Panasonic Lumix LX100 II vs. LX10: Expert Comparison for Photographers Ready to Upgrade

Choosing between the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II and the Lumix LX10 isn’t just about which one “sounds better” - it requires a discerning look at their core capabilities across diverse photography styles, technical nuances, and real-world usability. Both cameras cater to enthusiasts craving high-quality images without the bulk of interchangeable-lens systems, but they bring different sensor tech, designs, and feature sets to the table.

Having extensively tested both cameras under varied scenarios, this deep-dive comparison helps you decide which Lumix compact suits your photography needs best. I’ll break down performance by technical specs, ergonomics, and genre-specific shooting plus offer candid, experience-backed recommendations.

Putting Size and Handling Under the Lens

One of the first things you notice when you unpack these compacts is how their sizes and controls differ - an important factor for on-the-go photographers.

Panasonic Lumix LX100 II

• Dimensions: 115 x 66 x 64 mm
• Weight: 392 g (battery and card included)
• Build: Substantial grip, robust body with metal finish
• Viewfinder: Integrated electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.76M-dot resolution

The LX100 II feels like a more serious tool in hand. It’s larger and heavier but this bulk brings ergonomic dividends - deep grip, well-spaced dials, and an EVF that’s a joy for composing in bright outdoor conditions or when you want steady framing.

Panasonic Lumix LX10

• Dimensions: 106 x 60 x 42 mm
• Weight: 310 g (battery and card included)
• Build: Compact and pocket-friendly, plastic-heavy body
• Viewfinder: None

The LX10 is noticeably smaller and lighter, excellent for street, travel, or casual photography when pocket portability tops your priority list. However, it trades off having no EVF, relying solely on the rear LCD for composing shots.

Top-Down Controls and Interface: Who’s Faster on the Draw?

Responsive controls and logical layouts matter when moments are fleeting. Let's check out how these cameras are arranged top-down.

The LX100 II sports dedicated aperture rings, shutter speed dials, and custom buttons that I found quickly let me tailor settings without fumbling through menus. Its top dials are tactile and reassuringly solid, a hallmark of Panasonic's push into semi-pro compacts. The electronic viewfinder further complements this tactile approach for swift adjustments on the fly.

In contrast, the LX10 opts for a simpler interface with fewer direct controls but retains touchscreen operation on its tilting rear screen. The lack of physical dials means you rely more on menus - less ideal when speed or instinct matters but fine for casual shooting or videography.

Sensor Technologies: More Than Megapixels

Both cameras boast large sensors for compacts, but their underlying tech differs profoundly - impacting image quality and handling of tricky lighting.

The LX100 II’s Four Thirds sensor is physically larger, translating to better noise control and dynamic range in real-world testing - particularly visible in shadows and highlights. While the LX10 has a higher megapixel count, its smaller 1-inch sensor inevitably hits limits in low-light and high contrast scenes.

During long exposures and night shots, LX100 II maintains cleaner images with less grain - beneficial if night/astro or landscape shooters are a priority for you. The BSI-CMOS sensor of the LX10, however, still does surprisingly well providing respectable sharpness and color fidelity, especially in daylight.

Viewing and Composing: Screens and Finders

A camera’s screen usability plus its viewfinder impact how easily you can frame shots, especially under tough lighting.

LX100 II

• 3-inch fixed touchscreen
• 1,240k-dot resolution
• Electronic viewfinder: 2,760k dot OLED

The standout here is that EVF. It’s crisp, responsive, and offers 100% coverage with 0.7x magnification. I found this invaluable for precise focus and compositional control outdoors, where LCD glare can blind you.

LX10

• 3-inch tilting touchscreen
• 1,040k-dot resolution
• No viewfinder

The tilting LCD on the LX10 accommodates creative angles and selfies but, without an EVF, the user relies heavily on the screen. In bright sun, this sometimes led me to miss subtle focus cues or exposure details.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Chasing Action and Moments

Both cameras use contrast-detect autofocus systems with 49 focus points. Neither sports phase detection, which more modern systems boast for speed.

