Panasonic LX10 versus Canon SX730

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10 (called Panasonic LX15 in some regions) and the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2016 and April 2017. Both the LX10 and the SX730 are fixed lens compact cameras that are based on an one-inch (LX10) and a 1/2.3-inch (SX730) sensor. The Panasonic has a resolution of 20 megapixel, whereas the Canon provides 20.2 MP. Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their size, their sensors, their features, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison: Panasonic LX10 vs Canon SX730

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Panasonic LX10 and the Canon SX730. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter. You can also toggle the display to switch to a percentage comparison if you prefer that the measures are being expressed in relative terms (in this case, the camera on the left – the LX10 – represents 100 percent across all the size and weight measures).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon SX730 is notably larger (11 percent) than the Panasonic LX10. However, the SX730 is slightly lighter (3 percent) than the LX10. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the LX10 nor the SX730 are weather-sealed.

Concerning battery life, the LX10 gets 260 shots out of its DMW-BLH7 battery, while the SX730 can take 250 images on a single charge of its NB-13L power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, just select a new right or left comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Panasonic LX10»	4.2 in	2.4 in	1.7 in	10.9 oz	260	n	Sep 2016	699			Panasonic LX10
	Canon SX730«	4.3 in	2.5 in	1.6 in	10.6 oz	250	n	Apr 2017	399	-		Canon SX730
	Canon SX740« »	4.3 in	2.5 in	1.6 in	10.5 oz	265	n	Jul 2018	399			Canon SX740
	Canon G7 X Mark II« »	4.2 in	2.4 in	1.7 in	11.3 oz	265	n	Feb 2016	699			Canon G7 X Mark II
	Canon G5 X« »	4.4 in	3.0 in	1.7 in	12.5 oz	210	n	Oct 2015	799			Canon G5 X
	Canon G7 X« »	4.1 in	2.4 in	1.6 in	10.7 oz	210	n	Sep 2014	699	-		Canon G7 X
	Panasonic TS7« »	4.6 in	3.0 in	1.5 in	11.3 oz	300	Y	May 2018	449			Panasonic TS7
	Panasonic ZS200« »	4.4 in	2.6 in	1.8 in	12.0 oz	370	n	Feb 2018	799			Panasonic ZS200
	Panasonic ZS70« »	4.4 in	2.6 in	1.6 in	11.4 oz	380	n	Apr 2017	449			Panasonic ZS70
	Panasonic ZS100« »	4.4 in	2.6 in	1.7 in	11.0 oz	300	n	Jan 2016	699	-		Panasonic ZS100
	Panasonic LX7« »	4.4 in	2.7 in	1.8 in	10.5 oz	330	n	Jul 2012	499	-		Panasonic LX7
	Sony HX99« »	4.0 in	2.3 in	1.4 in	8.5 oz	370	n	Aug 2018	449			Sony HX99
	Sony RX100 IV« »	4.0 in	2.3 in	1.6 in	10.5 oz	280	n	Jun 2015	999	-		Sony RX100 IV
	Sony RX100 III« »	4.0 in	2.3 in	1.6 in	10.2 oz	320	n	May 2014	799	-		Sony RX100 III
	Sony RX100 II« »	4.0 in	2.3 in	1.5 in	9.9 oz	350	n	Jun 2013	749	-		Sony RX100 II
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The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The SX730 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 43 percent) than the LX10, which puts it into a different market segment. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison: Panasonic LX10 vs Canon SX730

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Panasonic LX10 features an one-inch sensor and the Canon SX730 a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The sensor area in the SX730 is 76 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.7 and 5.6. The sensor in the LX10 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the SX730 offers a 4:3 aspect. The LX10 has the particularity of featuring a switch that allows to toggle between different aspect ratios, while maintaining the same field of view and full image resolution.

In terms of underlying technology, both cameras are build around BSI-CMOS sensors.

