Panasonic FZ300 vs Panasonic LX5

In this write-up, we are looking at the Panasonic FZ300 versus Panasonic LX5, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both built by Panasonic. The resolution of the FZ300 (12MP) and the LX5 (10MP) is very similar but the FZ300 (1/2.3") and LX5 (1/1.63") use totally different sensor measurements.

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The FZ300 was introduced 3 years after the LX5 which is quite a significant gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic LX5 being a Compact camera.

Before going straight into a detailed comparison, below is a concise highlight of how the FZ300 grades versus the LX5 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FZ300 Gallery and Panasonic LX5 Gallery.

If you're aiming to travel with your camera, you will want to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FZ300 comes with outside measurements of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") accompanied by a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs) while the Panasonic LX5 has proportions of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FZ300 versus Panasonic LX5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose at the time. Following is the front view overall size comparison of the FZ300 versus the LX5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the FZ300 and LX5 is 59 and 88 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to envision the gap between sensor dimensions purely by going over a spec sheet. The pic below might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the FZ300 and LX5.

As you can see, both cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The FZ300 using its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF more difficult and the Panasonic FZ300 will offer more detail using its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images far more aggressively. The more modern FZ300 is going to have an advantage in sensor innovation.