Pro digicam Pro digicam, Compact
July, 2008
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 Competitors

As well as being compared against other pro digicams and compacts, the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 is also often compared to boutiques, mirrorless and travel zooms. The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3's top rivals come from Panasonic (such as the Lumix DMC-LX5 and the Lumix DMC-LX2) and Canon (such as the PowerShot S95 and the Powershot S100)

Competitor classes

compared toPro digicam competitors

Generally, some of the advantages of the Panasonic DMC-LX3 compared to other pro digicam competitors include: it has a slightly larger sensor (1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm vs 1/1.7" 7.6x5.7mm), has a slightly wider wide angle lens (24 mm vs 28 mm), records movies in 24p, supports an external flash and significantly longer exposures (60 seconds vs 16 seconds).

However, on average it is slightly more noisy at high ISO (94 ISO vs 153 ISO), has slightly lower image quality (39.0 vs 46.0), has slightly narrower dynamic range (10.8 EV vs 11.1 EV), slightly lower maximum light sensitivity (3,200 ISO vs 6,400 ISO) and doesn't have a screen which flips out.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5
2 years newer
$320 - $468

Significant advantages of the DMC-LX5 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Better boost ISO: 12,800 ISO vs 6,400 ISO
  • Significantly faster max shutter speed: 1/4000 of a second vs 1/2000 of a second

Significant disadvantages of the DMC-LX5 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • No 24p support

common strengths of the DMC-LX5 and DMC-LX3

  • Very large sensors: 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm vs 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm
  • Supports RAW
  • Good wide angle: 24 mm vs 24 mm
arrow Compare the DMC-LX5 vs the DMC-LX3

Canon PowerShot S95

Canon PowerShot S95
2 years newer
$359

Significant advantages of the S95 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Significantly lower noise at high ISO: 153 ISO vs 94 ISO
  • Better image quality: 47.0 vs 39.0
  • Better color depth: 20.4 bits vs 19.6 bits

Significant disadvantages of the S95 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Significantly smaller sensor: 1/1.7" 7.6x5.7mm vs 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm
  • Significantly worse wide angle: 28 mm vs 24 mm
  • Significantly worse macro capability: 5 cm vs 1 cm

common strengths of the S95 and DMC-LX3

  • Supports RAW
  • Fairly small: Compact 99x58x29 mm vs Compact 109x60x27 mm
  • Both support 24p, which is uncommon in cameras similar to these
arrow Compare the Canon PowerShot S95 vs the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

Canon Powershot S100

Canon Powershot S100
3 years newer
$400 - $430

Significant advantages of the S100 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Significantly lower noise at high ISO: 153 ISO vs 94 ISO
  • Significantly better image quality: 50.0 vs 39.0
  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 24fps vs 720p @ 24fps

Significant disadvantages of the S100 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Much smaller sensor: 1/1.8" 7.5x5.5mm vs 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm
  • No external flash support
  • Much shorter max exposures: 15 seconds vs 60 seconds

common strengths of the S100 and DMC-LX3

  • Supports RAW
  • Good wide angle: 24 mm vs 24 mm
  • Fairly small: Compact 99x60x28 mm vs Compact 109x60x27 mm
arrow Compare the Canon Powershot S100 vs the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

Canon PowerShot S90

Canon PowerShot S90
1 year newer
$536

Significant advantages of the S90 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Significantly lower noise at high ISO: 185 ISO vs 94 ISO
  • Better boost ISO: 12,800 ISO vs 6,400 ISO

Significant disadvantages of the S90 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Significantly smaller sensor: 1/1.7" 7.6x5.7mm vs 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm
  • No 24p support
  • Significantly worse wide angle: 28 mm vs 24 mm

common strengths of the S90 and DMC-LX3

  • Supports RAW
  • Fairly small: Compact 100x58x30 mm vs Compact 109x60x27 mm
  • Thin: 1.2" vs 1.1"
arrow Compare the Canon PowerShot S90 vs the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

Olympus XZ-1

Olympus XZ-1
2 years newer
$499 - $500

Significant advantages of the XZ-1 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Has an OLED screen: OLED vs LCD
  • Better maximum light sensitivity: 6,400 ISO vs 3,200 ISO

Significant disadvantages of the XZ-1 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • No 24p support
  • Significantly worse wide angle: 28 mm vs 24 mm
  • No boost ISO: None vs 6,400 ISO

common strengths of the XZ-1 and DMC-LX3

  • Very large sensors: 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm vs 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm
  • Supports RAW
  • Each supports an external flash
arrow Compare the Olympus XZ-1 vs the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

Samsung TL500

Samsung TL500
1 year newer

Significant advantages of the TL500 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Has an OLED screen: OLED vs LCD
  • Has a flip-out screen
  • Significantly higher resolution screen: 920k dots vs 460k dots

