Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II vs Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3: A Hands-On Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right camera can be a tough call - especially when options span from ultra-compact models to large sensor compacts. I’ve spent countless hours testing cameras and lenses, so today, I’m breaking down the strengths, weaknesses, and real-world performance differences between two Panasonic compacts that sit at opposite ends of the spectrum: the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II, a large-sensor compact launched in 2018, versus the budget-friendly Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 from 2010, a small sensor superzoom compact.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for a travel-friendly backup or a discerning enthusiast hunting for serious image quality in a pocketable body, this detailed comparison draws from my experience with testing image quality, autofocus speed, handling, and value. As someone who’s put thousands of cameras through their paces, I’ll walk you through sensor tech, lens characteristics, autofocus prowess, and usability - no fluff, just facts and opinions that matter.

Let’s dig in.

First Impressions: Size, Handling & Build Quality

Right out of the gate, the physical difference between the LX100 II and the ZR3 is glaring. The LX100 II is chunkier, but it feels solid and purpose-built for handheld work. The ZR3 is tiny - great if pocketability is your priority.

Size and Ergonomics

Holding both cameras side by side, the LX100 II feels almost like a mini DSLR with suitably sized controls and a good heft (392g). It fits well in the hand, with a good grip molded for “clubs for thumbs” like mine. The ZR3 is slim (only 159g), borderline candy-bar styled, and while it slips easily into a coat pocket, it can feel toy-like and somewhat flimsy by comparison.

Build Quality

Both cameras lack weather sealing, so I wouldn’t recommend either in harsh weather without some protection. The LX100 II’s metal chassis and tactile dials definitely communicate a premium feel, while the ZR3’s plastic body, typical of point-and-shoots, feels economical but can be frustrating in bright light - its buttons are small and a bit fiddly.

The controls on the LX100 II are sensibly mapped with physical dials for aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation, catering to manual shooters. Contrast that with the ZR3, which relies mostly on menus and lacks dedicated shooting mode controls like shutter or aperture priority.

In short: If you prize handling and control above all else, the LX100 II’s build and ergonomics put it leagues ahead.

Sensor and Image Quality Showdown: Size Matters

When it comes to image quality, sensor size and resolution are often the biggest drivers - and here the differences couldn’t be starker.

Sensor Specs and Performance

• LX100 II: 17MP Micro Four Thirds sensor (17.3x13mm), fixed 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 lens, 4:3 aspect ratio native
• ZR3: 14MP 1/2.3" CCD sensor (6.08x4.56mm), fixed 25-200mm f/3.3-5.9 lens

The LX100 II’s sensor area is roughly 8 times larger than the ZR3’s, resulting in much better light-gathering power. This not only improves image detail but also dramatically boosts performance in low light due to lower noise and better dynamic range.

In my testing, the LX100 II outperforms the ZR3 by a wide margin at all ISO levels - especially noticeable beyond ISO 800, where the ZR3’s images quickly become soft and noisy, while the LX100 II maintains clean detail up to ISO 3200 and usable results beyond.

Resolution & Image Quality

Both cameras provide similar megapixel counts (17MP vs 14MP), but the LX100 II’s larger pixels translate into superior color depth, tonal gradation, and sharpness. Panasonic’s Venus Engine processor also ensures nice color reproduction and highlight roll-off.

Also notable: The LX100 II supports lossless RAW capture, enabling professional post-processing workflows, while the ZR3 lacks RAW support - locking you into compressed JPEGs that limit editing flexibility.

Verdict: The LX100 II is the clear champion for image quality, especially if your work demands crisp, clean photos or excellent low-light capability.

Lens and Optics: Versatility Meets Quality

Let’s talk glass, because lens choice (even on fixed lens compacts) hugely impacts creative potential.

Focal Length and Aperture

• LX100 II lens: 24-75mm equivalent, bright f/1.7 to f/2.8 aperture throughout zoom range
• ZR3 lens: 25-200mm equivalent, slower f/3.3 to f/5.9 aperture

The LX100 II’s fast, bright lens is a major asset, making shallow depth-of-field and subject isolation achievable - something simply impossible on the ZR3, which relies on smaller sensor depth-of-field and thus produces flat-looking images with busy backgrounds.

For portraits or detail shots where bokeh is desirable, the LX100 II shines. The ZR3’s long zoom range gives reach but sacrifices brightness and image quality at telephoto.

Macro Capability

Both cameras focus down to 3cm, but the LX100 II’s superior lens sharpness and manual focus options allow for better macro results with more control.

Autofocus and Speed: Tracking Your Subject

Autofocus performance is crucial in dynamic photography like sports and wildlife.

Autofocus System & Modes

• LX100 II: 49 contrast-detection autofocus points, face detection, AF tracking, touch AF
• ZR3: 11 contrast-detection points, center-weight autofocus, no face or eye detection

The LX100 II’s more advanced AF system provides faster, more accurate focusing, especially with face detection. Its continuous AF mode tracks moving subjects well for a compact.

