Panasonic LX3 vs Ricoh WG-20

Following is a thorough review of the Panasonic LX3 and Ricoh WG-20, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Waterproof by brands Panasonic and Ricoh. There is a sizeable difference among the resolutions of the LX3 (10MP) and WG-20 (14MP) and the LX3 (1/1.63") and WG-20 (1/2.3") use totally different sensor sizing.

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The LX3 was launched 6 years earlier than the WG-20 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before going straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise summary of how the LX3 scores versus the WG-20 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 and Ricoh WG-20. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic LX3 Gallery and Ricoh WG-20 Gallery.

When you are planning to carry around your camera frequently, you will want to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic LX3 features outside measurements 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 Ricoh WG-20 has measurements of 114mm x 58mm x 28mm (4.5" x 2.3" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 164 grams (0.36 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic LX3 and Ricoh WG-20 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have attached at that time. Following is the front view over all size comparison of the LX3 against the WG-20.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the LX3 and WG-20 is 91 and 93 respectively.

Generally, it is very difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizes purely by seeing specifications. The pic here will provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the LX3 and WG-20.

To sum up, both cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The LX3 due to its larger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF less difficult and the Ricoh WG-20 will provide greater detail utilizing its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more aged LX3 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.