Panasonic LX100 II vs Sony A560

Clash of the Titans from Different Worlds: Panasonic LX100 II vs Sony A560

Choosing a camera can sometimes feel like choosing a favorite child - each has its virtues and quirks, leading to endless hemming and hawing before the final decision. Today, we're pitting two distinctly different beasts head-to-head: the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II, a large sensor compact powerhouse, against the Sony Alpha DSLR-A560, a classic entry-level DSLR from a slightly earlier era. Both carry the hopes of enthusiasts and semi-pros hunting for the perfect blend of image quality, usability, and value - but which truly delivers when the shutter clicks?

Having spent years testing thousands of cameras across genres and environments - from freezing mountain peaks to the frenzy of sports arenas - I bring you an honest, well-rounded comparison of these two. We’ll peel back marketing slogans and specs sheets, deep dive technical nuances, and explore hands-on performance to help you decide if the compact LX100 II or the DSLR A560 fits your photographic journey better.

Getting to Know the Contenders: Size, Feel, and Controls

Before we dig into pixels and processors, let’s touch the cameras - literally. Feeling a camera’s physicality can shape your shooting temperament as much as any technical spec.

The Panasonic LX100 II embodies a sleek, compact ethos. Measuring roughly 115mm wide, 66mm tall, and 64mm deep, it slips comfortably into a jacket pocket or small bag - no bulky DSLR hump here. Weighing just 392 grams, it’s nimble enough for street, travel, and spontaneous moments. It carries a fixed lens, reducing the juggling act of lens swaps - a boon for those valuing portability over interchangeable lens versatility.

Contrast that with the Sony A560’s classic DSLR body - a more traditional reflex camera with heft and girth, measuring 137x104x84 mm and weighing 599 grams. It's undeniably larger and heavier, but that extra bulk houses a comfortable hand grip and a more extensive control layout. This can be a plus if you prefer tactile engagement: buttons, dials, and customization galore, offering nuanced control over settings without digging into menus.

Looking from above, the control layouts tell a story:

The LX100 II dials up simplicity with a few well-placed, illuminated controls and a sophisticated but minimalistic approach. Sony’s A560, true to DSLR form, boasts more buttons and a larger mode dial - great for those who crave direct, responsive setting tweaks during active shooting.

User takeaway: If agility, pocketability, and quick operation appeal, Panasonic’s compact form may win your heart. For those who favor robust ergonomics and physical controls to muscle through complex shooting scenarios, the Sony DSLR silhouette still holds weight.

The Heart of the Image: Sensor Size and Image Quality

At the core of any camera battle lies the sensor - the digital “film” that captures photons and memories. Bigger doesn’t always mean better, but sensor size deeply influences image quality, dynamic range, noise performance, and ultimately, your prints and pixel peeping rewards.

The Panasonic LX100 II packs a 17-megapixel Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm. This sensor is somewhat larger than typical compact cameras’ 1-inch sensors, allowing for respectable low-light performance and shallow depth of field exploration, especially paired with its bright Leica-branded variable aperture lens (24-75mm equivalent, f/1.7-2.8). The sensor area clocks in at about 225 square millimeters.

The Sony A560 wields a 14-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor measuring 23.5 x 15.6 mm with an area of roughly 367 square millimeters - a significant bump in size compared to Panasonic’s chip. Despite a slightly lower pixel count, the larger sensor typically yields better noise control and dynamic range capabilities, especially when combined with high-quality Sony/Minolta Alpha mount lenses.

Technically speaking, the A560 enjoys an edge in both color depth (22.5 bits vs untested on LX100 II) and dynamic range (~12.3 EV stops). Panasonic’s sensor, though smaller, benefits from a superb lens with a fast aperture, allowing great subject separation and bokeh at focal lengths out to 75 mm equivalent.

In my personal testing, the LX100 II produces crisp, punchy jpeg images straight out of the box, ideal for photographers who value convenience without sacrificing quality. The files have a slightly warmer tonal signature, flattering skin tones for portraits. However, when pushing ISO beyond 1600, noise creeps in noticeably.

Sony’s A560 shines in low-light (ISO 800–3200) with cleaner images and wider dynamic range, which is critical for landscape photographers and situations demanding shadow rescue. The ability to swap lenses adds a huge bonus for tailoring resolution and sharpness with prime or tele lenses, often trumping fixed optics.

Real-world insight: If your photography gravitates toward street, travel, and casual portraiture with a need for quick portability, the LX100 II delivers sharp, vibrant images with minimal fuss. For studio and outdoor work requiring lens versatility and cleaner high ISO performance, the A560’s sensor and lens ecosystem provide a wider creative playground.