Significant disadvantages of the TL500 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Significantly smaller sensor: 1/1.7" 7.6x5.7mm vs 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm
  • No 24p support
  • No boost ISO: None vs 6,400 ISO

common strengths of the TL500 and DMC-LX3

  • Supports RAW
  • Good wide angle: 24 mm vs 24 mm
  • Fairly small: Compact 114x63x29 mm vs Compact 109x60x27 mm
arrow Compare the Samsung TL500 vs the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

compared toCompact competitors

Generally, some of the advantages of the Panasonic DMC-LX3 compared to other compact competitors include: it has a significantly wider aperture (f/2.0 vs f/2.8), has a slightly wider wide angle lens (24 mm vs 28 mm), has a significantly larger screen (3.0" vs 2.5"), has a slightly higher resolution screen (460k dots vs 207k dots) and takes much higher resolution photos (10 MP vs 8.3 MP).

However, on average it is slightly larger (compact 109x60x27 mm vs super compact 92x55x19 mm), doesn't record high-speed movies (none vs 240 fps), has a CCD-family sensor (CCD vs CMOS), is thicker (1.1" vs 0.8") and is much heavier (265 g vs 141 g).

Canon ELPH 300 HS

Canon ELPH 300 HS
2 years newer
$149 - $233

Significant advantages of the 300 HS (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 24fps vs 720p @ 24fps
  • Significantly smaller: Super compact 92x55x19 mm vs Compact 109x60x27 mm
  • Records high-speed movies: 240 fps vs None

Significant disadvantages of the 300 HS (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Much smaller sensor: 1/2.3" 6.2x4.6mm vs 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm
  • Significantly narrower aperture: f/2.7 vs f/2.0
  • Significantly smaller screen: 2.7" vs 3.0"

common strengths of the 300 HS and DMC-LX3

  • Wide aperture: f/2.7 vs f/2.0
  • Good wide angle: 24 mm vs 24 mm
  • Good image stabilization: Lens vs Lens
arrow Compare the Canon ELPH 300 HS vs the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1

Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX1
3 years older

Significant advantages of the DMC-LX1 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Significantly lighter: 220 g vs 265 g

Significant disadvantages of the DMC-LX1 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Significantly narrower aperture: f/2.8 vs f/2.0
  • Much smaller screen: 2.5" vs 3.0"
  • Much lower true resolution: 8.3 MP vs 10 MP

common strengths of the DMC-LX1 and DMC-LX3

  • Wide aperture: f/2.8 vs f/2.0
  • Good image stabilization: Lens vs Lens
  • Very large sensors: 1/1.8" 8.5x4.8mm vs 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm
arrow Compare the DMC-LX1 vs the DMC-LX3

compared toBoutique competitors

Generally, some of the advantages of the Panasonic DMC-LX3 compared to boutique competitors include: it has a slightly wider aperture (f/2.0 vs f/2.8), has a significantly wider wide angle lens (24 mm vs 35 mm), has a slightly larger screen (3.0" vs 2.8"), is much smaller (compact 109x60x27 mm vs standard size 127x75x54 mm) and has better image stabilization (lens vs none).

However, on average it has much lower image quality (39.0 vs 73.0), slightly lower maximum light sensitivity (3,200 ISO vs 12,800 ISO), doesn't shoot as fast continuously (2.5 fps vs 5 fps), has much less color depth (19.6 bits vs 22.9 bits) and has slightly narrower dynamic range (10.8 EV vs 12.4 EV).

Fujifilm FinePix X100

Fujifilm FinePix X100
2 years newer
$1,204 - $1,419

Significant advantages of the X100 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Much better image quality: 73.0 vs 39.0
  • Much larger sensor: APS-C 23.6x15.8mm vs 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm
  • Better color depth: 22.9 bits vs 19.6 bits

Significant disadvantages of the X100 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Much larger: Standard size 127x75x54 mm vs Compact 109x60x27 mm
  • Significantly worse wide angle: 35 mm vs 24 mm
  • No image stabilization: None vs Lens

common strengths of the X100 and DMC-LX3

  • Wide aperture: f/2.0 vs f/2.0
  • Larger than average screens: 2.8" vs 3.0"
  • Good macro capabilities: 10 cm vs 1 cm
arrow Compare the Fujifilm FinePix X100 vs the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

Canon PowerShot G1X

Canon PowerShot G1X
3 years newer
$799

Significant advantages of the G1X (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Much better image quality: 60.0 vs 39.0
  • Much larger sensor: Four thirds 18.7x14.0mm vs 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm
  • Significantly more zoom: 4x vs 2.5x

