Panasonic LX3 vs Pentax S1

Its time to examine more in depth at the Panasonic LX3 and Pentax S1, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a significant gap among the resolutions of the LX3 (10MP) and S1 (14MP) and the LX3 (1/1.63") and S1 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

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The LX3 was brought out 3 years earlier than the S1 which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a full comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the LX3 matches up vs the S1 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 and Pentax Optio S1. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic LX3 Gallery and Pentax S1 Gallery.

If you are going to travel with your camera regularly, you're going to have to consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic LX3 has external 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 Pentax S1 has sizing of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 157 grams (0.35 lbs).

Check the Panasonic LX3 and Pentax S1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose at that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the LX3 compared to the S1.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the LX3 and S1 is 91 and 93 respectively.

Typically, it is very hard to see the gap in sensor dimensions merely by looking through technical specs. The pic here may provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the LX3 and S1.

As you can tell, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The LX3 because of its bigger sensor will make getting shallower depth of field simpler and the Pentax S1 will render greater detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged LX3 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.