Panasonic LF1 vs Panasonic LX3

Below, we are evaluating the Panasonic LF1 and Panasonic LX3, both Small Sensor Compact cameras and both are designed by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the LF1 (12MP) and the LX3 (10MP) is fairly close but the LF1 (1/1.7") and LX3 (1/1.63") come with totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The LF1 was brought out 5 years after the LX3 which is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a quick summation of how the LF1 scores versus the LX3 for portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LF1 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic LF1 Gallery and Panasonic LX3 Gallery.

If you're looking to travel with your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic LF1 has outer dimensions of 103mm x 62mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 192 grams (0.42 lbs) while the Panasonic LX3 has dimensions of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic LF1 and Panasonic LX3 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you use at that moment. Here is the front view size comparison of the LF1 compared to the LX3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the LF1 and LX3 is 92 and 91 respectively.

Often, it is very difficult to see the gap in sensor dimensions just by researching specifications. The pic underneath should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the LF1 and LX3.

Plainly, both of those cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The LF1 due to its larger sensor will make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Panasonic LF1 will provide you with greater detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more modern LF1 is going to have an edge with regard to sensor tech.