Panasonic LX3 vs Pentax ist DS2

Lets examine more in depth at the Panasonic LX3 vs Pentax ist DS2, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Advanced DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a considerable gap among the image resolutions of the LX3 (10MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the LX3 (1/1.63") and ist DS2 (APS-C) use totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The LX3 was revealed 3 years later than the ist DS2 and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic LX3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a full comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the LX3 grades against the ist DS2 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 & Pentax ist DS2. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic LX3 Gallery & Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera frequently, you will need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic LX3 features outer measurements of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Pentax ist DS2 has proportions of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") accompanied by a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic LX3 vs Pentax ist DS2 in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you are utilising at that time. The following is the front view measurements comparison of the LX3 versus the ist DS2.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the LX3 and ist DS2 is 91 and 68 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very tough to see the contrast in sensor measurements merely by seeing technical specs. The graphic here might give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the LX3 and ist DS2.

As you can tell, both of those cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The LX3 using its smaller sensor will make getting shallow depth of field more difficult and the Panasonic LX3 will show extra detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more modern LX3 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.