Panasonic LX3 vs Panasonic SZ8

Here is a thorough analysis of the Panasonic LX3 vs Panasonic SZ8, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both designed by Panasonic. There exists a large gap between the image resolutions of the LX3 (10MP) and SZ8 (16MP) and the LX3 (1/1.63") and SZ8 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor sizing.

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The LX3 was launched 6 years before the SZ8 and that is quite a serious difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before we go into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short view of how the LX3 grades vs the SZ8 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ8. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic LX3 Gallery & Panasonic SZ8 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic LX3 has outer measurements of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ8 has measurements of 100mm x 60mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic LX3 vs Panasonic SZ8 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you select during that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the LX3 against the SZ8.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the LX3 and SZ8 is 91 and 94 respectively.

More often than not, it can be difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizing only by reading through technical specs. The visual here should give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the LX3 and SZ8.

As you can tell, both of those cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The LX3 because of its larger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field simpler and the Panasonic SZ8 will give more detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The older LX3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.