In practice, I observed:

• LX100 II: Slightly more consistent tracking and focus locking on moving subjects during burst shooting (up to 11 fps). Face and eye detection worked reliably outdoors and indoors.
• LX10: Burst shooting maxes at 10 fps, with good AF in static scenes but occasional hunting under low light or fast movement.

For wildlife and sports photographers reliant on ultra-fast tracking, these compacts aren’t flagship speed beasts but still deliver competent performance within their class. The LX100 II’s marginally better autofocus responsiveness and higher burst frame rate give it the edge for active scenarios.

Image Stabilization - A Crucial Factor for Sharp Shots

Both cameras feature optical image stabilization, although implementation varies:

• LX100 II: Optical stabilization built into the lens.
• LX10: Sensor-shift stabilization.

In hands-on testing, both effectively reduced blur from hand shake at longer focal lengths and slower shutter speeds. However, the LX10’s sensor-shift system performed slightly better in macro and video by maintaining steadiness even when zoomed in close.

Lens Performance: Focal Lengths and Aperture Effects

Fixed lenses shape how versatile and creative your shooting can be.

Both lenses offer bright apertures advantageous in low light and for selective depth of field. The LX10 edges slightly wide-angle shooters with f/1.4, meaning better subject isolation and bokeh in portraits or creative shots.

I found the LX100 II’s 24-75mm zoom more flexible for landscapes and portraits alike, offering a modest but significant zoom advantage useful for travel photography and environmental portraiture.

Real-World Sample Comparisons

Here are representative images shot on both cameras under varied lighting conditions. Observe color accuracy, detail, and bokeh quality.

Panasonic LX100 II front Panasonic LX100 II screen back Panasonic LX10 front Panasonic LX10 screen back

• Portraits: LX10’s f/1.4 aperture produces smoother bokeh and excellent skin tone separation. The LX100 II shows a neutral yet detailed rendering with good contrast.
• Landscapes: The extra sensor area on LX100 II yields richer dynamic range, capturing shadow detail without clipping highlights.
• Low light: LX100 II maintains cleaner images ISO 3200 and beyond.

Performance Scores and Rankings

Leveraging extensive benchmark testing and personal hands-on trials, here’s how these cameras score overall and by photographic genre.

• The LX100 II rates higher overall thanks to its larger sensor, EVF, lens versatility, and speed.
• The LX10 scores well for portability, close-up work, and value-conscious buyers.

Photography Styles: Which Camera Shines Where?

Portrait Photography

• LX10’s wider f/1.4 aperture enables creamy bokeh and eye-catching shallow depth of field.
• Face/eye detection AF on both works well; LX100 II’s EVF aids composition precision.
• Verdict: Portrait enthusiasts inclined towards bokeh artistry may prefer the LX10; otherwise, LX100 II offers great consistency.

Landscape Photography

• LX100 II’s larger Four Thirds sensor excels in dynamic range and color depth.
• Lens zoom is more versatile for framing.
• Weather sealing is absent from both but LX100 II’s robust construction feels more durable.
• Verdict: LX100 II is the clear choice for landscapes.

Wildlife Photography

• LX100 II’s faster burst shooting and better autofocus tracking aid action capture.
• Telephoto reach slightly favors LX100 II.
• Verdict: LX100 II better suited for casual wildlife shooting.

Sports Photography

• Neither camera competes with pro APS-C or full-frame models but LX100 II’s speed and EVF help.
• Verdict: LX100 II has an edge if sports shooting is casual priority.

Street Photography

• LX10’s smaller size, lighter weight, and tilting screen excel for street candid shooting.
• Unobtrusive, quick to grab shots, though no EVF.
• Verdict: LX10 recommended for street photographers valuing portability.

Macro Photography

• Both offer 3 cm macro focusing.
• LX10’s sensor-shift stabilization better for close-ups handheld.
• Verdict: Slight nod to LX10.

Night and Astrophotography

• LX100 II’s better high ISO noise control and dynamic range preferred.
• Verdict: LX100 II for serious night/astro shooters.

Video Capabilities

• Both shoot 4K UHD at 30p, similar bitrates.
• LX10 has sensor-shift stabilization, aiding video smoothness.
• LX100 II’s lack of mic input limits audio options.
• Verdict: Tie; preference depends on video stabilization vs audio input needs.

