Panasonic LX3 vs Sony S980

Here is a in-depth analysis of the Panasonic LX3 versus Sony S980, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the LX3 (10MP) and the S980 (12MP) is fairly similar but the LX3 (1/1.63") and S980 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The LX3 was launched 3 months before the S980 so they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a brief summation of how the LX3 matches up vs the S980 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic LX3 Gallery and Sony S980 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic LX3 offers physical measurements of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") accompanied by a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Sony S980 has dimensions of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic LX3 versus Sony S980 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you choose at that time. Underneath is a front view size comparison of the LX3 versus the S980.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the LX3 and S980 is 91 and 94 respectively.

Quite often, its hard to visualise the gap between sensor sizing just by going over a spec sheet. The visual underneath might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the LX3 and S980.

Clearly, each of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The LX3 due to its larger sensor will make getting bokeh less difficult and the Sony S980 will deliver more detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos more aggressively.