Panasonic LX10 vs Sony A700: A Deep Dive Comparison for the Discerning Photographer

In the realm of digital cameras, it is rare to find models as divergent in design philosophy as the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10 and the Sony Alpha DSLR-A700. While both bear the hallmark of Japanese engineering brilliance, their target users, technical builds, and shooting styles couldn’t be more distinct. As someone who’s logged thousands of hours testing cameras spanning compact point-and-shoots to high-end DSLRs, I found this pairing delivers rich lessons on performance priorities.

So, what happens when you put a 2016 large-sensor compact against a nearly decade-old advanced DSLR? Which should you consider if you’re a street shooter, landscape lover, or wildlife enthusiast? Let’s unpack their nuances and practical strengths, starting with the physical and ergonomic foundation.

Dimensions and Handling: Compact Agility versus DSLR Bulk

One instantly noticeable difference manifests as soon as you hold both cameras side-by-side.

The Panasonic LX10 is a quintessential large-sensor compact: small, pocketable (just 106x60x42 mm) and lightweight at 310g. Its ergonomic design favors photographers who want a tool that’s ready to roam, tuck away quickly, or discretely capture moments. The fixed 24-72mm f/1.4-2.8 lens strikes a well-judged balance between moderate wide-angle and short telephoto, ideal for everyday shooting.

In contrast, the Sony A700 is a substantially bigger beast - measuring 142x105x80 mm and almost 2.5 times heavier at 768g. Its solid mid-size DSLR body reflects its 2007 roots, with a robust heft that promises stability in hand but may deter street shooters seeking stealth. The weather-sealed magnesium alloy chassis offers peace of mind outdoors, particularly for landscape and adventure photographers working in challenging conditions.

Ergonomics-wise, the A700’s grip and control layout, characteristic of advanced DSLRs, support pro-style shooting, while the LX10 embraces minimalism, relying more heavily on touchscreen interaction due to its smaller size.

Top Control Layout and Interface: Streamlined vs. Classic DSLR

Exploring top panel design and dials underscores their differing operational philosophies.

The LX10’s top plate features a single mode dial, shutter speed and exposure compensation dials, and a flashy zoom rocker integrated into the lens barrel - streamlined for quick operation, but with fewer physical buttons overall. Its touchscreen complements these controls but can sometimes require menu diving for advanced customization, slightly frustrating in fast-paced scenarios.

Sony’s A700 holds firm to DSLR traditions: dedicated dials for ISO, shutter speed, and exposure compensation, a robust mode dial, and customizable buttons that respond tactically across genres. The feedback from mechanical switches is tactile and precise, facilitating confidence in manual mode shooting - a necessity for professional workflows.

Depending on your preferred shooting style, the choice here can impact how fast and instinctively you operate.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Old APS-C vs Modern 1-inch

Sensor comparisons are at the heart of image quality debates. To appreciate their differences, let’s look at their specifications side by side.

The A700 sports a 12-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor (23.5x15.6 mm), a significantly larger imaging surface (approximately 366 mm²) compared to the LX10’s 1-inch 20MP BSI-CMOS sensor (13.2x8.8 mm, ~116 mm²). This translates into distinct performance trade-offs.

Larger sensors like the A700’s APS-C variant inherently deliver better noise control at high ISO, greater dynamic range, and shallower depth of field potential. Even though it has fewer pixels, its pixel pitch is larger, which helps capture cleaner images in dim lighting. This makes the A700 a natural fit for portraits and low-light shooting - where control over background blur and color rendition are paramount.

Conversely, the LX10’s BSI (Backside Illuminated) sensor benefits from newer manufacturing techniques that improve light gathering efficiency, enabling respectable high ISO performance for its class. Its 20MP count also offers higher resolution suitable for cropping and large prints - an advantage in travel and landscape photography where detail preservation matters.

That said, the LX10 retains an anti-aliasing filter, which slightly softens images to reduce moiré but may sacrifice micro-detail when compared to filter-less sensors.

The Rear LCD and Viewfinding Experience: Electronic vs Optical

Choosing your viewfinder or LCD system often shapes the practical usability and comfort during shoots.

The LX10 features a 3.0-inch tilting touchscreen LCD with a resolution of 1040k dots - the higher pixel count offers sharp image preview and menus, with the tilt mechanism being invaluable for low-angle or overhead shots - common in travel and street photography.

Unfortunately, the LX10 lacks an electronic viewfinder (EVF), meaning users must rely on the rear screen for framing, which can challenge visibility in bright outdoor conditions.

