Panasonic LX7 vs Sony HX20V: A Comprehensive Camera Comparison for Enthusiasts and Professionals

Choosing the right compact camera can be a challenge given the variety of features, performance nuances, and real-world usability to consider. Today, we're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison of two notable compact cameras from 2012: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 and the Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. Both have unique strengths tailored for different photographic needs.

We’ve thoroughly tested these cameras across all major photography genres, from portraits and landscapes to wildlife, video, and travel. Through hands-on experience, detailed technical evaluation, and practical usage scenarios, we'll help you decide which camera fits your creative journey best.

Getting a Feel for Size and Handling: Ergonomics First

When you pick up a camera, the feel in your hand significantly influences your shooting experience. Both the Panasonic LX7 and Sony HX20V are compact, but their design philosophies differ notably.

• Panasonic LX7 measures 111mm x 68mm x 46mm and weighs 298g.
• Sony HX20V is sleeker at 107mm x 62mm x 35mm and lighter at 254g.

While the HX20V’s smaller, lighter body makes it more pocketable and discreet for street and travel photography, the LX7's slightly larger size offers enhanced grip comfort and better balance, especially with extended use.

The LX7's lens barrel has a pronounced manual control ring (more on this later), contributing to a more tactile, enthusiast-focused feel. The HX20V presents a cleaner, more automatic camera with fewer tactile buttons but retains manual focus capability for advanced users.

If you favor a camera you can comfortably hold for longer sessions and appreciate physical control dials, the LX7's form factor stands out as a winner here.

Control Layout and User Interface: How You Interact Matters

Looking at the control schemes on top, we notice clear design intent:

• Panasonic LX7 offers traditional PASM modes (Program, Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, Manual Exposure). It provides direct access to ISO, exposure compensation, and a large, clickable control dial. This design supports quick adjustments without diving into menus - excellent for photography purists and pros who want manual over their settings.

• Sony HX20V, in contrast, lacks dedicated PASM modes except manual exposure. While you can set exposure compensation, ISO and aperture adjustments are more menu-reliant. It’s a camera oriented towards easy shooting with superzoom flexibility rather than full manual control.

For photographers prioritizing rapid, intuitive control during shoots - especially in dynamic environments like wildlife or sports - LX7’s ergonomic layout reduces fumbling. HX20V leans more toward casual users needing zoom versatility and simplicity.

Sensor Comparison and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Assessing image quality starts with understanding the sensor technology and size.

The Panasonic LX7 features a larger 1/1.7" sensor with 10 megapixels, while the Sony HX20V uses a smaller 1/2.3" sensor but packs in 18 megapixels.

What does this mean in practical terms?

• Larger Sensor, Lower MP (LX7): Tends to produce better low-light performance, higher dynamic range, and less noise at higher ISO settings. The LX7’s lower resolution at a larger sensor area leads to larger pixels that gather more light per pixel, aiding image quality especially in shadows and subtle tone gradations.

• Smaller Sensor, Higher MP (HX20V): Allows a versatile zoom range (more on this soon) but with smaller pixels that can introduce higher noise and reduced dynamic range, especially in challenging lighting.

The LX7 also supports RAW output, allowing you to pull the highest image quality in post-processing, an essential feature for professionals and serious amateurs. Sony unfortunately lacks RAW support on the HX20V, which can limit editing flexibility.

Testing sample images, the LX7 manifests richer color depth (20.7 EV color depth vs. untested but generally less robust on HX20V), superior dynamic range (11.7 stops measured on LX7), and cleaner high-ISO results up to ISO 1600 and beyond.

Viewing Experience: The Screens and Viewfinders

• Panasonic LX7 has a 3-inch fixed TFT LCD with 920k-dot resolution.
• Sony HX20V sports a 3-inch "XtraFine TruBlack" TFT LCD with 922k-dot resolution.

Both screens are roughly comparable in size and resolution. However, the Sony’s “TruBlack” technology provides slightly better contrast and deeper blacks, which helps in bright outdoor situations.

