Panasonic LX3 vs Sony W290

Following is a in depth overview of the Panasonic LX3 versus Sony W290, both Small Sensor Compact digital cameras by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the LX3 (10MP) and the W290 (12MP) is pretty well matched but the LX3 (1/1.63") and W290 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor sizing.

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The LX3 was manufactured 3 months earlier than the W290 which means that they are of a similar age. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before diving through a full comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the LX3 matches up versus the W290 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-W290. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic LX3 Gallery & Sony W290 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera, you'll need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic LX3 provides 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) and the Sony W290 has dimensions of 98mm x 57mm x 23mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic LX3 versus Sony W290 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Below is the front view size comparison of the LX3 versus the W290.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the LX3 and W290 is 91 and 94 respectively.

Oftentimes, its tough to envision the contrast between sensor sizes purely by looking at technical specs. The image below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the LX3 and W290.

As you can tell, both of the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The LX3 featuring a bigger sensor will make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Sony W290 will give you extra detail due to its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots a little more aggressively.