Panasonic LX100 versus Canon 2000D

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 and the Canon EOS 2000D (labelled Canon T7 in some countries) are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in September 2014 and February 2018. The LX100 is a fixed lens compact, while the 2000D is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a Four Thirds (LX100) and an APS-C (2000D) sensor. The Panasonic has a resolution of 12.7 megapixel, whereas the Canon provides 24 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 LX100 vs Canon 2000D

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Panasonic LX100 and the Canon 2000D. 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 LX100 – 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 2000D is considerably larger (72 percent) than the Panasonic LX100. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the LX100 nor the 2000D are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the LX100 has a lens build in, whereas the 2000D is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can find an overview of optics for the 2000D and their specifications in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the LX100 gets 300 shots out of its DMW-BLG10 battery, while the 2000D can take 500 images on a single charge of its LP-E10 power pack.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, just click on the right or left arrow next to the camera that you would like to inspect. Alternatively, you can also use the CAM-parator to select your camera combination among a larger number of options.

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 LX100»	4.5 in	2.6 in	2.2 in	13.9 oz	300	n	Sep 2014	899			Panasonic LX100
	Canon 2000D«	5.1 in	4.0 in	3.1 in	16.8 oz	500	n	Feb 2018	449			Canon 2000D
	Canon 4000D« »	5.1 in	4.0 in	3.0 in	15.4 oz	500	n	Feb 2018	399			Canon 4000D
	Canon 77D« »	5.2 in	3.9 in	3.0 in	19.0 oz	600	n	Feb 2017	899			Canon 77D
	Canon 200D« »	4.8 in	3.7 in	2.8 in	16.0 oz	650	n	Jun 2017	549			Canon 200D
	Canon M100« »	4.3 in	2.6 in	1.4 in	10.7 oz	295	n	Aug 2017	499			Canon M100
	Canon 1300D« »	5.1 in	4.0 in	3.1 in	17.1 oz	500	n	Mar 2016	449	-		Canon 1300D
	Canon G1 X Mark II« »	4.6 in	2.9 in	2.6 in	19.5 oz	240	n	Feb 2014	799			Canon G1 X Mark II
	Leica D-LUX Typ 109« »	4.6 in	2.6 in	2.2 in	14.3 oz	300	n	Sep 2014	1,195	-		Leica D-LUX Typ 109
	Panasonic LX100 II« »	4.5 in	2.6 in	2.6 in	13.8 oz	300	n	Aug 2018	999			Panasonic LX100 II
	Panasonic FZ1000« »	5.4 in	3.9 in	5.2 in	29.3 oz	360	n	Jun 2014	899	-		Panasonic FZ1000
	Panasonic GM5« »	3.9 in	2.4 in	1.4 in	7.4 oz	220	n	Sep 2014	749	-		Panasonic GM5
	Panasonic G6« »	4.8 in	3.3 in	2.8 in	13.8 oz	340	n	Apr 2013	599	-		Panasonic G6
	Panasonic GM1« »	3.9 in	2.2 in	1.2 in	7.2 oz	230	n	Oct 2013	749	-		Panasonic GM1
	Panasonic GX7« »	4.8 in	2.8 in	2.2 in	14.2 oz	350	n	Aug 2013	999	-		Panasonic GX7
	Panasonic GF1« »	4.7 in	2.8 in	1.4 in	13.6 oz	380	n	Sep 2009	749	-		Panasonic GF1
	Panasonic GH1« »	4.9 in	3.5 in	1.8 in	13.6 oz	300	n	Mar 2009	1,499	-		Panasonic GH1
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The camera’s price is obviously a critical decision-making factor. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison: Panasonic LX100 vs Canon 2000D

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Panasonic LX100 features a Four Thirds sensor and the Canon 2000D an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the 2000D is 48 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.0 and 1.6. The sensor in the LX100 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the 2000D offers a 3:2 aspect. The LX100 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.