Neither camera has a built-in electronic viewfinder (EVF), although the Panasonic LX7 offers an optional EVF you can attach for eye-level composition. This is a notable advantage if you prefer composing via viewfinder outdoors in bright conditions - reducing glare and improving steadiness.

If you rely on the rear LCD only, the HX20V may feel easier to use under sunlight, but neither excels with a tilting or touchscreen capability, limiting flexibility.

Panasonic LX7 front Panasonic LX7 screen back Sony HX20V front Sony HX20V screen back

Photography Genres: Which Camera Excels Where?

Let's break down performance across major photographic styles - from portraits to travel - to discover each camera’s strengths and tradeoffs in real-world situations.

Portrait Photography: Skin Tones and Bokeh

• Panasonic LX7:

  • The fast lens (F1.4 at wide angle, F2.3 at tele) allows beautiful shallow depth of field and smooth bokeh.
  • Face and eye detection AF aids precise focus on subject’s eyes.
  • The larger sensor delivers better tonal gradation and skin tone rendition.

• Sony HX20V:

  • Lens max aperture ranges from F3.2 to F5.8, limiting background blur.
  • AF system includes face detection but is less refined for portraits.
  • Higher resolution yields sharper details but at the cost of some noise in low light.

If portraiture with creamy background separation and skin tone fidelity is your priority, the LX7 is clearly superior.

Landscape Photography: Dynamic Range and Resolution

• Panasonic LX7:

  • Slightly lower resolution (10MP) but excellent dynamic range helps preserve highlight and shadow details.
  • No weather sealing; cautious use outdoors.

• Sony HX20V:

  • Higher 18MP resolution for large prints or cropping.
  • Smaller sensor limits dynamic range.
  • No weather sealing.

For landscapes, if you want maximum tonal latitude and post-processing flexibility, LX7 edges out; but if resolution is prized for detail cropping, HX20V has a slight pixel advantage.

Wildlife and Telephoto Performance

• Panasonic LX7:

  • Lens zoom range only 24-90mm equivalent (3.8x) limits wildlife framing options.
  • Fast continuous shooting at 11 fps is excellent for action.
  • Autofocus includes contrast detection with decent tracking, but limited by zoom.

• Sony HX20V:

  • Massive 25-500mm (20x zoom) gives extreme reach suitable for distant wildlife.
  • Continuous shooting is 10 fps but autofocus is slower, AF tracking functional but not top tier.
  • Optical SteadyShot stabilization helps counterhandshake with superzoom.

The HX20V’s zoom range makes it better suited for wildlife or sports distant subjects, despite slower AF and modest sensor size.

Sports and Action Photography

• Panasonic LX7:

  • 11 fps burst impressed in tests; AF tracking effective for moderately fast subjects.
  • Faster shutter speeds up to 1/4000s help freeze quick motion.

• Sony HX20V:

  • Burst mode at 10 fps is competitive.
  • Max shutter 1/1600s somewhat limits freezing power.
  • AF less aggressive, no shutter priority mode.

For sports, the LX7 delivers more control and snappier focus, beneficial for fast-paced shooting.

Street Photography: Discreteness and Responsiveness

• Panasonic LX7:

  • Slightly bulkier but solid build.
  • Fast lens helps shooting in dim streetlights.
  • Quick manual controls support fast adaptability.

• Sony HX20V:

  • Lighter and smaller - better for stealth.
  • Lens is slower, requiring higher ISO.
  • Less tactile - relies on menus.

For street shooters valuing compactness and speed, HX20V’s size helps; but LX7’s responsiveness and image quality make it stand out.

Macro Photography

Both offer impressive close-focusing down to 1 cm. The LX7 edges out due to faster aperture allowing creative depth of field effects. Neither camera offers focus stacking or bracketing.

Night and Astro Photography

• Panasonic LX7:

  • Larger sensor plus faster lens allow better low-light shots.
  • ISO 80 to 6400 native ISO with less noise.
  • Maximum shutter speeds down to 60 seconds support long exposure.

• Sony HX20V:

  • ISO up to 12800 nominal, but sensor noise noticeable at high ISO.
  • Max shutter 30 seconds, sufficient for many night shots.

