Panasonic LX3 vs Panasonic ZS15

Its time to look a little more closely at the Panasonic LX3 versus Panasonic ZS15, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are created by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the LX3 (10MP) and the ZS15 (12MP) is fairly similar but the LX3 (1/1.63") and ZS15 (1/2.3") enjoy different sensor size.

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The LX3 was launched 4 years before the ZS15 which is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go straight into a in depth comparison, below is a simple view of how the LX3 grades against the ZS15 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS15. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic LX3 Gallery & Panasonic ZS15 Gallery.

For those who are intending to carry around your camera, you are going to need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic LX3 offers physical dimensions of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS15 has proportions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic LX3 versus Panasonic ZS15 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you choose during that time. The following is the front view overall size comparison of the LX3 compared to the ZS15.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the LX3 and ZS15 is 91 and 92 respectively.

Typically, its tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizes merely by going over a spec sheet. The image below will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the LX3 and ZS15.

As you can see, each of the cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The LX3 due to its larger sensor is going to make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic ZS15 will offer you more detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics much more aggressively. The more aged LX3 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor technology.