Significant disadvantages of the G1X (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Much larger: Standard size 117x81x65 mm vs Compact 109x60x27 mm
  • Significantly narrower aperture: f/2.8 vs f/2.0
  • Much thicker: 2.6" vs 1.1"

common strengths of the G1X and DMC-LX3

  • Larger than average screens: 3.0" vs 3.0"
  • Very good image stabilization: Lens vs Lens
  • 24p support
arrow Compare the Canon PowerShot G1X vs the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

Leica X1

Leica X1
1 year newer
$2,083 - $2,250

Significant advantages of the X1 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Much larger sensor: APS-C 23.6x15.8mm vs 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm
  • Has a CMOS-family sensor: CMOS vs CCD

Significant disadvantages of the X1 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Significantly narrower aperture: f/2.8 vs f/2.0
  • Significantly worse wide angle: 36 mm vs 24 mm
  • Much worse macro capability: 30 cm vs 1 cm

common strengths of the X1 and DMC-LX3

  • Very small: Compact 124x60x32 mm vs Compact 109x60x27 mm
  • Very thin: 1.3" vs 1.1"
arrow Compare the Leica X1 vs the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

compared toMirrorless interchangeable-lens competitors

Generally, some of the advantages of the Panasonic DMC-LX3 compared to mirrorless interchangeable-lens competitors include: it has image stabilization (lens vs none), records movies in 24p, has boost light sensitivity (6,400 ISO vs none), is thinner (1.1" vs 1.4") and supports an external flash.

However, on average it is significantly more noisy at high ISO (94 ISO vs 703 ISO), records lower quality movies (720p @ 24fps vs 1080p @ 30fps), has significantly lower image quality (39.0 vs 69.0), doesn't record high-speed movies (none vs 1,200 fps) and has significantly less color depth (19.6 bits vs 21.5 bits).

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF2
2 years newer
$329 - $379 14-42mm lens

Significant advantages of the DMC-GF2 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Significantly lower noise at high ISO: 506 ISO vs 94 ISO
  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 24fps
  • Significantly better image quality: 54.0 vs 39.0

Significant disadvantages of the DMC-GF2 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • No image stabilization: None vs Lens
  • No 24p support

common strengths of the DMC-GF2 and DMC-LX3

  • Fairly small: Mid size 113x68x33 mm vs Compact 109x60x27 mm
  • Thin: 1.3" vs 1.1"
  • Long exposures: 60 seconds vs 60 seconds
arrow Compare the DMC-GF2 vs the DMC-LX3

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3
2 years newer
$550 (body only)
$439 14-42mm lens

Significant advantages of the DMC-GF3 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Significantly lower noise at high ISO: 459 ISO vs 94 ISO
  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 24fps
  • Better image quality: 50.0 vs 39.0

Significant disadvantages of the DMC-GF3 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • No image stabilization: None vs Lens
  • No 24p support
  • No external flash support

common strengths of the DMC-GF3 and DMC-LX3

  • Fairly small: Compact 107x67x32 mm vs Compact 109x60x27 mm
  • Thin: 1.3" vs 1.1"
  • Light weight: 264 g vs 265 g
arrow Compare the DMC-GF3 vs the DMC-LX3

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1
3 years newer
$705 (body only)
$932 - $968 14-42mm lens

Significant advantages of the DMC-GX1 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Much lower noise at high ISO: 703 ISO vs 94 ISO
  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 60fps vs 720p @ 24fps
  • Significantly better image quality: 55.0 vs 39.0

Significant disadvantages of the DMC-GX1 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • No image stabilization: None vs Lens
  • No 24p support

common strengths of the DMC-GX1 and DMC-LX3

  • Long exposures: 60 seconds vs 60 seconds
  • Each has a built-in flash
arrow Compare the DMC-GX1 vs the DMC-LX3

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1

Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1
1 year newer
$1,100 20mm lens

Significant advantages of the DMC-GF1 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Significantly lower noise at high ISO: 513 ISO vs 94 ISO
  • Significantly better image quality: 54.0 vs 39.0
  • Has interchangeable lenses

Significant disadvantages of the DMC-GF1 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • No image stabilization: None vs Lens
  • No 24p support

common strengths of the DMC-GF1 and DMC-LX3

  • Long exposures: 60 seconds vs 60 seconds
  • Each has a built-in flash
arrow Compare the DMC-GF1 vs the DMC-LX3

Nikon 1 J1

Nikon 1 J1
3 years newer
$597 10-30mm lens

Significant advantages of the J1 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Records high-speed movies: 1,200 fps vs None
  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 24fps
  • Significantly better image quality: 56.0 vs 39.0

Significant disadvantages of the J1 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • No image stabilization: None vs Lens
  • No 24p support
  • No external flash support

common strengths of the J1 and DMC-LX3

  • Fairly small: Compact 106x61x29 mm vs Compact 109x60x27 mm
  • Thin: 1.2" vs 1.1"
  • Light weight: 277 g vs 265 g
arrow Compare the Nikon 1 J1 vs the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

