Olympus XZ-1 vs Panasonic LX3

The following is a complete analysis of the Olympus XZ-1 versus Panasonic LX3, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the XZ-1 (10MP) and the LX3 (10MP) is very comparable and both cameras boast the identical sensor sizing (1/1.63").

Photography Glossary

The XZ-1 was introduced 2 years after the LX3 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting straight to a thorough comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the XZ-1 matches up vs the LX3 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus XZ-1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus XZ-1 Gallery and Panasonic LX3 Gallery.

If you are intending to travel with your camera often, you're going to have to factor its weight and dimensions. The Olympus XZ-1 enjoys physical dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 42mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 275 grams (0.61 lbs) and the Panasonic LX3 has dimensions 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-1 versus Panasonic LX3 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the XZ-1 and the LX3.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the XZ-1 and LX3 is 88 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to picture the difference in sensor dimensions only by going through technical specs. The picture here will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the XZ-1 and LX3.

As you have seen, both of those cameras come with the identical sensor size and the identical megapixels so you should expect comparable quality of files but you might want to take the production date of the cameras into account. The more recent XZ-1 should have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.