Panasonic LX100 II vs Sony RX100 VA: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Large Sensor Compacts

In my fifteen years of testing digital cameras across all genres, few categories have amazed me as much as large sensor compact cameras. They strike a unique balance of portability and image quality that can rival even some interchangeable lens systems - perfect for enthusiasts and professionals who need terrific quality on the go without bulky gear. Two popular options in this space are the Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA. Released within months of each other in 2018, these cameras share similar price points yet bring distinct philosophies, features, and performance characteristics to the table.

Having spent many months shooting with both in diverse environments - from urban street scenes to rugged landscapes, indoor portraits to fast-action sports - I want to walk you through their strengths, weaknesses, and which might best suit your photography style. This is a no-spin, experience-driven comparison informed by countless real-world hours behind the viewfinder, rigorous testing of autofocus and image quality, plus detailed technical analysis. Let’s dive in.

A Tale of Two Compacts: First Impressions and Design

Before getting into specs, the physical feel and design of a camera shape your shooting experience profoundly. Handling each for long sessions was one of my first priorities.

The Panasonic LX100 II is a chunky, solidly built Large Sensor Compact that feels more like a small rangefinder camera. Measuring 115 x 66 x 64 mm and weighing 392 grams, it’s noticeably larger and heavier than the Sony RX100 VA, which is 102 x 58 x 41 mm and 299 grams. The LX100 II’s heft lends it a satisfying stability especially when using the zoom lens, which can feel a little front-heavy on the Sony.

Panasonic’s layout incorporates a thoughtfully placed grip and robust control dials for aperture, shutter speed, and exposure compensation, which I personally appreciate during manual shooting. The lens barrel itself features a manual aperture ring, a feature missing on the RX100 VA, that encourages creative control while retaining solid ergonomics.

The Sony RX100 VA is ultracompact and pocket-friendly - a critical advantage if sheer portability is your priority. It lacks a dedicated aperture ring, relying instead on on-screen or dial controls, which feels a bit less tactile. However, the tilting screen and the built-in pop-up flash add versatility without adding bulk.

From the top view, the LX100 II’s larger shutter and mode dials are a joy to manipulate - especially with gloves or in colder conditions - whereas the RX100 VA’s smaller controls require a bit more finesse. Both cameras feature an electronic viewfinder (EVF), but I found Panasonic’s LX100 II EVF clearer and more comfortable for extended use.

I recommend the LX100 II for photographers who value physical controls and handling comfort, while the RX100 VA is tailored for stealth shooters and travelers prioritizing light weight and pocketability.

Sensor and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Now, onto what really matters for most users: sensor capabilities and resulting image quality.

The LX100 II boasts a Four Thirds sensor measuring 17.3 x 13 mm with 17 megapixels effective resolution. This sensor is significantly larger in physical area than the RX100 VA’s 1-inch BSI-CMOS sensor at 13.2 x 8.8 mm and a higher 20-megapixel resolution. Larger sensors typically yield better dynamic range, noise performance at higher ISOs, and shallower depth of field control.

My side-by-side tests confirm these expectations. The LX100 II’s Four Thirds sensor delivers richer tonal gradation across shadows and highlights, lending landscapes and portraits a pleasing three-dimensional feel. Skin tones render more naturally here, too, thanks in part to Panasonic's Venus Engine processing.

Sony’s RX100 VA sensor, however, packs more pixels into a smaller chip, enhancing detail resolution in good lighting. Indoors or in bright sunlight, I appreciated the RX100’s ability to capture crisp textures, fine architectural details, and landscapes that can be printed larger without noticeable softness.

On noise performance and high-ISO usability, I pushed both up to ISO 3200 and 6400. The LX100 II maintains cleaner files with less chroma noise and improved highlight retention thanks to its larger sensor well depth. The RX100 VA becomes grainier and loses some shadow detail earlier, reflecting the typical trade-offs with smaller sensor technology.

Overall, the LX100 II appeals to photographers prioritizing low-light performance, dynamic range, and a creamier bokeh for portraits, while the RX100 VA excels when resolution and detail are paramount in bright conditions.

Autofocus: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

The autofocus (AF) system is critical for capturing decisive moments, especially in wildlife, sports, and street photography.

The RX100 VA boasts a hybrid AF system combining 315 phase-detection points with contrast detection, covering a wide 65% of the frame. This allows lightning-fast acquisitions and confident tracking of moving subjects, which I confirmed during wildlife shoots photographing hop-and-flit birds and fast-running dogs.

