Panasonic LX3 vs Panasonic ZS20

Let's look a bit more in depth at the Panasonic LX3 and Panasonic ZS20, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both produced by Panasonic. There is a considerable difference among the image resolutions of the LX3 (10MP) and ZS20 (14MP) and the LX3 (1/1.63") and ZS20 (1/2.3") boast totally different sensor size.

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The LX3 was brought out 4 years before the ZS20 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before delving straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a simple highlight of how the LX3 grades vs the ZS20 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic LX3 Gallery & Panasonic ZS20 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera regularly, you will want to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic LX3 enjoys physical dimensions of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS20 has dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic LX3 and Panasonic ZS20 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the LX3 versus the ZS20.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the LX3 and ZS20 is 91 and 92 respectively.

Generally, its hard to visualise the difference in sensor sizing just by looking through specifications. The graphic underneath will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the LX3 and ZS20.

Plainly, each of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The LX3 due to its bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic ZS20 will provide you with extra detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures way more aggressively. The older LX3 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.