Nikon S32 vs Panasonic LX7

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Nikon S32 and Panasonic LX7, one being a Waterproof and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by rivals Nikon and Panasonic. There exists a significant gap between the sensor resolutions of the S32 (13MP) and LX7 (10MP) and the S32 (1/3") and LX7 (1/1.7") feature totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The S32 was unveiled 16 months later than the LX7 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the S32 scores vs the LX7 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix S32 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7. The full galleries are available at Nikon S32 Gallery and Panasonic LX7 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera often, you have to think about its weight and measurements. The Nikon S32 features external measurements of 108mm x 66mm x 40mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.6") and a weight of 175 grams (0.39 lbs) and the Panasonic LX7 has proportions of 111mm x 68mm x 46mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.8") and a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs).

Look at the Nikon S32 and Panasonic LX7 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with at that time. Here is the front view sizing comparison of the S32 and the LX7.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the S32 and LX7 is 90 and 86 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to see the contrast between sensor sizing merely by reviewing a spec sheet. The visual here should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the S32 and LX7.

As you can see, both of the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The S32 with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Nikon S32 will offer you greater detail having an extra 3 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more modern S32 is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.