Panasonic LX5 vs Pentax P80

Following is a in depth assessment of the Panasonic LX5 versus Pentax P80, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The resolution of the LX5 (10MP) and the P80 (12MP) is fairly comparable but the LX5 (1/1.63") and P80 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The LX5 was released 2 years after the P80 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting into a detailed comparison, here is a short summation of how the LX5 matches up versus the P80 for portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 and Pentax Optio P80. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic LX5 Gallery and Pentax P80 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry around your camera frequently, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic LX5 provides outer measurements of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) and the Pentax P80 has dimensions of 102mm x 59mm x 25mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.0") with a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

Check the Panasonic LX5 versus Pentax P80 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select at the time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the LX5 and the P80.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the LX5 and P80 is 88 and 95 respectively.

In many cases, its difficult to see the difference in sensor sizes merely by seeing a spec sheet. The pic below will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the LX5 and P80.

As you can see, both of these cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The LX5 due to its larger sensor will make getting shallower DOF less difficult and the Pentax P80 will provide more detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The more recent LX5 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.