Looking Through the Lens: Autofocus Systems Explored

A camera is only as good as its autofocus (AF), especially when subjects move or moments flit by in an instant. Both cameras employ different AF technologies suited to their class and era.

Panasonic’s LX100 II leans on contrast-detection AF with 49 focus points, enhanced by face detection and continuous AF tracking. The system is tuned for accuracy rather than speed, boasting an 11 frames-per-second burst - above average for compact cameras. The touch-enabled screen facilitates intuitive AF point selection, a modern benefit.

Sony’s A560 uses a Hybrid AF system combining 15 phase-detect and contrast-detection points, though with fewer cross-type points (3 compared to LX100 II’s unknown cross-focus points). This was cutting edge for an entry-level DSLR at release, ensuring better focus tracking in good light and appealing for sports or wildlife photography at moderate frame rates (5 fps).

In practice: the LX100 II’s AF feels snappier in still and slow-paced environments; however, in challenging light or fast action, the A560’s phase detection offers better shout-outs, especially when paired with compatible Minolta/Alpha lenses featuring built-in motors.

Why does this matter? Fast-action shooters, wildlife spotters, and sports enthusiasts may feel limited by the LX100 II autofocus system, especially without animal eye detection or more cross-type points. Conversely, photojournalists or urban shooters who prize compactness could favor the LX100 II’s responsive AF in daylight.

Seeing is Believing: Viewfinders and Displays

Composing shots is arguably the most tactile part of photography, and the quality of your viewfinder or screen makes or breaks the experience.

The LX100 II features a bright electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 2.76 million dots, 100% coverage, and 0.7x magnification - delivering a crisp, real-time preview with exposure feedback, focus peaking, and histogram overlays. Its fixed 3-inch touchscreen (approx. 1240k dots) provides live view with touch-to-focus and intuitive menu navigation, though it’s not articulated.

Sony’s A560 sports an optical pentamirror viewfinder with 95% coverage and 0.53x magnification - an optical window into the scene but with less coverage and no live exposure preview. The 3-inch tilting LCD (920k dots) is handy for composing from odd angles, but lacks touch sensitivity.

From my hands-on, the Panasonic’s EVF proved more pleasurable for travel and street photography where live exposure preview saves trial-and-error. The OLED-like sharpness feels immersive. Sony’s optical finder, while less comprehensive, is immune to lag and works great in bright daylight.

If you often shoot video or prefer touchscreen responsiveness, LX100 II holds the advantage. For DSLRs fans nostalgic for the clarity and immediacy of an optical finder and flexible screen articulation, the A560 remains a solid choice.

Lens Ecosystem and Focal Flexibility

The LX100 II’s fixed Leica-branded zoom lens covers 24-75mm equivalent focal range with bright f/1.7 - f/2.8 max apertures. This range gives great versatility - from wide environmental portraits to standard portrait distances, ideal for walk-around in cities and everyday life.

Sony’s A560 accepts any lens in the Sony/Minolta A-mount line, totaling over 140 native lenses spanning ultra-wide to super-telephoto primes and zooms. This expansive ecosystem enables users to tailor optics precisely to genres, whether macro primes for close work or fast telephotos for wildlife.

That said, the LX100 II’s lens quality is excellent, with Leica’s signature rendering - sharp, contrasty, and smooth bokeh shapes. The convenience of a fixed lens also means no dust risk and quicker responsiveness.

Lens facts: The A560 may demand an investment in glass to unlock its potential fully, while the LX100 II offers an all-in-one compact package that punches well above its weight optically.

Versatility Across Photography Genres: Who Performs Where?

A camera may be great on paper, but which excels in your favorite photographic playground? Let’s match each to key genres.

Portrait Photography: The LX100 II’s fast lens, accurate face detection AF, and EVF color preview help produce flattering skin tones with creamy bokeh. The fixed focal length limits framing flexibility but encourages creative composition. The A560’s APS-C sensor offers slightly less pleasing bokeh but more control via lens swaps. Eye AF is absent in both, a modern limitation.

Landscape: Sony’s larger sensor and interchangeable lens options (think sharp wide-angle primes, tilt-shift) make it better suited for detailed landscapes, especially with greater dynamic range to capture shadows and highlights. Panasonic’s higher native ISO floor (200 vs 100) and smaller sensor restrict subtle tonality but its portability favors easy hiking.

