Panasonic FZ100 vs Panasonic LX100

The following is a in-depth comparison of the Panasonic FZ100 and Panasonic LX100, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Large Sensor Compact and they are both sold by Panasonic. The image resolution of the FZ100 (14MP) and the LX100 (13MP) is fairly close but the FZ100 (1/2.3") and LX100 (Four Thirds) provide totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FZ100 was revealed 5 years earlier than the LX100 which is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic LX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple summary of how the FZ100 matches up against the LX100 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ100 Gallery and Panasonic LX100 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera regularly, you'll need to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ100 has got outer dimensions of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") with a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs) while the Panasonic LX100 has specifications of 115mm x 66mm x 55mm (4.5" x 2.6" x 2.2") and a weight of 393 grams (0.87 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FZ100 and Panasonic LX100 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at the time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the FZ100 against the LX100.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FZ100 and LX100 is 67 and 83 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to visualise the gap in sensor dimensions only by looking through specifications. The picture below might give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ100 and LX100.

Plainly, both of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The FZ100 using its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Panasonic FZ100 will result in more detail because of its extra 1MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images way more aggressively. The more aged FZ100 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.