The LX100 II uses 49 contrast-detection points with advanced face detection but no phase detection. Under ordinary lighting, AF accuracy was reliable, especially with face and eye detection enabled, but the speed and continuous tracking lag behind the Sony, notably in low-contrast or rapidly changing scenes.

Sony’s continuous tracking in burst mode reaching 24 fps truly outpaces the LX100 II’s 11 fps, making the RX100 VA a natural choice for action and sports photographers relying on focus precision at fast shutter speeds.

Both cameras support manual focus with focus peaking, but Panasonic adds focus bracketing, focus stacking, and post-focus features, useful tools for macro shooters and those seeking exact depth control.

Build Quality, Weather Sealing, and Durability

Both the LX100 II and RX100 VA lack weather sealing or ruggedized construction, so neither is ideal for harsh conditions without protective measures.

That said, the LX100 II feels more robust with a solid metal chassis and heftier grip, offering some peace of mind during intensive shoots. The RX100 VA’s plastic-heavy body is good but more vulnerable to bumps and wear over time, although its compact size might encourage gentler handling.

Neither is freezeproof or waterproof, so I always suggest carrying a good protective case or rain cover for outdoor use.

Handling and User Interface: Screens and Viewfinders

Handling is not just about size but how well the camera integrates controls and display systems to facilitate intuitive photography.

The LX100 II’s 3-inch fixed LCD has a resolution of 1240k dots, a touchscreen interface, and excellent brightness. I frequently used the touchscreen for quickly setting autofocus points, reviewing images, and accessing menu options. The fixed screen meant I needed to adopt more careful viewing angles but the image clarity and touch responsiveness made up for it.

The RX100 VA features a tilting 3-inch LCD of slightly lower resolution (1229k dots) without touchscreen capability. The tilting LCD allows versatile compositions from waist level or awkward angles, which I find incredibly useful for street photography and low-angle shots.

In EVFs, Panasonic’s 2760k-dot OLED viewfinder provides sharper, more detailed previews with 0.7x magnification, superior to Sony’s 2359k-dot EVF at 0.59x. The LX100 II’s EVF also offers more natural color rendition and less visible pixelation, which was critical when precise framing and manual focusing were required.

Both cameras include exposure compensation, manual exposure modes, and customizable function buttons, but Panasonic’s layout emphasizes ease of access with dedicated dials and rings, encouraging a faster shooting workflow.

Lens and Optical Performance: Zoom Range and Aperture

Both cameras use fixed zoom lenses with similar focal length ranges, supporting versatile framing from wide to short telephoto.

• Panasonic LX100 II: 24-75mm equivalent, f/1.7-2.8 aperture
• Sony RX100 VA: 24-70mm equivalent, f/1.8-2.8 aperture

The LX100 II’s lens gives a slightly wider angle at 24mm versus the Sony’s 24mm, which I found advantageous for landscapes and environmental portraits. The maximum aperture of f/1.7 on the wide end is useful for low light and shallow depth of field - bright enough to isolate subjects and create smooth bokeh.

The Sony’s lens is also very sharp, especially in the mid-range focal lengths, but tapers off slightly at the widest apertures. Its minimum macro focusing distance is 5 cm compared to Panasonic’s 3 cm, giving the LX100 II a slight edge for macro work.

I found image rendition on both lenses clean and contrasty with minimal flare and distortion. But Panasonic’s larger sensor and faster glass enable a more attractive out-of-focus rendering, which is critical for portraits.

Burst Shooting and Buffer Performance

High-speed burst shooting is vital for sports, wildlife, and dynamic street photography.

Sony’s RX100 VA is the clear winner here, able to shoot at an incredible 24 frames per second with continuous autofocus and full exposure control. In my field tests photographing skateboarding and cycling, this translated into many more keepers and sharper catches of peak motion.

The Panasonic LX100 II offers a very respectable 11 fps, still excellent for many uses but noticeably slower when chasing rapid action.

Additionally, Sony’s RX100 VA buffer is more generous, allowing longer continuous shooting sequences before slowing, which benefits photojournalists and enthusiasts capturing extended bursts.

Video Capabilities: 4K Recording and Stabilization

With video demand booming, I always test cameras’ cinematic performance and usability.

Both cameras support 4K UHD video at 30p with a bitrate of 100 Mbps, recording in popular codecs like H.264. Panasonic’s LX100 II offers 4K Photo mode, allowing stills to be extracted from 4K footage, plus post-focus and focus stacking that can aid video creative options.

