Panasonic FZ100 vs Panasonic LX5

Below, we are comparing the Panasonic FZ100 vs Panasonic LX5, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both sold by Panasonic. There exists a big gap between the image resolutions of the FZ100 (14MP) and LX5 (10MP) and the FZ100 (1/2.3") and LX5 (1/1.63") enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

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The FZ100 was released 17 months prior to the LX5 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ100 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic LX5 being a Compact camera.

Before diving through a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple summation of how the FZ100 matches up against the LX5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ100 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ100 Gallery and Panasonic LX5 Gallery.

If you are aiming to travel with your camera often, you have to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ100 provides physical dimensions of 124mm x 82mm x 92mm (4.9" x 3.2" x 3.6") and a weight of 540 grams (1.19 lbs) while 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 out the Panasonic FZ100 vs Panasonic LX5 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select at the time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the FZ100 versus the LX5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FZ100 and LX5 is 67 and 88 respectively.

Normally, it is very difficult to see the gap between sensor dimensions only by checking specs. The image underneath might give you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ100 and LX5.

All in all, both of the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The FZ100 featuring a tinier sensor will make getting bokeh more challenging and the Panasonic FZ100 will give more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images much more aggressively. The more aged FZ100 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.