Panasonic LX3 vs Panasonic ZS10

Below, we will be contrasting the Panasonic LX3 versus Panasonic ZS10, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are created by Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference between the resolutions of the LX3 (10MP) and ZS10 (14MP) and the LX3 (1/1.63") and ZS10 (1/2.3") possess different sensor size.

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The LX3 was unveiled 3 years before the ZS10 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a in-depth comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the LX3 grades versus the ZS10 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic LX3 Gallery and Panasonic ZS10 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic LX3 comes with external dimensions of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS10 has measurements of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 219 grams (0.48 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic LX3 versus Panasonic ZS10 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the LX3 against the ZS10.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the LX3 and ZS10 is 91 and 91 respectively.

Usually, it can be tough to visualize the contrast between sensor sizing simply by going over a spec sheet. The photograph below may provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the LX3 and ZS10.

As you can see, both of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The LX3 using its bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic ZS10 will offer you more detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The older LX3 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.