Panasonic LX3 vs Pentax ist DL2

On this page, we are matching up the Panasonic LX3 versus Pentax ist DL2, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Advanced DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap between the resolutions of the LX3 (10MP) and ist DL2 (6MP) and the LX3 (1/1.63") and ist DL2 (APS-C) posses totally different sensor dimensions.

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The LX3 was revealed 2 years later than the ist DL2 and that is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic LX3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DL2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the LX3 grades versus the ist DL2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 and Pentax ist DL2. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic LX3 Gallery and Pentax ist DL2 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry your camera frequently, you need to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic LX3 features external dimensions of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Pentax ist DL2 has specifications of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 565 grams (1.25 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic LX3 versus Pentax ist DL2 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you use at the time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the LX3 compared to the ist DL2.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the LX3 and ist DL2 is 91 and 69 respectively.

More often than not, its hard to envision the difference between sensor sizing just by reading through specs. The photograph below will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the LX3 and ist DL2.

All in all, the 2 cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The LX3 using its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field more challenging and the Panasonic LX3 will give you more detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics more aggressively. The more modern LX3 will have a benefit in sensor tech.