Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic LX3

The following is a in depth analysis of the Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic LX3, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by companies Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a sizable gap among the sensor resolutions of the SZ-12 (14MP) and LX3 (10MP) and the SZ-12 (1/2.3") and LX3 (1/1.63") use totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The SZ-12 was launched 3 years after the LX3 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving straight into a thorough comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the SZ-12 grades versus the LX3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus SZ-12 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3. The complete galleries are viewable at Olympus SZ-12 Gallery & Panasonic LX3 Gallery.

In case you're planning to travel with your camera often, you're going to have to consider its weight and dimensions. The Olympus SZ-12 has got external measurements of 106mm x 69mm x 40mm (4.2" x 2.7" x 1.6") along with a weight of 226 grams (0.50 lbs) and the Panasonic LX3 has dimensions of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus SZ-12 vs Panasonic LX3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you are employing during that time. The following is the front view scale comparison of the SZ-12 against the LX3.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SZ-12 and LX3 is 89 and 91 respectively.

Normally, its hard to see the difference in sensor dimensions merely by seeing specs. The image here will give you a more clear sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ-12 and LX3.

All in all, the two cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SZ-12 featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field tougher and the Olympus SZ-12 will show extra detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos far more aggressively. The more modern SZ-12 will have an edge when it comes to sensor innovation.