Panasonic LX10 vs 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 megapixels, whereas the Canon provides 20.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Panasonic LX10		Canon SX730
Fixed lens compact camera		Fixed lens compact camera
24-72mm f/1.4-2.8		24-960mm f/3.3-6.9
20 MP, 1" Sensor		20.2 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor
4K/30p Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 125-12800 (80-25600)		ISO 80-3200
No viewfinder, LCD framing		No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.0" LCD, 1040k dots		3.0" LCD, 922k dots
Tilting touchscreen		Tilting screen (not touch-sensitive)
10 shutter flaps per second		5.9 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilization		Lens-based stabilization
260 shots per battery charge		250 shots per battery charge
106 x 60 x 42 mm, 310 g		110 x 64 x 40 mm, 300 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10 and the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, 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.

Both cameras are available in two different colors (black, silver).

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 power pack in the LX10 can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

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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Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

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 multiple 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 megapixels, compared with 20 MP of the LX10. This megapixels 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.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 125 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 80-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon PowerShot SX730 HS are ISO 80 to ISO 3200 (no boost).

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.

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 information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the LX10 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Panasonic LX10 has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Both the LX10 and the SX730 have zoom lenses built 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the LX10 and the SX730 write their files to SDXC cards. The LX10 supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the SX730 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

Connectivity comparison: Panasonic LX10 vs Canon SX730

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX10 and Canon PowerShot SX730 HS and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Panasonic and Canon websites.

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? Is one clearly better than the other? 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: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
• 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 (1/4000s vs 1/3200s) 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.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Better light gathering: Has a lens with a wider maximum aperture (f/1.4 vs f/3.3).
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
• 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 (16 : 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. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic LX10 and the Canon SX730 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best Superzoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

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 shooting 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.

Expert reviews: Panasonic LX10 vs Canon SX730

This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Panasonic LX10»	+ +	81/100	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	699			Panasonic LX10
	Canon SX730«	+	-	4/5	-	4/5	Apr 2017	399	-		Canon SX730
	Canon SX740« »	+	-	4/5	-	4/5	Jul 2018	399			Canon SX740
	Canon G7 X Mark II« »	+ +	81/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	699			Canon G7 X Mark II
	Canon G5 X« »	+ +	78/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	799			Canon G5 X
	Canon G7 X« »	+ +	77/100	4.5/5	3.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	699	-		Canon G7 X
	Panasonic TS7« »	+	-	-	-	3.5/5	May 2018	449			Panasonic TS7
	Panasonic ZS200« »	+ +	81/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Feb 2018	799			Panasonic ZS200
	Panasonic ZS70« »	+ +	-	4/5	-	4/5	Apr 2017	449	-		Panasonic ZS70
	Panasonic ZS100« »	+ +	82/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2016	699	-		Panasonic ZS100
	Panasonic LX7« »	+ +	75/100	4/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jul 2012	499	-		Panasonic LX7
	Sony HX99« »	-	-	4/5	-	4.5/5	Aug 2018	449			Sony HX99
	Sony RX100 IV« »	+ +	85/100	4/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2015	999	-		Sony RX100 IV
	Sony RX100 III« »	+ +	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	May 2014	799	-		Sony RX100 III
	Sony RX100 II« »	+ +	79/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2013	749	-		Sony RX100 II
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available.

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.

Specifications: Panasonic LX10 vs Canon SX730

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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