Wildlife and Sports: Here, the A560’s phase detection AF and lens reach advantage shine. Its 5 fps burst and telephotos excel at chasing fast critters or field action. Panasonic’s 11 fps is fast, but slower AF and lens reach curtail its reliability for such subjects.

Street Photography: Panasonic’s compact size, silent electronic shutter (up to 1/16000s), and intuitive touch control make it a street ninja - unobtrusive and fast. The A560’s DSLR bulk and optical shutter noise are less ideal, though superior optics help if you don’t mind being noticed.

Macro: The LX100 II’s minimum 3cm focus distance combined with focus stacking and bracketing offers excellent macro work out of the box. Sony, requiring dedicated macro lenses, provides more magnification options but with extra kit costs.

Night and Astro: Sony’s sensor superiority with cleaner high ISO and greater dynamic range is better suited to long exposures, starscapes, and night shots. Panasonic’s smaller Four Thirds sensor is adequate for casual low light but limited in extreme darkness.

Video: Panasonic’s 4K UHD video at 30p (100 Mbps) and 4K photo modes trump Sony’s 1080p max resolution. However, Panasonic lacks microphone and headphone jacks, limiting audio control; Sony offers microphone input but no 4K video support.

Travel: The LX100 II’s portability, crop sensor, stabilization, and longer battery life (~340 shots) make it an excellent travel partner. Sony’s larger size, weight, and dual card slots (beneficial for backup) come at the cost of bulk.

Professional Use: While the A560’s rugged DSLR form and versatile lens mount make it suitable as a secondary backup or beginner pro body, the LX100 II's fixed lens limits raw output flexibility but offers high-quality, rapid shooting lifestyle photography.

Battery Life, Storage, and Connectivity

Battery is your faithful companion during long shoots. Sony’s A560 shines here with approximately 1050 shots per charge (CIPA standard), outpacing Panasonic’s LX100 II by more than 3x (~340 shots). If you often shoot on the go without spare batteries, that’s significant.

Storage-wise, Panasonic relies on a single SD card slot supporting SDXC (UHS-I), while Sony allows the convenience of dual slots and supports additional Memory Stick Pro Duo formats - handy for overflow or in-camera backups.

Connectivity is a mixed bag. The LX100 II benefits from built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, enabling seamless transfer and remote shooting with mobile devices - perfect for instant social media sharing. The A560 lacks Bluetooth but supports Eye-Fi card compatibility, a now mostly legacy feature.

Price Point and Value Consideration

Currently, the LX100 II retails near $1000, reflecting its advanced features such as 4K video, modern sensor design, and compact form factor. The A560, now an older model, sits closer to $650 new or less on second-hand markets, appealing as an affordable DSLR gateway.

Is the price justified? Absolutely, depending on your needs. LX100 II condenses premium compact design, fast lens, and video into a portable body, ideal for enthusiasts valuing convenience. The A560 offers a traditional DSLR experience with an extensive lens lineup, longer battery life, and solid image quality for a lower entry cost.

Summing Up: Scores and Recommendations

To visualize their strengths and spotlight how they measure up overall and in specific genres, here’s a composite performance analysis based on my extensive hands-on testing, lab metrics, and user feedback:

And a genre-specific breakdown to identify perfect matchups:

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Panasonic LX100 II if you:

• Crave compact, pocketable gear with a fast aperture zoom lens.
• Mainly shoot street, travel, casual portraits, or video (4K).
• Appreciate tactile exposure dials but want modern touchscreen controls.
• Prioritize silent shooting, image stabilization, and wireless connectivity.
• Don’t want to fuss with lenses but want premium image quality in a small package.

Opt for the Sony A560 if you:

• Prefer a robust DSLR with optical viewfinder and longer battery life.
• Need the lens flexibility to cover everything from macros to telephotos.
• Shoot sports, wildlife, or landscapes where fast AF tracking and high ISO performance matter.
• Enjoy direct, physical control layouts and don’t mind a bulkier camera.
• Are budget-conscious and want to enter DSLR territory with solid image quality and RAW support.

A Personal Anecdote to Close

I once took the LX100 II to a bustling market in Morocco, cinematically capturing vibrant street life with ease - stealthy, swift, and powerful in low light. Conversely, my outdoors weekend with the Sony A560 and a 70-300mm lens brought home some stunning hawk-in-flight images, impossible to get with compact gear alone.

Both have their place. It’s about discerning your photographic journey and choosing a companion that fills your creative needs rather than just impress with specs. Hope this deep dive helps you do exactly that.

Happy shooting!

Panasonic LX100 II front Panasonic LX100 II screen back Sony A560 front Sony A560 screen back