Olympus XZ-10 vs Panasonic LX3

Its time to look more in depth at the Olympus XZ-10 vs Panasonic LX3, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by competitors Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the XZ-10 (12MP) and the LX3 (10MP) is fairly comparable but the XZ-10 (1/2.3") and LX3 (1/1.63") offer totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The XZ-10 was manufactured 4 years later than the LX3 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before delving straight to a more detailed comparison, here is a brief summation of how the XZ-10 grades versus the LX3 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus Stylus XZ-10 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3. The entire galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-10 Gallery & Panasonic LX3 Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Olympus XZ-10 has got outside dimensions of 102mm x 61mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 221 grams (0.49 lbs) and the Panasonic LX3 has proportions of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs).

Look at the Olympus XZ-10 vs Panasonic LX3 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilising at the time. Here is a front view dimension comparison of the XZ-10 vs the LX3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-10 and LX3 is 91 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it is difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor measurements merely by seeing a spec sheet. The photograph underneath may provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-10 and LX3.

Clearly, each of the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The XZ-10 because of its smaller sensor will make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Olympus XZ-10 will provide extra detail due to its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The fresher XZ-10 will have an edge when it comes to sensor tech.