For night scenes and astro, LX7’s dynamic range and noise control give it an advantage.

Video Capabilities: Quality and Features

Both cameras support Full HD 1080p video recording at 60fps (LX7) or max 60fps (HX20V).

• Panasonic LX7 provides AVCHD and MPEG-4 formats, manual exposure control in video, and optical stabilization.
• Sony HX20V also uses AVCHD MP4 but lacks manual video exposure controls; has optical image stabilization.

Neither has microphone or headphone jacks, limiting audio control for serious videography.

Build, Battery, and Connectivity: Everyday Usability

Both cameras rely on proprietary battery packs with similar endurance (~320-330 shots). The HX20V has a built-in GPS, which adds location data to your images - a great plus for travel photographers tracking their journey.

In terms of connectivity, neither has Wi-Fi or Bluetooth except HX20V’s Eye-Fi compatibility, which facilitates image transfer via special cards. The Panasonic LX7 lacks wireless but offers USB and HDMI outputs for tethering and display.

Lens Quality and Ecosystem: Optical Flexibility

Both cameras have fixed lenses, but their design philosophies impact creative use:

• Panasonic LX7 has a bright Leica-branded lens with 24-90mm equivalent focal length and fast aperture (F1.4-2.3). This lens excels in low light and shallow depth of field, perfect for portraits, street, and artistic shots.

• Sony HX20V features a 25-500mm (20x optical zoom) lens with slower apertures (F3.2-5.8). It's ideal if you need huge reach - for wildlife, sports, or distant subjects. However, sharpness and distortion at telephoto ends are less optimal compared to LX7’s shorter zoom.

Since neither camera supports interchangeable lenses, your shooting style should align closely with the available zoom and aperture ranges.

Summing Up Performance By Genre

The Bottom Line: Which Camera Should You Choose?

Consider the Panasonic Lumix LX7 if you:

• Prioritize outstanding image quality, especially in low light.
• Want strong manual controls with tactile dials.
• Shoot portraits, street, or landscape with an emphasis on creative depth of field.
• Require RAW shooting capability for extensive post-processing.
• Prefer a solid all-rounder with fast optics and flexible exposure modes.
• Are ready to trade zoom range for superior sensor performance.

Opt for the Sony HX20V if you:

• Need a compact camera with massive 20x zoom for wildlife, travel, or sports on a budget.
• Value built-in GPS and additional connectivity options.
• Prefer a lighter and more pocket-friendly camera for continuous carrying.
• Mostly shoot JPEG and prioritize reach over ultimate image quality.
• Require easy point-and-shoot usability with some manual exposure flexibility.

Our Testing Approach and What We Recommend

We evaluated both cameras extensively in controlled studio setups, real-world shooting environments, and across lighting conditions. Our tests included measurements of dynamic range, noise levels, autofocus speed and accuracy, burst rates, and ergonomics, followed by practical shooting sessions mimicking common scenarios.

For hands-on evaluation, we recommend you:

• Try both cameras in person to assess grip comfort and control intuitiveness.
• Compare sample images on a calibrated monitor to judge image quality differences meaningful to your needs.
• Consider the lenses and zoom range in relation to your shooting subjects.
• Think about video needs and whether manual video control or stabilization matters for your workflow.
• Factor in features like GPS, wireless, and battery life that impact day-to-day use.

Final Thoughts: Unlock Your Potential with the Right Tool

Both Panasonic LX7 and Sony HX20V are impressive compact cameras, each tailored to different creative paths.

The LX7 is a passionate photographer’s companion that lets you craft images with control and superior quality. Meanwhile, the HX20V offers versatility and reach that inspire exploration and spontaneous shooting, particularly for outdoor adventures.

No matter which you choose, both cameras open doors to creative expression and mastering your craft. Be sure to pair your chosen camera with quality memory cards, extra batteries, and possibly an external flash or tripod to elevate your photography.

Happy shooting - may your next camera be a reliable partner on your photographic journey!

If you want to dive even deeper into camera comparisons or look for accessories tailored to your style, check out our other expert reviews and gear guides.

Article images reprinted courtesy of camera manufacturers and sample galleries.