Panasonic LX10 vs Panasonic SZ5

Here is a in-depth review of the Panasonic LX10 and Panasonic SZ5, one being a Large Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact and both are manufactured by Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the LX10 (20MP) and SZ5 (14MP) and the LX10 (1") and SZ5 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The LX10 was revealed 4 years later than the SZ5 and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic LX10 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera.

Before we go in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief view of how the LX10 matches up against the SZ5 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5. The full galleries are available at Panasonic LX10 Gallery and Panasonic SZ5 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera frequently, you have to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic LX10 has got external dimensions of 106mm x 60mm x 42mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.7") accompanied by a weight of 310 grams (0.68 lbs) whilst the Panasonic SZ5 has sizing of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs).

See the Panasonic LX10 and Panasonic SZ5 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you select during that time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the LX10 compared to the SZ5.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the LX10 and SZ5 is 88 and 95 respectively.

Generally, its difficult to see the gap in sensor sizing purely by checking out a spec sheet. The photograph below may give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the LX10 and SZ5.

As you can see, both cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The LX10 with its bigger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic LX10 will show extra detail because of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop shots much more aggressively. The fresher LX10 is going to have a benefit when it comes to sensor technology.