Panasonic LX3 vs Panasonic ZS1

Its time to look a little more closely at the Panasonic LX3 versus Panasonic ZS1, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are produced by Panasonic. The image resolution of the LX3 (10MP) and the ZS1 (10MP) is fairly similar but the LX3 (1/1.63") and ZS1 (1/2.5") have different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The LX3 was unveiled 6 months earlier than the ZS1 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before going right into a in-depth comparison, here is a simple summation of how the LX3 matches up against the ZS1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS1. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic LX3 Gallery and Panasonic ZS1 Gallery.

When you are looking to lug around your camera regularly, you will have to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic LX3 provides exterior dimensions of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS1 has proportions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic LX3 versus Panasonic ZS1 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are employing at that moment. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the LX3 against the ZS1.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the LX3 and ZS1 is 91 and 91 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to picture the difference between sensor measurements merely by going over specs. The visual underneath should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the LX3 and ZS1.

All in all, both the cameras feature the identical megapixels but different sensor measurements. The LX3 features the larger sensor which will make obtaining shallower depth of field less difficult.