Panasonic LX3 vs Pentax K-7

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Panasonic LX3 and Pentax K-7, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a large difference between the resolutions of the LX3 (10MP) and K-7 (15MP) and the LX3 (1/1.63") and K-7 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The LX3 was brought out 11 months prior to the K-7 and they are of a similar age. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic LX3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax K-7 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before diving in to a in-depth comparison, below is a short summary of how the LX3 grades vs the K-7 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 & Pentax K-7. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic LX3 Gallery & Pentax K-7 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry around your camera, you'll have to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic LX3 has exterior measurements of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") and a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Pentax K-7 has dimensions of 131mm x 97mm x 73mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 2.9") and a weight of 750 grams (1.65 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic LX3 and Pentax K-7 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have attached during that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the LX3 against the K-7.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the LX3 and K-7 is 91 and 60 respectively.

Usually, its hard to see the gap between sensor sizes purely by checking specs. The pic below should give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the LX3 and K-7.

As you can plainly see, both cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The LX3 because of its tinier sensor will make shooting bokeh more difficult and the Pentax K-7 will give you greater detail having its extra 5MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs far more aggressively. The more aged LX3 is going to be behind in sensor technology.