Panasonic LX3 vs Samsung SL820: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Compact Contenders

In the fast-evolving world of compact digital cameras, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 and the Samsung SL820 (also known as IT100) stand out as models that targeted serious enthusiasts and casual photographers alike during their respective launches in late 2008 and early 2009. Both cameras provide more than point-and-shoot basics - offering features aimed at users who appreciate manual control, image quality, and versatility in a pocket-friendly body.

Having spent extensive hours testing both cameras in diverse real-world scenarios - from portrait shoots to landscapes, wildlife, and street photography - this comprehensive comparison breaks down their performance, design, and value proposition. I’ll share detailed insights born from hands-on experience and technical evaluation that go beyond spec sheets, helping you decide which one (if either) fits your photographic ambitions.

First Impressions: Size, Build, and Handling Comfort

Let’s start with the tactile experience, which often makes or breaks user enjoyment and operational efficiency.

Physically, the Panasonic LX3 is larger and slightly chunkier than the Samsung SL820. Measuring approximately 109mm x 60mm x 27mm and weighing around 265 grams, the LX3 offers a robust, somewhat retro design with metal construction that inspires confidence in durability and longevity. The grip, although not extremely pronounced, is comfortable enough for extended handheld shooting.

On the other hand, the Samsung SL820 is more compact and lighter - at 95mm x 59mm x 23mm and only 168 grams. Its plastic body feels less premium but benefits from impressive portability. This may be an advantage for travelers or street photographers seeking discretion without compromising too much on image quality.

Ergonomically, the LX3’s control layout feels more deliberate, with dedicated dials and buttons (including aperture and shutter priority modes), giving photographers the ability to adjust settings quickly without diving through menus. The SL820, by contrast, adopts a more simplified interface without manual exposure controls, targeting users who prioritize ease of use over direct customization.

To get a clearer sense of their top panel designs and control schemes:

In summary, the LX3 wins the battle for build quality and control sophistication, while the SL820’s svelte body caters well to users valuing compactness and convenience.

Under the Hood: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

One of the most critical factors for image quality is the sensor size and design. Panasonic equipped the LX3 with a 10-megapixel, 1/1.63" CCD sensor measuring 8.07 x 5.56 mm (sensor area roughly 44.87 mm²). Samsung’s SL820 features a 12-megapixel, 1/2.3" CCD sensor measuring 6.08 x 4.56 mm, yielding a sensor area of only 27.72 mm².

The larger sensor of the LX3, combined with its fast Leica-branded 24-60mm equivalent f/2.0–2.8 lens, offers several advantages - notably better low-light performance, higher dynamic range, and superior color depth. In my direct comparisons shooting various scenes, the LX3 consistently delivered images with richer tonality, smoother gradients, and noticeably less noise above ISO 400.

Samsung, with the SL820, opted for a longer zoom lens (28-140 mm equivalent) but a smaller aperture range of f/3.4-f/5.8, which limits its brightness and depth-of-field control. The higher megapixel count on a smaller sensor also increases noise and reduces high ISO usability. Color rendering was decent, with the camera’s multi-segment metering helping in tricky lighting, but it lagged behind Panasonic’s CCD when evaluating shadow detail and highlight preservation.

To summarize:

• Panasonic LX3: Larger sensor translates directly into cleaner images, better dynamic range (~10.8 EV measured), and a more capable lens for low-light and creative aperture control.
• Samsung SL820: Higher resolution on a smaller sensor, resulting in noisier images at moderate to high ISO and lesser lens speed - though the extended zoom range offers versatility in framing.

For an objective performance summary, here are the DxOMark scores for the LX3 (Samsung not officially tested):

• Overall score: 39
• Color depth: 19.6 bits
• Dynamic range: 10.8 EV
• Low-light ISO: 94

These values showcase the LX3's technical proficiency in image quality for its sensor class at the time.

Display and User Interface: Viewing and Navigating Menus

Both cameras utilize a 3-inch fixed LCD screen without an electronic viewfinder, emphasizing portability over professional-grade features.

The LX3’s screen has a resolution of 460k dots, rendering live images and playback with crispness and vibrant colors. Though it’s not a touchscreen (typical for its era), contrast and viewing angles are solid, aiding composition in most lighting conditions.

Conversely, the SL820 offers what might be considered a more modest 230k-dot resolution. In practice, this results in less sharp previews and slightly washed-out colors, making it harder to critically judge focus or exposure on the fly, especially in bright sunlight.

Samsung’s interface is straightforward, with large icons and simple menu navigation optimized for casual users. Panasonic’s LX3 provides a more intricate menu system, reflecting its manual exposure and custom white balance options - features that serious photographers appreciate but might intimidate beginners initially.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

Phase detection autofocus was not prevalent in compact cameras at the time, and both models rely on contrast-detect autofocus systems.

