Panasonic Lumix FZ200 vs Panasonic Lumix LX3: A Deep Dive Into Two Compact Powerhouses

Choosing the right camera can be a perplexing endeavor, especially when faced with two models from the same brand that might appeal to overlapping yet distinct photographic ambitions. Today, I’m unpacking an in-depth comparison between two Panasonic classics: the Lumix DMC-FZ200, a superzoom bridge camera announced in 2012, and the Lumix DMC-LX3, a compact enthusiast’s companion from 2008. Both suited to photographers seeking high-quality images without the bulk of DSLRs, they represent very different takes on what a “small sensor” camera can deliver.

Having put both through their paces extensively in lab and field tests, this detailed comparison explores how these cameras excel or falter across photographic disciplines, ergonomic design, image quality, and value-for-money. Whether you’re chasing wildlife, street candids, or dreamy portraits, this guide aims to equip you with firsthand insights that go beyond specs sheets and marketing jargon.

Size, Handling, and Ergonomics: As Different as Night and Day

Let's begin where the camera literally meets the hand. The FZ200 and LX3 differ markedly in body design and handling philosophy - reflected in their classification as a “bridge” camera and a “compact” respectively.

The FZ200 sports an SLR-like body giving you a substantial grip and a well-differentiated control layout. At 125x87x110 mm and 588g, it’s considerably chunkier than the LX3, which measures 109x60x27 mm and weighs just 265g. This difference is immediately apparent when carrying them around. The FZ200 commands more presence, making it better suited for prolonged handheld shooting without feeling plasticky or insubstantial.

What the FZ200 gains in heft and grip, it loses in portability. The LX3 is a classic pocketable device, sliding effortlessly into most coat pockets or small bags. For those who prize concealment or travel light, this smaller footprint becomes a decisive advantage.

A further ergonomic bonus for the FZ200 is the fully-articulated 3-inch TFT LCD and a high-resolution electronic viewfinder (1312 dots) that facilitates precise composition in bright conditions or at odd angles - a boon for wildlife or macro shooters.

The top plate further reflects these intentions. The FZ200 boasts dedicated dials for exposure modes and exposure compensation, ergonomic buttons laid out for intuitive reach, and a robust mode dial distinct from the shutter release. The LX3’s minimalist top controls are geared for speed and simplicity, but the lack of a built-in viewfinder and a fixed LCD provides fewer compositional aids in bright environments.

Between these dimensions and user interface considerations, you encounter a fundamental divide: the FZ200 leans towards semi-pro, deliberate photography requiring manual control, whereas the LX3 excels as a quick-action, pocket-ready point-and-shoot that still rewards exploration of manual mode.

Sensor, Image Quality, and Processing: The Inside Story

Sensor size and technology play central roles in image fidelity, dynamic range, and overall photographic expressiveness. Though both cameras house “small sensors” by DSLR standards, their sensors differ markedly in age, format, and type.

The LX3 employs a 1/1.63" CCD sensor measuring approximately 44.87 mm² with a resolution of 10 megapixels. By contrast, the FZ200 leverages a slightly smaller 1/2.3" CMOS sensor of about 28.07 mm² with a higher resolution of 12 megapixels.

This difference - the LX3’s larger sensor area and the CCD sensor’s older generation - provides some notable distinctions:

• Color depth: Both register similar scores around 19 in color depth tests, granting rich tonality for skin tones and landscapes.
• Dynamic range: Both score similarly (~10.8 EV), which is decent but limited compared to larger APS-C or full-frame sensors. In practice, this means highlight clipping and crushed shadows emerge early under harsh light.
• Low-light performance: The FZ200 slightly outpaces the LX3 with a DxO low-light ISO score of 114 versus 94 for the LX3, reflecting more modern CMOS sensor efficiencies and improved noise handling at high ISOs.

Despite smaller sensor real estate, the FZ200’s newer Venus Engine VII FHD processor affords better noise reduction algorithms and improved overall image quality consistency.

In real-world testing, this translates to the LX3 delivering punchy, vibrant images but struggling beyond ISO 400 with noticeable grain. The FZ200 retains cleaner images up to ISO 1600, expanding shooting flexibility in dim environments.

Zoom Lenses: The Versatility Factor

Nothing captures the essence of the two cameras’ identities more than their fixed lenses.

The FZ200’s unchanging f/2.8 aperture across a whopping 24x zoom range is rare and remarkable. This allows photographers to maintain low-light performance even at telephoto lengths, such as wildlife or sports shooting outdoors. For example, when shooting a distant bird, you can lock in fast shutter speeds without cranking ISO through the roof.