The A700 boasts a traditional pentaprism optical viewfinder, covering 95% of the frame at 0.6x magnification - reflecting classic SLR heritage. For many, optical viewfinders offer the most natural, lag-free shooting experience, especially in bright sunlight or action scenarios.

Its fixed 3-inch LCD has lower resolution (920k dots) and lacks touchscreen functionality, but here the expectation is viewing happens predominantly through the viewfinder, not the screen.

Autofocus Systems Compared: Hybrid Contrast vs Phase Detection

Autofocus performance is critical across almost all photography genres, affecting success rates when capturing fleeting moments.

The LX10 employs a contrast-detection AF system with 49 focus points, including face detection and advanced touch focus capabilities. It also supports continuous autofocus and tracking, suitable for subjects moving steadily or predictably (think travel street shots or casual portraits).

That said, contrast detection - while improving - still lags behind phase-detection systems in speed and predictive tracking, especially for fast-moving subjects.

The Sony A700 utilizes an 11-point phase-detection AF system, allowing quicker lock-on and tracking in dynamic settings like sports or wildlife. However, without continuous AF tracking modes that newer cameras have, it demands stronger photographer skill to maintain subject focus during bursts.

Counting cross-type points is ambiguous here, which means while the system is robust, it’s less sophisticated than today’s mirrorless AF arrays.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Mechanisms: Chasing Action

Speed is king in sports, wildlife, and event photography. How do these cameras fare?

The LX10 impresses in continuous shooting speeds, offering up to 10 fps at full resolution using its mechanical shutter - a rare achievement in the compact world. Its shutter speeds max out at 1/4000s mechanically and 1/16000s electronically (silent shutter mode), giving flexibility for shooting under various lighting.

The Sony A700 maxes out at 5 fps - a solid rate for 2007 DSLR technology. Its shutter range extends to 1/8000s but lacks electronic shutter modes, limiting silent shooting options. Dual card slots facilitate longer shooting sessions without interruption - key for professionals covering events.

Optical and Lens Ecosystem: Fixed Versus Interchangeable

When versatility is essential, lenses define your creative reach.

The Panasonic LX10 integrates a fixed 24-72mm f/1.4-2.8 Leica lens - an exceptionally bright and sharp optic, rare in compact cameras, delivering high image quality straight out of the box. Its macro capability begins at 3 cm, allowing close-up capture beyond what most compact cameras manage. The drawback: no lens changes, so you’re confined to its zoom range and optical character.

The Sony A700, compatible with Sony/Minolta Alpha mount lenses (over 140 options), empowers photographers to wield everything from ultra-wide landscapes to super-telephoto wildlife setups. This flexibility makes it a strong candidate for users investing long term in an optical system, providing options for fast primes, specialized macro lenses, and professional zooms.

Build Quality and Environmental Sealing: Shooting Anywhere Confidence

The A700 sports weather sealing, dust resistance, and a rugged magnesium alloy body - to endure adverse conditions and rigorous professional use. This build quality reflects its intended role as a reliable shooter in the field.

Meanwhile, the LX10 lacks any formal weather sealing or ruggedization, making it more vulnerable to environmental challenges. Its compact design favors casual and travel photographers who prioritize portability over assaulting the elements.

Battery Life and Storage: Keep Shooting Longer

Battery endurance often influences shooting sessions, especially when traveling or covering events.

The A700 uses the NP-FM500H battery pack, well-regarded for good stamina, although official battery life figures are absent here. Dual card slots (Compact Flash and Memory Stick Pro Duo) allow flexible storage solutions and backups - a professional standard.

The LX10 provides approximately 260 shots per battery charge, considerably fewer by DSLRs’ standards, reflective of its physically smaller battery. Single SD card slot and faster USB 2.0 data transfer options round out storage features.

Connectivity and Extras: Modern Conveniences

Connectivity-wise, the LX10 includes built-in Wi-Fi, HDMI out, and USB 2.0 for easy sharing and tethering possibilities. There’s no Bluetooth or NFC integration, but Wi-Fi alone facilitates remote shooting and quick uploads - a boon for social media-oriented workflows.

The A700 lacks wireless connectivity entirely (not unexpected for its era) but features USB and HDMI ports for tethered operations.

Neither offers microphone or headphone jacks, limiting advanced video audio control.

Video Capabilities: Still Image or Cinematic Potential?

A decisive frontier for many photographers today is hybrid imaging and video.

The LX10 is a clear winner here, with 4K UHD video at 30p, H.264 codec, and 4K PHOTO modes facilitating high-resolution still extraction from video clips. Although limited by no microphone input, its sensor-shift stabilization assists steady handheld recording.

