Panasonic LX7 vs Sony S980

Let's take a more detailed look at the Panasonic LX7 versus Sony S980, both Small Sensor Compact cameras by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The sensor resolution of the LX7 (10MP) and the S980 (12MP) is fairly comparable but the LX7 (1/1.7") and S980 (1/2.3") have totally different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The LX7 was unveiled 3 years later than the S980 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before getting straight to a detailed comparison, here is a short overview of how the LX7 scores vs the S980 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-S980. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic LX7 Gallery and Sony S980 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you should consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic LX7 provides physical dimensions of 111mm x 68mm x 46mm (4.4" x 2.7" x 1.8") accompanied by a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs) and the Sony S980 has sizing of 93mm x 56mm x 24mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") and a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic LX7 versus Sony S980 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Below is a front view dimensions comparison of the LX7 compared to the S980.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the LX7 and S980 is 86 and 94 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizing merely by checking out specifications. The visual below might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the LX7 and S980.

Plainly, both cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The LX7 using its larger sensor will make shooting bokeh less difficult and the Sony S980 will produce extra detail having an extra 2MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop photos more aggressively. The more modern LX7 will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.