Despite having a smaller sensor, the SX730 offers a slightly higher resolution of 20.2 megapixel, compared with 20 MP of the LX10. This megapixel advantage comes at the cost of a higher pixel density and a smaller size of the individual pixel (with a pixel pitch of 1.18μm versus 2.41μm for the LX10). However, it should be noted that the SX730 is a somewhat more recent model (by 6 months) than the LX10, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that partly offset its pixel-size disadvantage. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the SX730 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the LX10 provides a higher video resolution than the SX730. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/60p.

Feature comparison: Panasonic LX10 vs Canon SX730

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The LX10 and the SX730 are similar in the sense that neither of the two has a viewfinder. The images are, thus, framed using live view on the rear LCD. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Panasonic LX10, the Canon SX730, and comparable cameras. If you need more detail on the specs, you can find comprehensive listings, for example, in the dpreview camera hub.

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The LX10 has a touchscreen, while the SX730 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The reported shutter speed and shutter burst refer to the use of the mechanical shutter. In addition, the LX10 features an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (flickering).

Both the LX10 and the SX730 have zoom lenses build in. The LX10 has a 24-72mm f/1.4-2.8 optic and the SX730 offers a 24-960mm f/3.3-6.9 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Panasonic and Canon provide the same view at the wide-angle end, but the Canon has more tele-photo reach at the long end. The LX10 offers the faster maximum aperture.

Both the LX10 and the SX730 write their imaging data to SDXC cards.

The LX10 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Panasonic. In contrast, the SX730 has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the SX730 was succeeded by the Canon SX730 HS.

Review summary: Panasonic LX10 vs Canon SX730

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Panasonic LX10 or the Canon SX730 – has the upper hand? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Reasons to prefer the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
• Richer colors: Larger pixels generate images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Capable of capturing a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Can be used in poorly lit environments and still produce good images.
• Flexible image proportions: Has a multi-aspect sensor that allows for alternative image shapes.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/60p).
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 922k dots).
• Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (4000/sec vs 3200/sec) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 5.9 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/1.4 vs f/3.3).
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in September 2016).

Arguments in favor of the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• More tele-reach: Has a longer tele-lens for perspective compression and subject magnification.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (43 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Was introduced somewhat (6 months) more recently.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the LX10 is the clear winner of the match-up (14 : 6 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the handling experience and imaging performance when actually working with the LX10 or the SX730. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog). The full reviews are available by clicking on the site logo in the table header.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Panasonic LX10»	HiRec	81/100	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	699			Panasonic LX10
	Canon SX730«	Rec	-	4/5	-	4/5	Apr 2017	399	-		Canon SX730
	Canon SX740« »	Rec	-	4/5	-	4/5	Jul 2018	399			Canon SX740
	Canon G7 X Mark II« »	HiRec	81/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	699			Canon G7 X Mark II
	Canon G5 X« »	HiRec	78/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	799			Canon G5 X
	Canon G7 X« »	HiRec	77/100	4.5/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	699	-		Canon G7 X
	Panasonic TS7« »	Rec	-	-	-	3.5/5	May 2018	449			Panasonic TS7
	Panasonic ZS200« »	HiRec	81/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Feb 2018	799			Panasonic ZS200
	Panasonic ZS70« »	HiRec	-	4/5	-	4/5	Apr 2017	449			Panasonic ZS70
	Panasonic ZS100« »	HiRec	82/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2016	699	-		Panasonic ZS100
	Panasonic LX7« »	HiRec	75/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2012	499	-		Panasonic LX7
	Sony HX99« »	-	-	-	-	4.5/5	Aug 2018	449			Sony HX99
	Sony RX100 IV« »	HiRec	85/100	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2015	999	-		Sony RX100 IV
	Sony RX100 III« »	HiRec	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	May 2014	799	-		Sony RX100 III
	Sony RX100 II« »	HiRec	79/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2013	749	-		Sony RX100 II

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities of other camera models, just make your choice using the following search menu. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored. If the camera you are interested in is not available, please contact me, and I will try to add information on that model to the database.

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