Panasonic FX48 vs Panasonic LX5

Let's look closer at the Panasonic FX48 and Panasonic LX5, both Small Sensor Compact cameras and both of them are built by Panasonic. The resolution of the FX48 (12MP) and the LX5 (10MP) is very close but the FX48 (1/2.3") and LX5 (1/1.63") come with different sensor dimensions.

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The FX48 was unveiled 3 years prior to the LX5 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the FX48 matches up against the LX5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX48 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FX48 Gallery & Panasonic LX5 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera, you will need to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic FX48 offers physical dimensions of 95mm x 53mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.9") having a weight of 150 grams (0.33 lbs) and the Panasonic LX5 has sizing of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FX48 and Panasonic LX5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are employing at that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the FX48 versus the LX5.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FX48 and LX5 is 95 and 88 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to visualize the contrast in sensor sizing simply by viewing specs. The visual below should give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the FX48 and LX5.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FX48 having a smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic FX48 will provide you with extra detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop pics much more aggressively. The older FX48 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.