The ZR3’s autofocus is comparatively sluggish, prone to hunting, and without face detection, it’s less reliable for portraits or spontaneous street shots.

Burst and Shutter Speed

• Burst mode: 11 fps on LX100 II vs 2 fps for ZR3
• Max electronic shutter speed is 1/16,000 sec on LX100 II, handy for bright light or super-fast action
• ZR3 max shutter speed tops out at 1/1300 sec, limiting flexibility outdoors

For fast action or wildlife, the LX100 II is clearly superior.

Displays and Viewfinding: Composing Your Shot

An often-overlooked aspect is how you see and compose your images.

• LX100 II: 3.0” touchscreen LCD, 1,240k dots, and a high-res 2.76MP electronic viewfinder (EVF)
• ZR3: 2.7” fixed LCD with only 230k dots, no EVF

The LX100 II’s touchscreen and EVF combo greatly enhance usability, especially in bright conditions where LCD glare hampers the ZR3. The high-resolution EVF is a photographer’s friend outdoors.

The ZR3’s screen is small and dim by today’s standards, making precise framing and review more difficult.

Video Capabilities: Beyond Stills

For hybrid shooters or vloggers, video specs matter.

• LX100 II: 4K UHD (3840x2160) at 30fps, high bit rate (100 Mbps), 4K photo modes, and post-focus capabilities
• ZR3: 720p (1280x720) video max at 30fps, in an outdated codec, no 4K modes

The LX100 II’s video quality and features put it in the prosumer league, while the ZR3 offers basic video suitable only for casual clips.

Specialized Photography Uses: Which Camera Excels?

Let’s break down how these two cameras stack up for different photography disciplines, based on my real-world tests and professional workflow needs.

Connectivity, Storage, and Battery Life

The LX100 II offers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, handy for quick wireless transfers or remote control. The ZR3 has no wireless connectivity at all, a drawback in today’s connected world.

Battery life is rated at about 340 shots for the LX100 II, which aligns with average expectations for this class; you’ll want spares on hand for travel or heavy shoots. The ZR3’s battery specs are less impressive but consider that its smaller sensor and screen also consume less power.

Both cameras use a single SD card slot, supporting SDHC and SDXC cards. The LX100 II supports UHS-I cards for faster read/write speeds, beneficial when shooting 4K or burst mode.

Practical Tips and Real-World Shooting

Having shot thousands of images with the Panasonic LX100 II in cities, events, and landscapes, I can attest to its reliability and image quality. While not a speed demon for wildlife telephoto reach, its bright lens and solid AF make it versatile for most genres.

The ZR3, while ancient by today’s standards, still makes sense as an ultra-budget travel companion or first-step point-and-shoot for casual snaps. Don’t expect stellar pictures, but you gain tremendous zoom range and pocketsize convenience.

Value and Price-to-Performance Ratio: What Are You Paying For?

Given the LX100 II costs about 3-4 times the price of a typical ZR3 today, the performance and feature improvements justify it fully for imaging enthusiasts and professionals. The ZR3 might only appeal if your budget is very tight or you simply want a no-frills, portable device.

Summary of Pros and Cons

Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II

Pros:

• Large Four Thirds sensor with excellent image quality
• Bright zoom lens (f/1.7-2.8) enabling shallow DOF
• Manual controls with physical dials
• 4K video and advanced AF features
• Electronic viewfinder with high resolution
• RAW shooting support for professional workflows
• Wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi + Bluetooth)

Cons:

• Heavier and bigger than typical compacts
• No weather sealing
• No microphone/headphone jacks for video professionals
• Price is higher, but justified

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3

Pros:

• Very compact and lightweight
• Long 25-200mm zoom range
• Simple, easy to use for beginners
• Built-in flash and basic video
• Relatively inexpensive

Cons:

• Tiny 1/2.3" sensor with poor low light and dynamic range
• Slow and basic autofocus
• No RAW support, limiting post-processing
• Low resolution, low-res screen, no viewfinder
• No wireless connectivity or manual exposure modes

Final Verdict: Which Panasonic Compact Should You Choose?

For anyone serious about photography quality, creative control, and future-proofing your gear, the Panasonic Lumix LX100 II is the clear winner. Its large sensor, bright lens, and versatile feature set make it a formidable tool for portraits, landscapes, street, and even video. It’s an excellent complement for enthusiasts or pros needing a solid compact secondary camera.

On the other hand, if you’re just after a super compact, affordable camera for casual snapshots with a long zoom and simplicity, the ZR3 might be a serviceable choice - but only if you accept its limited image quality and dated tech.

Panasonic LX100 II front Panasonic LX100 II screen back Panasonic ZR3 front Panasonic ZR3 screen back

Before you decide, ask yourself what matters most: image quality, creative versatility, and manual control - or simplicity, zoom reach, and pocketability on a strict budget? I hope this firsthand, detailed comparison helps you make that choice confidently.

If you have questions on specific shooting scenarios or want tips on maximizing either camera’s potential, drop me a line - I’ve got hundreds of experiences to share behind the lens.

Happy shooting!