Panasonic LX3 vs Panasonic ZS45

Lets take a closer look at the Panasonic LX3 versus Panasonic ZS45, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both manufactured by Panasonic. There exists a considerable gap among the image resolutions of the LX3 (10MP) and ZS45 (16MP) and the LX3 (1/1.63") and ZS45 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The LX3 was launched 7 years before the ZS45 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving into a in-depth comparison, here is a short summation of how the LX3 matches up versus the ZS45 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic LX3 Gallery & Panasonic ZS45 Gallery.

If you're going to carry your camera, you'll have to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic LX3 enjoys external dimensions of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS45 has sizing of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") having a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic LX3 versus Panasonic ZS45 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you select at that time. Underneath is a front view scale comparison of the LX3 compared to the ZS45.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the LX3 and ZS45 is 91 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to visualise the difference in sensor sizing merely by checking out technical specs. The photograph below will help offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the LX3 and ZS45.

As you can tell, both of those cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The LX3 featuring a larger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic ZS45 will produce greater detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics more aggressively. The older LX3 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.