Panasonic LX5 vs Panasonic LZ20

Here, we are matching up the Panasonic LX5 vs Panasonic LZ20, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both designed by Panasonic. There is a big difference between the image resolutions of the LX5 (10MP) and LZ20 (16MP) and the LX5 (1/1.63") and LZ20 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The LX5 was launched 7 months prior to the LZ20 so they are of a similar generation. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic LX5 being a Compact camera and the Panasonic LZ20 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving right into a in depth comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the LX5 scores against the LZ20 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ20. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic LX5 Gallery and Panasonic LZ20 Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera often, you need to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic LX5 comes with physical measurements of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Panasonic LZ20 has proportions of 120mm x 76mm x 80mm (4.7" x 3.0" x 3.1") having a weight of 499 grams (1.10 lbs).

Check the Panasonic LX5 vs Panasonic LZ20 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you choose at the time. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the LX5 compared to the LZ20.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the LX5 and LZ20 is 88 and 71 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is tough to see the contrast between sensor sizes just by looking at technical specs. The image underneath will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the LX5 and LZ20.

As you have seen, both of those cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The LX5 due to its larger sensor will make achieving bokeh simpler and the Panasonic LZ20 will resolve greater detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will let you crop images a good deal more aggressively. The more aged LX5 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.