Panasonic LX3 vs Pentax E85

Let's look closer at the Panasonic LX3 versus Pentax E85, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the LX3 (10MP) and the E85 (12MP) is fairly similar but the LX3 (1/1.63") and E85 (1/2.3") come with totally different sensor dimensions.

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The LX3 was unveiled 10 months earlier than the E85 and they are both of a similar age. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple view of how the LX3 grades vs the E85 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 & Pentax Optio E85. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic LX3 Gallery & Pentax E85 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to lug around your camera often, you will need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic LX3 comes with outside dimensions of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Pentax E85 has dimensions of 93mm x 58mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.3" x 0.9") with a weight of 145 grams (0.32 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic LX3 versus Pentax E85 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are employing at the time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the LX3 compared to the E85.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the LX3 and E85 is 91 and 95 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to see the contrast between sensor measurements merely by reading specs. The visual underneath may offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the LX3 and E85.

As you can plainly see, both of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The LX3 with its larger sensor will make achieving bokeh less difficult and the Pentax E85 will offer more detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution will let you crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The older LX3 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.