Panasonic LX3 vs Pentax I-10

The following is a extensive assessment of the Panasonic LX3 and Pentax I-10, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the LX3 (10MP) and the I-10 (12MP) is very similar but the LX3 (1/1.63") and I-10 (1/2.3") posses different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The LX3 was released 14 months earlier than the I-10 making them a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise summation of how the LX3 scores against the I-10 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 and Pentax Optio I-10. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic LX3 Gallery and Pentax I-10 Gallery.

If you're going to travel with your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic LX3 has got outside measurements of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") along with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Pentax I-10 has proportions of 101mm x 65mm x 28mm (4.0" x 2.6" x 1.1") with a weight of 153 grams (0.34 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic LX3 and Pentax I-10 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you select at that moment. Here is a front view measurements comparison of the LX3 against the I-10.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the LX3 and I-10 is 91 and 93 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to picture the difference between sensor dimensions merely by reading technical specs. The pic below may give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the LX3 and I-10.

As you can tell, each of these cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The LX3 featuring a larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Pentax I-10 will offer more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics a bit more aggressively. The more aged LX3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.