Panasonic’s LX3 uses a contrast detection AF with no face or eye detection, but it employs a well-tuned algorithm that provides quick, accurate focus within its limits. In single autofocus mode, it locks onto subjects reliably, though continuous AF or tracking isn’t supported. The LX3’s 3 fps burst rate is modest but sufficient for casual sports or wildlife snaps.

Samsung’s SL820 boasts face detection autofocus, improving subject acquisition when shooting portraits or groups. However, its AF speed is slower and less reliable in low-light or low-contrast conditions. Continuous AF is absent, and burst shooting was not clearly specified, indicating limited performance for fast action capture.

As a result:

• Sports & Wildlife Photography: The LX3 offers better control and faster AF acquisition for spontaneous action within its capabilities.
• Portraits: SL820’s face detection assists with focus on people’s faces, but image quality constraints limit its overall appeal for serious portraiture.

Lens and Zoom Range: Versatility vs. Brightness

The Panasonic LX3 sports a fixed Leica-branded lens covering a 24-60mm equivalent focal length with a fast f/2.0 aperture at the wide end tapering to f/2.8 at 60mm. This combination excels for low-light shooting, shallow depth of field for background separation, and general image quality.

In contrast, the Samsung SL820 offers a longer zoom range - 28-140mm equivalent - providing 5x optical zoom compared to LX3’s 2.5x. However, its slower maximum aperture of f/3.4-f/5.8 hinders low-light performance and bokeh quality.

From my experience testing the lenses:

• LX3’s wider aperture facilitates better subject isolation and sharper images in dim conditions.
• SL820’s longer zoom is useful when you need reach - for example, distant street scenes or travel snapshots - but at the cost of compromised speed and image quality.

Both cameras have fixed lenses, so no opportunity for interchangeability. The LX3’s lens is optimized for higher image quality, while the SL820 gains in framing flexibility.

Low-Light and Night Photography: ISO Performance and Stabilization

Low-light shooting remains a challenge for fixed-lens compact cameras with small sensors. Here, the Panasonic LX3’s combination of a larger sensor and optical image stabilization (OIS) provides an edge.

Panasonic’s OIS allows using slower shutter speeds without excessive blur, effectively gaining 1-2 stops advantage in handheld night shots. The LX3 supports respectable ISO sensitivity up to 6400 native settings; though noise becomes visible at ISO 800 and above, usable results can be obtained up to ISO 1600 with careful noise reduction.

The Samsung SL820 lacks image stabilization and maxes out at ISO 1600 native sensitivity, but higher noise quickly degrades picture quality above ISO 400. Its slower lens aperture further complicates shooting in dim conditions.

For astrophotography or night landscapes, neither camera is ideal due to sensor limitations and shutter speed caps (LX3 max 1/2000s; SL820 max 1/1500s). However, the Panasonic LX3’s superior light gathering and stabilization mean it can edge out the SL820 in dim and night shooting scenarios.

Video Capabilities and Multimedia

Both cameras offer HD video recording at 1280 x 720 resolution, with the LX3 shooting at 24 fps and the SL820 at 30 fps.

The LX3 captures video in H.264 format with relatively decent quality for its class and time, while the SL820’s video codec is Motion JPEG, which produces larger files with potentially lower compression efficiency.

Neither model includes microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio quality control. The lack of optical zoom during video recording on the LX3 affected video framing options, whereas the SL820 could zoom optically in video mode.

Neither camera includes advanced video features (no 4K, no slow-motion, no external mic inputs). Given how far video technology has come since their release, these features suffice only for casual clips rather than serious videography.

Workflow Integration and Connectivity

On the data management front, both cameras use standard SD/SDHC cards and feature a USB 2.0 interface for file transfer.

Neither device offers Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, or GPS. In today's context, this limits seamless workflow but was typical of their release periods.

The LX3 supports RAW shooting, granting photographers flexibility in post-processing. In contrast, the SL820 does not support RAW, making files less malleable but simpler for casual use.

Professionals or enthusiasts who intend to integrate images into advanced workflows will find Panasonic’s RAW option valuable. The SL820 caters more to straightforward JPEG shooters.

Specialized Photography Disciplines: Strengths and Limitations

Let’s break down how each camera fares in key photographic genres based on hands-on tests:

Portrait Photography

• LX3: Fast lens and good color reproduction capture skin tones realistically. Lack of face/eye AF requires manual focus precision; however, decent bokeh achieved owing to fast aperture.
• SL820: Includes face detection autofocus, helpful for group shots. Slower lens reduces subject separation, impacting shallow depth of field effects.

Landscape Photography

• LX3: Larger sensor and higher dynamic range preserve details in shadow/highlight balance. Weather sealing absent on both, so outdoor shooting requires care.
• SL820: Narrower dynamic range, higher noise, but the longer zoom can capture distant subjects foliage and details less accessible to LX3.

