Panasonic LX3 vs Sony HX99

The following is a extended overview of the Panasonic LX3 and Sony HX99, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the LX3 (10MP) and HX99 (18MP) and the LX3 (1/1.63") and HX99 (1/2.3-inch) use totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The LX3 was announced 10 years prior to the HX99 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras come with the identical body type (Compact).

Before going straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a short introduction of how the LX3 matches up versus the HX99 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX99. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic LX3 Gallery and Sony HX99 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera regularly, you will want to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic LX3 offers external measurements of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Sony HX99 has specifications of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") with a weight of 242 grams (0.53 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic LX3 and Sony HX99 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is the front view proportions comparison of the LX3 and the HX99.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the LX3 and HX99 is 91 and 91 respectively.

Usually, it is tough to visualise the contrast between sensor dimensions simply by looking at specifications. The pic here should offer you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the LX3 and HX99.

To sum up, both the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The LX3 with its larger sensor will make shooting shallower DOF simpler and the Sony HX99 will give you greater detail with its extra 8MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more aged LX3 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.