Nikon S5100 vs Panasonic LX3

Following is a comprehensive review of the Nikon S5100 versus Panasonic LX3, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Panasonic. The resolution of the S5100 (12MP) and the LX3 (10MP) is fairly well matched but the S5100 (1/2.3") and LX3 (1/1.63") possess different sensor sizes.

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The S5100 was revealed 22 months after the LX3 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving through a thorough comparison, below is a concise view of how the S5100 scores vs the LX3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Nikon Coolpix S5100 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3. The full galleries are provided at Nikon S5100 Gallery & Panasonic LX3 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to think about its weight and proportions. The Nikon S5100 enjoys outside dimensions of 97mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Panasonic LX3 has measurements of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs).

Contrast the Nikon S5100 versus Panasonic LX3 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have attached during that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the S5100 and the LX3.

Using size and weight, the portability rating of the S5100 and LX3 is 95 and 91 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to visualize the gap between sensor sizes purely by looking at a spec sheet. The pic below should provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the S5100 and LX3.

As you can see, both of these cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The S5100 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF tougher and the Nikon S5100 will resolve more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The newer S5100 provides an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.