The LX3’s lens is significantly more limited in reach but shines for its fast initial f/2.0 aperture wide open at 24mm. This makes it great for low-light interiors, street photography, and shallow depth-of-field portraits, albeit at shorter focal lengths.

In practice, the FZ200 is a true “all-in-one” travel companion, facilitating close-up nature studies or distant scenes with one lens. The LX3 calls for more deliberate framing or cropping due to its modest zoom.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

Autofocus system sophistication and burst rates can make or break experience in action or wildlife scenarios.

The FZ200 features 23 focus points with contrast detection and face detection, plus continuous AF and tracking AF, enabling confident focus tracking on moving subjects. Its maximum continuous burst speed hits a rapid 12 fps, excellent for fast sequences.

Conversely, the LX3’s AF system relies on single-point contrast detection only, with no continuous tracking support. Burst shooting peaks at a modest 3 fps.

Field trials confirm these specs:

• With the FZ200, tracking a swift bird in flight or children running across a playground was reasonably reliable, provided lighting was decent.
• The LX3, while able to nail focus on static subjects quickly, showed lag and hunt in dynamic scenes, making it less suited to fast action.

One practical observation when testing both cameras in low light: the FZ200’s AF is more stable, aided by its constant wide aperture lens allowing more light onto the sensor.

LCD Screens and Viewfinders: Composition in the Field

An often underestimated factor for consistent image capture is the camera’s framing aids.

The FZ200 sports a 3-inch fully articulated Free-Angle LCD (460k dots) and a high-res electronic viewfinder covering 100% of the frame. This combination lets you shoot from low, high, or awkward angles with confidence, plus compose precisely in bright sunlight.

The LX3 has a similar-sized fixed LCD of the same resolution but no viewfinder. Composing solely via the rear screen, especially in bright outdoor conditions, requires squinting or shielding the display.

The articulated screen on the FZ200 drastically enhances shooting versatility, including macro or street photography from hip level, which is uncomfortable when relying on a fixed rear screen alone.

Battery Life and Storage: Keeping the Camera Ready

Battery longevity is a practical consideration for full-day shooting.

The FZ200 uses a rechargeable battery pack rated for approximately 540 shots per charge (CIPA standard), an ample reserve especially when shooting stills and moderate video.

The LX3’s battery endurance is somewhat shorter and less documented but generally falls below 300 shots due to its compact size.

Both accept SD/SDHC/SDXC cards with a single slot for storage, easing swapping and file management.

Video Performance: Bridging Stills and Motion

In an era where hybrid imaging is increasingly important, video capabilities warrant scrutiny.

The FZ200 supports Full HD 1080p video up to 60fps (frames per second) and records in AVCHD or MPEG-4 formats. It includes a microphone input for improved audio capture, but lacks headphone output for monitoring.

The LX3 is limited to HD 720p at 24fps, with no external mic support or HDMI output capabilities.

For casual video, the LX3’s performance suffices, but the FZ200 presents a distinct advantage for creators desiring more professional video control or smooth slow-motion capture.

Specialized Photography Use Cases: How Do They Stack Up?

Let’s explore how these cameras perform in specific genres to understand their practical utility.

Portrait Photography

Both deliver decent skin tone reproduction thanks to their color depth, but:

• The LX3’s larger sensor and fast f/2.0 wide aperture lens yield better subject-background separation at short focal lengths, crafting gentle bokeh.
• The FZ200’s constant f/2.8 aperture preserves background blur even at long zooms.

Neither camera matches the shallow depth-of-field of larger sensor cameras, but for casual portraits, both suffice. The FZ200’s face detection AF steadies focus, aiding sharp eyes even in dynamic shots.

Landscape Photography

Landscape demands high resolution, dynamic range, and sometimes weather resistance.

• The LX3, with its larger sensor and sharper 24mm perspective, captures landscapes with a notable edge in fine detail (3648x2736 pixels).
• The FZ200 offers wider zoom but at somewhat lower resolution images.
• Both lack weather sealing, limiting rugged outdoor use.

Thus, for dedicated landscape shooters keen on detail and portability, the LX3 excels; the FZ200 offers flexibility if you want to play with telephoto compressions of distant scenery.

Wildlife Photography

A highlight for the FZ200 is its vast 600mm telephoto reach, fast aperture, and 12 fps burst. This combo positions it strongly for wildlife hunting at a distance.

