Panasonic LX5 vs Sony HX1

Following is a extensive comparison of the Panasonic LX5 and Sony HX1, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the LX5 (10MP) and the HX1 (9MP) is very similar but the LX5 (1/1.63") and HX1 (1/2.4") use different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The LX5 was revealed 2 years after the HX1 which is quite a sizable gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic LX5 being a Compact camera and the Sony HX1 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before diving in to a in depth comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the LX5 scores against the HX1 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The full galleries are available at Panasonic LX5 Gallery and Sony HX1 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic LX5 enjoys outside dimensions of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") having a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) whilst the Sony HX1 has specifications of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic LX5 and Sony HX1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you choose at that moment. Below is the front view proportions comparison of the LX5 and the HX1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the LX5 and HX1 is 88 and 67 respectively.

Oftentimes, its tough to picture the gap between sensor sizes only by reviewing technical specs. The image below will help offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the LX5 and HX1.

As you can tell, both of those cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The LX5 with its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF simpler and the Panasonic LX5 will offer you extra detail because of its extra 1 Megapixels. Greater resolution will help you crop photos a little more aggressively. The younger LX5 should have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.