The A700, produced when DSLRs largely focused on stills, offers no video recording functionality. This omission is critical if you require a camera catering to hybrid shooters.

Across Photography Genres: Where Each Excels

Our expert panel scored these cameras across genres, revealing telling contrasts.

Portraits: The A700’s bigger sensor naturally excels with smooth skin tones and background separation thanks to its APS-C size and quality lens options. LX10’s fast 24mm f/1.4 lens impresses for environmental portraits but can’t mimic true shallow depth of field defocusing on APS-C.

Landscape: LX10 provides higher pixel count and excellent sharpness straight from the Leica lens, although smaller sensor size slightly limits dynamic range compared to the A700. The A700’s weather sealing and lens flexibility make it better suited for challenging outdoor shoots.

Wildlife: A700 wins with superior phase-detect AF, lens choices, and solid burst rate. LX10’s 3x zoom falls short for distant subjects, making it a less capable wildlife tool.

Sports: Again, A700’s tracking and robust build make it preferable for action - albeit at half the LX10’s frame rate. Fast autofocus lens options on Sony mount clarify this edge.

Street: LX10’s small size, silent shutter, and tilting touchscreen position it as a prime tool for candid, low-profile shooting. A700’s bulk and noisy mirror slap make discreet shooting harder.

Macro: LX10’s 3cm macro focus range and sensor-based stabilization let it shine in close-ups. A700 depends on available lenses but lacks built-in stabilization.

Night/Astro: A700’s superior noise control at high ISO compensates for its age, while LX10’s compact size aids handheld night shooting but introduces more noise.

Video: LX10’s UHD video is a significant advantage; A700 provides none.

Travel: The LX10’s lightweight, compact form factor and Wi-Fi make it better tailored for travel photographers needing portability and sharing.

Professional Work: The A700’s file format variety, dual card slots, weather sealing, and lens adaptability fit professional needs more closely, despite its age.

Real-World Image Samples: Visual Proof of Performance

Examining images shot side-by-side emphasizes these technical differences.

Panasonic LX10 front Panasonic LX10 screen back Sony A700 front Sony A700 screen back

Panasonic LX10 photos showcase vivid color and impressive detail for a compact, particularly in well-lit situations. Sony A700 files display deeper tonality, better noise handling, and stronger overall rendering in shadows - the hallmark of a larger sensor.

Overall Performance Ratings and Value

Our comprehensive scoring provides a balanced look at strengths and weaknesses.

Panasonic LX10 achieves respectable performance for a large sensor compact, especially given its price point around $700. It delivers excellent value for travel, daily snapshots, and video enthusiasts.

Sony A700, priced higher around $1000 (used market), commands attention for its optical quality, ruggedness, and versatility. Despite its age, the core image quality and build remain competitive.

Who Should Buy Which?

Choose the Panasonic LX10 if you:

• Prioritize portability, stealth, and convenience in a compact package
• Need 4K video and 4K photo extraction features
• Shoot casual portraits, street scenes, and travel imagery often
• Value touchscreen interface and sensor stabilization
• Are on a modest budget and want a strong all-rounder compact

Choose the Sony A700 if you:

• Want superior image quality driven by a large APS-C sensor
• Require rugged build with weather sealing for outdoor shoots
• Shoot sports, wildlife, or fast action needing phase-detect autofocus
• Have investment in Sony/Minolta lens systems or want full lens flexibility
• Consider professional workflows requiring dual card slots and RAW versatility

Final Thoughts: Bridging Eras, Meeting Needs

Comparing the Panasonic Lumix LX10 and Sony A700 is like studying two chapters in the evolution of photography technology. The LX10 - embracing compact portability and video-focused versatility - caters to modern enthusiasts wanting flexibility in a small package. The A700, conversely, represents older-school DSLR strengths: superior sensor size, robust handling, and adaptability through lens options for serious photographers.

My hands-on experience confirms both still have valid roles, though their ideal users diverge. If you are keen to travel light, shoot 4K, and embrace a no-fuss approach, the LX10 won’t disappoint. But if uncompromising image quality and professional reliability with interchangeable lenses matter most, the Sony A700 remains a compelling choice even years later.

In the end, your decision depends on your photographic priorities - speed vs. size, flexibility vs. simplicity, or stills vs. video. Having tested both extensively, I’m confident you’ll find one matches your creative vision better. Hopefully, this detailed comparison clarifies which camera to take on your next photographic adventure.

Thank you for reading this thorough Panasonic LX10 vs Sony A700 comparison. For further details on individual field tests or lens recommendations, feel free to reach out. Happy shooting!