Panasonic FX580 vs Panasonic LX5

Following is a complete overview of the Panasonic FX580 and Panasonic LX5, both Small Sensor Compact cameras and they are both manufactured by Panasonic. The image resolution of the FX580 (12MP) and the LX5 (10MP) is relatively close but the FX580 (1/2.3") and LX5 (1/1.63") offer different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The FX580 was manufactured 3 years before the LX5 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving right into a complete comparison, here is a simple view of how the FX580 scores vs the LX5 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FX580 Gallery and Panasonic LX5 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry around your camera, you have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic FX580 provides physical measurements of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Panasonic LX5 has specifications of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Check the Panasonic FX580 and Panasonic LX5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have at that time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the FX580 compared to the LX5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the FX580 and LX5 is 95 and 88 respectively.

Usually, its hard to picture the difference in sensor sizes merely by researching a spec sheet. The pic underneath might give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the FX580 and LX5.

Clearly, each of the cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FX580 because of its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow depth of field harder and the Panasonic FX580 will result in more detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged FX580 will be behind with regard to sensor tech.