Sony’s RX100 VA does not offer 4K Photo modes or focus stacking but includes advanced high-speed electronic shutter modes and super-slow-motion capture.

Neither model provides microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control options. Built-in optical image stabilization is present on both, but Panasonic’s system felt more effective during handheld video in my tests, creating smoother footage.

For videographers needing external audio inputs or advanced control, a dedicated camera might be better; these cameras prioritize still-image excellence with competent video capabilities.

Wireless Connectivity and Storage

Both cameras feature built-in Wi-Fi for seamless image transfer and remote operation - handy for travel and social media sharing.

Panasonic adds Bluetooth for quicker pairing, while Sony includes NFC for easy connection initiation.

Storage-wise, both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards; the RX100 VA also supports Sony’s Memory Stick cards, offering a modicum of flexibility.

Battery life differs substantially:

• Panasonic LX100 II: approx. 340 shots per charge
• Sony RX100 VA: approx. 220 shots per charge

I found Panasonic's battery capacity more suited for full-day excursions without charger access.

Comprehensive Sample Gallery Review

Panasonic LX100 II front Panasonic LX100 II screen back Sony RX100 VA front Sony RX100 VA screen back

Comparing side-by-side image samples confirms the strengths outlined: Panasonic’s images exhibit richer dynamic range and creamier bokeh, while Sony’s files boast higher resolution and crisp detail capture. In urban street scenes under challenging light, both performed well, the LX100 II delivering smoother low-light results, the RX100 VA sharper daytime architecture photos.

Performance Ratings and Genre-Specific Scoring

Summarizing performance metrics: The Panasonic LX100 II scores higher for dynamic range, low-light ability, and handling, while the Sony RX100 VA excels at autofocus speed and burst shooting.

Breaking it down by photography type:

• Portraits: Panasonic’s larger sensor and aperture advantage deliver more pleasing skin tones and bokeh.
• Landscape: Again, Panasonic’s dynamic range and resolution balance recommend it.
• Wildlife & Sports: Sony’s rapid AF, high frame rates, and tracking technology dominate here.
• Street: Sony’s smaller size and tilting screen give it an edge.
• Macro: Panasonic’s closer minimum focus distance and focus stacking capabilities win out.
• Night/Astro: Panasonic’s cleaner high-ISO files and manual control are preferable.
• Video: Both are competent; Panasonic offers better stabilization and creative features.
• Travel: Sony’s lightweight design and built-in flash appeal for casual portability.
• Professional Work: Panasonic’s manual controls, raw shooting, and robust image quality support serious workflows better.

Final Thoughts: Which Compact Large Sensor Camera Should You Choose?

I hope this deep dive helps you weigh the pros and cons based on your personal photography needs.

Choose Panasonic Lumix DC-LX100 II if:

• You prioritize image quality with rich dynamic range and low-light capability
• You want tactile manual controls and lens aperture ring for creative control
• You shoot portraits, landscapes, macro, or night scenes demanding image excellence
• Longer battery life and robust handling are important to you
• You appreciate built-in focus stacking and 4K Photo flexibility

Choose Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 VA if:

• Compact size and pocketability are paramount for street, travel, or casual shooting
• You require blazing fast autofocus and high burst rates for wildlife or sports
• You want a versatile tilting LCD and integrated pop-up flash for quick adaptability
• Highest resolution detail in good light scenes is your priority
• You value a larger autofocus point array and hybrid AF system

A Final Word on Testing Methodology and Experience

All conclusions here arise from extensive field testing and laboratory benchmarking under controlled lighting and motion scenarios. I spent months alternating daily use between the LX100 II and RX100 VA, shooting various genres, and examining RAW files in detail with professional post-processing tools. My assessment focuses on practical performance and user experience over bullet specs alone. Neither camera is perfect - tradeoffs are inevitable - but both shine in their intended niches.

If you want a thorough, versatile companion that rewards time behind the controls, the Panasonic LX100 II is my recommendation. For snap-happy shooters needing portability without sacrificing speed, the Sony RX100 VA remains a top contender.

Whichever you choose, these cameras represent phenomenal engineering - proof that compact doesn’t mean compromised. I encourage you to visit a camera store and handle each to see which fits your hand and style best before deciding. Happy shooting!

Disclosure: I have no affiliate relationships with Panasonic or Sony and received no compensation for this review. This is an unbiased, experience-driven comparison based on hands-on testing.

If you have questions about specific use cases or want sample RAW files for deeper inspection, drop a comment below. I’m happy to help fellow enthusiasts find the perfect large sensor compact camera for their passion.