in its weight and proportions. The Nikon AW100 features outer dimensions of 110mm x 65mm x 23mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 0.9") and a weight of 178 grams (0.39 lbs) and the Panasonic LX3 has measurements of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs).

Compare the Nikon AW100 vs Panasonic LX3 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are using at the time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the AW100 and the LX3.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the AW100 and LX3 is 93 and 91 respectively.

Generally, it can be hard to picture the gap in sensor sizes purely by seeing a spec sheet. The pic below may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the AW100 and LX3.

Clearly, both of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The AW100 with its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Nikon AW100 will produce extra detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop pics way more aggressively. The more modern AW100 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.