Sony Alpha NEX-5

Sony Alpha NEX-5
1 year newer
$569 18-55mm lens

Significant advantages of the NEX-5 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Much lower noise at high ISO: 796 ISO vs 94 ISO
  • Much better image quality: 69.0 vs 39.0
  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 24fps

Significant disadvantages of the NEX-5 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • No image stabilization: None vs Lens
  • No 24p support
  • No built-in flash

common strengths of the NEX-5 and DMC-LX3

  • Fairly small: Compact 111x59x38 mm vs Compact 109x60x27 mm
  • Light weight: 287 g vs 265 g
arrow Compare the Sony Alpha NEX-5 vs the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

compared toTravel zoom competitors

Generally, some of the advantages of the Panasonic DMC-LX3 compared to travel zoom competitors include: it has a much wider aperture (f/2.0 vs f/3.3), is slightly smaller (compact 109x60x27 mm vs compact 106x59x33 mm), takes slightly higher resolution photos (10 MP vs 9.8 MP), records movies in 24p and has a much larger sensor (1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm vs 1/2.3" 6.1x4.6mm).

However, on average it has way more less zoom (2.5x vs 16x), doesn't have a built-in GPS, records lower quality movies (720p @ 24fps vs 1080p @ 24fps), doesn't record high-speed movies (none vs 220 fps) and has a CCD-family sensor (CCD vs CMOS).

Sony Cybershot DSC-HX9v

Sony Cybershot DSC-HX9v
2 years newer
$289 - $328

Significant advantages of the DSC-HX9v (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Much more zoom: 16x vs 2.5x
  • Has a GPS
  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 60fps vs 720p @ 24fps

Significant disadvantages of the DSC-HX9v (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Much narrower aperture: f/3.3 vs f/2.0
  • Much smaller sensor: 1/2.3" 6.2x4.6mm vs 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm
  • No 24p support

common strengths of the DSC-HX9v and DMC-LX3

  • Good wide angle: 24 mm vs 24 mm
  • Long exposures: 30 seconds vs 60 seconds
arrow Compare the Sony Cybershot DSC-HX9v vs the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS10
2 years newer
$196 - $328

Significant advantages of the DMC-ZS10 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Much more zoom: 16x vs 2.5x
  • Has a GPS
  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 30fps vs 720p @ 24fps

Significant disadvantages of the DMC-ZS10 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Much narrower aperture: f/3.3 vs f/2.0
  • Much smaller sensor: 1/2.3" 6.1x4.6mm vs 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm
  • No 24p support

common strengths of the DMC-ZS10 and DMC-LX3

  • Good wide angle: 24 mm vs 24 mm
  • Very long exposure times: 60 seconds vs 60 seconds
arrow Compare the DMC-ZS10 vs the DMC-LX3

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS7
1 year newer
$285 - $361

Significant advantages of the DMC-ZS7 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Has a GPS
  • Significantly more zoom: 12x vs 2.5x
  • Significantly lighter: 218 g vs 265 g

Significant disadvantages of the DMC-ZS7 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Much narrower aperture: f/3.3 vs f/2.0
  • Much smaller sensor: 1/2.3" 6.1x4.6mm vs 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm
  • No 24p support

common strengths of the DMC-ZS7 and DMC-LX3

  • Very long exposure times: 60 seconds vs 60 seconds
arrow Compare the DMC-ZS7 vs the DMC-LX3

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3
6 months newer

Significant advantages of the DMC-ZS3 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Significantly more zoom: 12x vs 2.5x
  • Lighter: 229 g vs 265 g

Significant disadvantages of the DMC-ZS3 (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Much narrower aperture: f/3.3 vs f/2.0
  • Much smaller sensor: 1/2.3" 6.1x4.6mm vs 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm
  • No 24p support

common strengths of the DMC-ZS3 and DMC-LX3

  • Very long exposure times: 60 seconds vs 60 seconds
arrow Compare the DMC-ZS3 vs the DMC-LX3

Canon PowerShot SX230 HS

Canon PowerShot SX230 HS
2 years newer
$219 - $304

Significant advantages of the SX230 HS (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Has a GPS
  • Much more zoom: 14x vs 2.5x
  • Higher resolution movies: 1080p @ 24fps vs 720p @ 24fps

Significant disadvantages of the SX230 HS (vs the DMC-LX3)

  • Much smaller sensor: 1/2.3" 6.2x4.6mm vs 1/1.7" 8.3x6.2mm
  • Much narrower aperture: f/3.1 vs f/2.0
  • Significantly worse wide angle: 28 mm vs 24 mm

common strengths of the SX230 HS and DMC-LX3

  • Both support 24p, which is uncommon in cameras similar to these
arrow Compare the Canon PowerShot SX230 HS vs the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3