Wildlife Photography

• Neither camera excels due to fixed lenses and limited burst rates, but LX3’s faster AF and greater dynamic range give it a practical advantage for casual wildlife capture.

Sports Photography

• Rapid motion capture limited in both; LX3’s 3 fps burst rate and better AF speed may edge out the SL820, which lacks continuous shooting profiles.

Street Photography

• SL820 wins in discreteness due to smaller footprint and quieter operation. However, LX3’s superior image quality can make a difference in low-light urban environments.

Macro Photography

• LX3’s focus down to 1cm and image stabilization favor close-ups with crisp detail. SL820’s minimum focus distance of 5cm and lack of IS make macro shooting more challenging.

Night and Astro Photography

• LX3 performance is significantly better given sensor size, ISO range, and stabilization, although neither is a dedicated astro camera.

Video

• Both adequate for casual HD video, but limited controls and absence of audio features restrict creative versatility.

Travel Photography

• SL820’s weight and zoom flexibility make it an attractive travel companion. LX3 balances size with higher image quality and manual control.

Professional Use

• LX3 offers RAW capture and manual exposures supporting semi-pro workflows. SL820 is more for enthusiast or casual use with limited workflow integration.

Battery Life and Storage

Both cameras use proprietary lithium-ion batteries; however, official CIPA ratings are not emphasized here due to variance in usage patterns.

In practical testing, LX3’s larger body accommodates a bigger battery offering reasonable longevity of 250-300 shots per charge in mixed use. The SL820’s smaller battery and compact frame deliver fewer shots - typically under 200 per charge.

Storage-wise, SD and SDHC card compatibility is standard. Both feature single memory card slots with no internal memory worth noting.

Pricing and Value Proposition Today

When launched, the Panasonic LX3 retailed around $449, reflecting its advanced feature set and lens quality. Samsung’s SL820 was positioned more affordably at approximately $280, emphasizing value and usability over high-end performance.

Given their current market status as used or collector items, prices vary widely. However, the Panasonic LX3’s cachet among photography enthusiasts often maintains its value higher than the SL820.

Summarizing Performance Scores and Genre Ratings

To contextualize the above analysis, here are compiled ratings reflecting overall and genre-specific scores based on hands-on experience and technical testing:

The LX3 uniformly outperforms the SL820, particularly for portrait, landscape, low-light, and video use. SL820 offers reasonable scores in travel and street photography primarily because of its size and zoom.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

After exhaustive evaluation, here’s my verdict tailored to different photographic needs:

• For Enthusiasts Seeking Superior Image Quality and Manual Control: Panasonic LX3 is the clear winner. Its large sensor, bright lens, RAW support, and physical control dials make it a small system worthy of serious photography, especially in challenging light.

• For Casual Photographers Prioritizing Zoom, Portability, and Price: Samsung SL820 offers an easy-to-use platform with a versatile zoom and face detection. It’s a good choice for snapshot shooting, travel without bulk, and basic video needs.

• Portrait and Macro Shooters: LX3’s aperture and focus capabilities provide an edge. The SL820’s face detection can assist, but image quality isn’t as strong.

• Travel and Street Photographers: If absolute compactness and zoom range matter over ultimate image quality, the SL820 is appealing. Otherwise, the LX3 balances portability and performance well.

• Video Hobbyists: Neither camera excels, but LX3’s slightly better codec and sensor make it the preferable choice.

If budget permits, I recommend the Panasonic LX3 for its versatile lens and excellent sensor, which continues to hold up well given its age. The Samsung SL820 then remains a sensible pick for budget-conscious buyers who want a lightweight, straightforward camera with decent zoom reach.

Parting Thoughts and Testing Methodology Notes

Throughout months of shooting in diverse environments - urban, nature, indoor events, night scenes - and testing with standardized chart targets, I focused on replicable settings to fairly compare image quality, autofocus reliability, and handling. Additionally, post-processing consistency was maintained by evaluating RAW files on the LX3 and JPEG samples from both, ensuring objective insight rather than subjective preference.

Camera decisions hinge on use-case priorities and personal ergonomics preferences. I encourage readers to balance this detailed technical review with actual in-hand testing when possible.

In closing, the Panasonic Lumix LX3 remains a compact powerhouse with serious photographic capabilities, while the Samsung SL820 fulfills an accessible, travel-ready niche. Your choice will depend primarily on the priority you place on image quality, control, and lens speed versus zoom range and minimal footprint.

Happy shooting!

All photos credited to hands-on testing sessions conducted by the reviewer.

If you’d like sample image comparisons from both cameras to supplement your decision-making, here are representative photos illustrating their real-world output:

Panasonic LX3 front Panasonic LX3 screen back Samsung SL820 front Samsung SL820 screen back