With 24MP, the 2000D offers a higher resolution than the LX100 (12.7MP), but the 2000D has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.72μm versus 4.21μm for the LX100). Yet, the 2000D is a much more recent model (by 3 years and 5 months) than the LX100, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the 2000D has a markedly higher DXO score than the LX100 (overall score 4 points higher), which will translate into better image quality. The advantage is based on 0.3 bits higher color depth, 0.6 EV of lower dynamic range, and 0.9 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the LX100 provides a higher video resolution than the 2000D. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/30p.

Feature comparison: Panasonic LX100 vs Canon 2000D

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the LX100 has an electronic viewfinder (2764k dots), while the 2000D has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Panasonic LX100, the Canon 2000D, and comparable cameras. If you need more detail on the specs, you can find comprehensive listings, for example, in the dpreview camera hub.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The 2000D has one, while the LX100 does not. While the build-in flash of the 2000D is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The reported shutter speed and shutter burst refer to the use of the mechanical shutter. In addition, the LX100 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 LX100 and the 2000D write their imaging data to SDXC cards.

Both the LX100 and the 2000D are recent models that feature in their makers' current product line-up. The 2000D replaced the earlier Canon 1300D, while the LX100 does not have a direct predecessor.

Review summary: Panasonic LX100 vs Canon 2000D

So what is the bottom line? Is the Panasonic LX100 better than the Canon 2000D or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100:

• More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (0.6 EV of extra DR).
• Flexible image proportions: Has a multi-aspect sensor that allows for alternative image shapes.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/30p vs 1080/30p).
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Ready to shoot: Comes with a build-in lens, while the 2000D requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (115x66mm vs 129x101mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a build-in lens (unlike the 2000D).
• Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization build-in.
• More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in September 2014).

Reasons to prefer the Canon EOS 2000D:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (24 vs 12.7MP), which boosts linear resolution by 40%.
• Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (4 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (0.9 stops ISO advantage).
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• More flexible: Makes it possible to change lenses and thus to use specialty optics.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (500 versus 300) out of a single battery charge.
• Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
• More modern: Reflects 3 years and 5 months of technical progress since the LX100 launch.

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the LX100 emerges as the winner of the contest (11 : 8 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras is instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the LX100 or the 2000D handle or perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable. 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 LX100»	HiRec	85/100	5/5	4/5	5/5	Sep 2014	899			Panasonic LX100
	Canon 2000D«	rev	-	3.5/5	-	3.5/5	Feb 2018	449			Canon 2000D
	Canon 4000D« »	rev	-	3.5/5	-	3.5/5	Feb 2018	399			Canon 4000D
	Canon 77D« »	-	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2017	899			Canon 77D
	Canon 200D« »	HiRec	78/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2017	549			Canon 200D
	Canon M100« »	Rec	-	4/5	-	3.5/5	Aug 2017	499			Canon M100
	Canon 1300D« »	rev	73/100	4/5	3.5/5	4/5	Mar 2016	449	-		Canon 1300D
	Canon G1 X Mark II« »	Rec	77/100	4/5	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	799			Canon G1 X Mark II
	Leica D-LUX Typ 109« »	-	-	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Sep 2014	1,195	-		Leica D-LUX Typ 109
	Panasonic LX100 II« »	-	-	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Aug 2018	999			Panasonic LX100 II
	Panasonic FZ1000« »	HiRec	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2014	899	-		Panasonic FZ1000
	Panasonic GM5« »	Rec	77/100	5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	749	-		Panasonic GM5
	Panasonic G6« »	HiRec	-	5/5	-	4.5/5	Apr 2013	599	-		Panasonic G6
	Panasonic GM1« »	Rec	78/100	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2013	749	-		Panasonic GM1
	Panasonic GX7« »	Rec	79/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Aug 2013	999	-		Panasonic GX7
	Panasonic GF1« »	85/100	69/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2009	749	-		Panasonic GF1
	Panasonic GH1« »	HiRec	72/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2009	1,499	-		Panasonic GH1

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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 a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool. If you do not see the camera that you are looking for, please send me an email, and I will try to locate and add the respective data to the application.

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