Panasonic LX3 vs Pentax VS20

Below is a complete review of the Panasonic LX3 vs Pentax VS20, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a noticeable gap among the sensor resolutions of the LX3 (10MP) and VS20 (16MP) and the LX3 (1/1.63") and VS20 (1/2.3") have different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The LX3 was unveiled 4 years prior to the VS20 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting right into a step-by-step comparison, here is a quick summation of how the LX3 scores against the VS20 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 & Pentax Optio VS20. The full galleries are available at Panasonic LX3 Gallery & Pentax VS20 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to lug around your camera, you will need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic LX3 enjoys outer dimensions of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) and the Pentax VS20 has measurements of 111mm x 61mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.4" x 1.5") along with a weight of 235 grams (0.52 lbs).

See the Panasonic LX3 vs Pentax VS20 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. The following is a front view physical size comparison of the LX3 against the VS20.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the LX3 and VS20 is 91 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to picture the contrast in sensor measurements purely by going through specs. The visual below will offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the LX3 and VS20.

All in all, the 2 cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The LX3 having a bigger sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field less difficult and the Pentax VS20 will show extra detail having an extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop shots way more aggressively. The older LX3 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.