Panasonic LX5 vs Sony HX80

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Panasonic LX5 and Sony HX80, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. There exists a significant gap among the image resolutions of the LX5 (10MP) and HX80 (18MP) and the LX5 (1/1.63") and HX80 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The LX5 was introduced 5 years before the HX80 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before going in to a in depth comparison, below is a simple summary of how the LX5 matches up against the HX80 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX80. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic LX5 Gallery and Sony HX80 Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry your camera regularly, you will need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic LX5 has exterior dimensions of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") and a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) while the Sony HX80 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") accompanied by a weight of 245 grams (0.54 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic LX5 and Sony HX80 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you have attached at that moment. Following is the front view physical size comparison of the LX5 vs the HX80.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the LX5 and HX80 is 88 and 91 respectively.

Typically, its difficult to see the gap in sensor sizing only by checking out specs. The graphic underneath may offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the LX5 and HX80.

All in all, both the cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The LX5 using its larger sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Sony HX80 will show more detail using its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The older LX5 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.