Panasonic LX7 vs Pentax WS80

Let's look more closely at the Panasonic LX7 and Pentax WS80, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Waterproof by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. The sensor resolution of the LX7 (10MP) and the WS80 (10MP) is relatively well matched but the LX7 (1/1.7") and WS80 (1/2.3") have different sensor sizing.

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The LX7 was announced 3 years later than the WS80 and that is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before diving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the LX7 matches up versus the WS80 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 and Pentax Optio WS80. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic LX7 Gallery and Pentax WS80 Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic LX7 comes with physical measurements of 111mm x 68mm x 46mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.8") and a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs) while the Pentax WS80 has measurements of 92mm x 60mm x 22mm (3.6" x 2.4" x 0.9") with a weight of 125 grams (0.28 lbs).

See the Panasonic LX7 and Pentax WS80 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are using at that time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the LX7 versus the WS80.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the LX7 and WS80 is 86 and 95 respectively.

Typically, it is difficult to imagine the contrast between sensor measurements only by reading through specifications. The visual below will help give you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the LX7 and WS80.

Plainly, both of the cameras provide the same megapixel count albeit different sensor measurements. The LX7 uses the bigger sensor which should make obtaining bokeh simpler. The more modern LX7 provides an advantage in sensor innovation.