The LX3’s reach and AF lull it clearly behind here. For serious nature snappers, the FZ200 is the logical choice.

Sports Photography

Speed and tracking reign supreme. The FZ200’s continuous AF and 12 fps burst give it an edge for casual sports shooting in well-lit environments.

The LX3’s AF lag and limited burst confine it mostly to static or posed action shots.

Street Photography

Ideal street cameras are quiet, discreet, and portable.

• The LX3’s small size and quiet operation make it less obtrusive for street candid shots.
• The FZ200, while larger, benefits from its articulated screen allowing shooting from the hip.

Depending on your style, both have advantages: LX3 for stealth, FZ200 for compositional flexibility.

Macro Photography

Both support close focusing (~1cm minimum), important for macro.

The FZ200’s articulated LCD and optical image stabilization improve framing and sharpness at low distances. The LX3’s smaller size helps for tight spaces but has no screen articulation.

Night and Astrophotography

Low light prowess depends on ISO performance.

• The FZ200 offers cleaner results at higher ISO, and longer max shutter speeds (up to 1/60s min).
• The LX3 caps at ISO 6400 but with noisy results above ISO 400 in real shooting.

Neither camera is optimized for astro, but FZ200 slightly nudges ahead.

Travel Photography

For general travel use, a balance of versatility, battery life, and portability is crucial.

• The FZ200’s single lens covers all scenarios, reducing gear load.
• The LX3’s pocketability and excellent wide angle favor urban and cultural exploration.

Depending on your travel style - ultra-light versus jack-of-all-trades - either fits well.

Professional Workflows

Neither camera targets professional studio or commercial workflows but both output RAW files, a must for serious editing.

The FZ200 integrates better with HDMI output for tethered shoots and has external flash compatibility.

Build Quality and Durability

Built tough? Both cameras are well-constructed but lack weather sealing and shock proofing. The FZ200 feels more robust in hand due to its heft and rubberized grips. The LX3 delivers a solid build in a compact form but is more vulnerable to rough handling.

For outdoor shooters needing toughness, expect to treat either with care or invest in protective gear.

Connectivity and Extras: Modern Features Missing

Neither offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS. This is understandable due to their release dates, but worth noting if connectivity is crucial to you.

The FZ200’s HDMI and microphone ports extend multimedia possibilities, while the LX3 is barebones in this regard.

Pricing and Value: What’s the Best Bang for the Buck?

At their respective launches, the FZ200 retailed around $499, while the LX3 was about $449.

In today’s used market, these prices vary tremendously, but value derives from your usage:

• The FZ200, by layering zoom, faster burst, viewfinder, and video, offers exceptional bang for the price in the superzoom segment.
• The LX3’s smaller size and excellent image quality make it a still relevant top-tier compact with an emphasis on portability.

Performance Summary at a Glance

Synthesizing lab and field testing, the FZ200 leads in action, wildlife, and video categories, while the LX3 shines for landscape, street, and portrait use where portability and lens speed matter more.

Sample Images Reflecting Real-World Shooting

Panasonic FZ200 front Panasonic FZ200 screen back Panasonic LX3 front Panasonic LX3 screen back

Side-by-side photos illustrate the FZ200’s reach and burst flexibility against the LX3’s sharp wide-angle clarity and excellent color rendering. Both produce excellent stills with distinct character.

Final Thoughts: Match Your Camera to Your Vision

With over a decade between their launches, the Panasonic FZ200 and LX3 both embody enduring design philosophies, yet serve divergent photographic needs:

• Choose the Panasonic FZ200 if you want versatility, expansive zoom with constant aperture, better video, and faster autofocus intuition for wildlife, sports, or travel photography that demands adaptability.
• Opt for the Panasonic LX3 if pocketability, exceptional wide-angle image quality, and classic compact simplicity fit your style - especially for street and landscape shooters prioritizing discretion.

Both cameras offer manual controls, RAW support, and good handling in their categories, but experience reminds us that you pay a premium for zoom range and AF sophistication in a bridge body.

In closing, if budget and size permit, the FZ200 is a reliable all-rounder; if you treasure classic compact charm and sharper wide views, the LX3 remains a compelling vintage tool still worth shooting today.

Whether wielding the fast-zooming FZ200 or the nimble LX3, I encourage you to consider your photographic ambitions first and let these cameras be enablers of your creativity - bringing color, sharpness, and speed exactly where you need them. After all, the best camera is the one in your hands, ready to capture your vision when the moment calls.

I hope this thorough comparison helps you navigate these two venerable Lumix models. Happy shooting!