Panasonic LX3 vs Pentax Q10

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Panasonic LX3 and Pentax Q10, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by brands Panasonic and Pentax. The image resolution of the LX3 (10MP) and the Q10 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the LX3 (1/1.63") and Q10 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor dimensions.

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The LX3 was announced 4 years before the Q10 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic LX3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax Q10 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before diving into a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise overview of how the LX3 matches up versus the Q10 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 & Pentax Q10. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic LX3 Gallery & Pentax Q10 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera often, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic LX3 has external 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) whilst the Pentax Q10 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 34mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.3") with a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic LX3 and Pentax Q10 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have at the time. Below is a front view overall size comparison of the LX3 vs the Q10.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the LX3 and Q10 is 91 and 92 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is very tough to envision the difference between sensor dimensions just by looking at specs. The picture below will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the LX3 and Q10.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The LX3 using its bigger sensor will make achieving bokeh easier and the Pentax Q10 will resolve greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures way more aggressively. The more aged LX3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.