Travel Photography

• LX10’s compactness and weight make it a joy for travel.
• LX100 II delivers more creative control at cost of size.
• Verdict: LX10 for lightweight travel, LX100 II for versatile travel kit.

Professional Work

• LX100 II’s RAW support, reliable build, EVF and superior image quality benefit professionals.
• LX10 is more entry-level in this respect.
• Verdict: LX100 II.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Neither model offers environmental sealing - a limitation for demanding outdoor use - but the LX100 II’s metal alloy body conveys greater ruggedness than the mostly plastic LX10.

In real-world use, I found the LX100 II withstands daily handling more confidently. Neither should be considered fully weatherproof or drop-resistant.

Battery Life and Storage Flexibility

LX100 II’s higher battery endurance benefits longer outings, but both cameras share standard SD card compatibility and need spare batteries for extended shooting.

Wireless and Connectivity Features

• LX100 II offers built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth; I found Bluetooth pairing fast for mobile transfers.
• LX10 has Wi-Fi but lacks Bluetooth.
• Both have HDMI ports for external monitoring.
• Neither provides microphone or headphone jacks, limiting professional video workflows.

Price-to-Performance Analysis

Current pricing analysis (as of mid-2024):

• LX100 II: ~$998
• LX10: ~$700

For enthusiasts seeking premium compact quality and advanced controls, the LX100 II justifies its price with superior sensor size, EVF, and handling.

Budget-conscious buyers or those prioritizing portability, lightness, and simple user interface may find the LX10 excellent value.

Quick Summary: Pros and Cons at a Glance

Panasonic Lumix LX100 II

Pros:

• Larger Four Thirds sensor, superior image quality
• Bright f/1.7-2.8 lens with broader zoom
• Built-in high-res electronic viewfinder
• Faster burst shooting (11 fps)
• Longer battery life
• More ergonomic, customizable controls
• Bluetooth + Wi-Fi connectivity

Cons:

• Larger and heavier; less pocketable
• No built-in flash; requires external flash
• No microphone or headphone ports
• Higher price point

Panasonic Lumix LX10

Pros:

• Compact, lightweight, highly portable
• Bright f/1.4 aperture lens at wide angle
• Sensor-shift image stabilization for stills and video
• Tilting touchscreen for creative shooting angles
• Built-in pop-up flash
• Affordable price
• User-friendly interface for novices

Cons:

• Smaller 1” sensor limits low-light and dynamic range
• No EVF; LCD only
• Shorter battery life
• No Bluetooth, basic USB 2.0 port
• Fewer physical controls

Who Should Choose Which Camera?

• Choose Panasonic LX100 II if:

  • You want larger sensor image quality and dynamic range
  • You value an EVF and manual direct controls for creative shooting
  • You shoot landscapes, portraits, wildlife, or night scenes regularly
  • You need faster shooting speeds and longer battery life
  • You’re willing to invest more for semi-pro compact reliability

• Choose Panasonic LX10 if:

  • Compactness, lightweight travel, or street discretion matter most
  • You prioritize wide aperture for stunning bokeh effects
  • You want in-body stabilization for casual video and macro shots
  • You have a tighter budget but want high-quality 4K video
  • You prefer a tilting screen for vlogging or selfies

Final Thoughts

Both Panasonic Lumix LX100 II and LX10 continue the brand’s tradition of merging portability with large sensors. Your choice hinges on balancing image quality and photographic control against size and usability priorities.

From my extensive hands-on testing, the LX100 II clearly leads when demanding image quality, shooting versatility, and rapid AF performance matter. Its built-in EVF and robust design make it feel like a compact powerhouse suitable for serious enthusiasts and semi-professionals.

Meanwhile, the LX10 remains a fantastic option for photographers who want a pocketable, easy-to-use camera with strong optics and steady video, at a friendlier price point.

Both cameras remain relevant today, but knowing your shooting priorities first will ensure you pick a companion that inspires and keeps up with your creative vision.

I hope this thorough breakdown helps you feel confident in selecting the Lumix compact that truly fits your photographic journey.

Happy shooting!