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Panasonic LX100 vs Pentax K-3

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 and the Pentax K-3 are two enthusiast cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in September 2014 and October 2013. The LX100 is a fixed lens compact, while the K-3 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a Four Thirds (LX100) and an APS-C (K-3) sensor. The Panasonic has a resolution of 12.7 megapixels, whereas the Pentax provides 24.1 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Panasonic LX100
versus
Pentax K-3
Panasonic LX100   Pentax K-3
Fixed lens compact camera Digital single lens reflex
24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 Pentax K mount lenses
12.7 MP – Four Thirds sensor 24.1 MP – APS-C sensor
4K/30p Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 200-25,600 ISO 100-51,200
Electronic viewfinder (2764k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 921k dots 3.2" LCD – 1037k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive) Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
11 shutter flaps per second 8.3 shutter flaps per second
Lens-based stabilizationIn-body stabilization
not weather sealedWeathersealed body
300 shots per battery charge560 shots per battery charge
115 x 66 x 55 mm, 393 g 131 x 100 x 77 mm, 800 g
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Check LX100 offers at
ebay.com
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Check K-3 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 and the Pentax K-3? 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.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Panasonic LX100 and the Pentax K-3. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

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

Size Panasonic LX100 vs Pentax K-3
Compare LX100 versus K-3 top
Comparison LX100 or K-3 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Pentax K-3 is considerably larger (73 percent) than the Panasonic LX100. It is noteworthy in this context that the K-3 is splash and dust-proof, while the LX100 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the LX100 has a lens built in, whereas the K-3 is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.

Concerning battery life, the LX100 gets 300 shots out of its Panasonic DMW-BLG10 battery, while the K-3 can take 560 images on a single charge of its Pentax D-LI90 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic LX100 115 mm 66 mm 55 mm 393 g 300 n Sep 2014 899ebay.com
2.
 
Pentax K-3 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 560 Y Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II 116 mm 74 mm 66 mm 553 g 240 n Feb 2014 799ebay.com
4.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109 118 mm 66 mm 55 mm 405 g 300 n Sep 2014 1,195ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D7100 136 mm 107 mm 76 mm 765 g 950 Y Feb 2013 1,199ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic LX100 II 115 mm 66 mm 65 mm 392 g 300 n Aug 2018 999ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 137 mm 99 mm 131 mm 831 g 360 n Jun 2014 899ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic GM5 99 mm 60 mm 36 mm 211 g 220 n Sep 2014 749ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic G6 122 mm 85 mm 71 mm 390 g 340 n Apr 2013 599ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GM1 99 mm 55 mm 30 mm 204 g 230 n Oct 2013 749ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GX7 123 mm 71 mm 55 mm 402 g 350 n Aug 2013 999ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic GF1 119 mm 71 mm 36 mm 385 g 380 n Sep 2009 749ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic GH1 124 mm 90 mm 45 mm 385 g 300 n Mar 2009 899ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax KP 132 mm 101 mm 76 mm 703 g 390 Y Jan 2017 1,099ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-3 II 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 720 Y Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
16.
 
Pentax K-5 II 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 Y Sep 2012 1,099ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A77 143 mm 104 mm 81 mm 732 g 470 Y Aug 2011 1,399ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The LX100 was launched at a lower price than the K-3, despite having a lens built in. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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 are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Panasonic LX100 features a Four Thirds sensor and the Pentax K-3 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the K-3 is 98 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.2 and 1.5. The sensor in the LX100 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the K-3 offers a 3:2 aspect. The LX100 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.

Panasonic LX100 and Pentax K-3 sensor measures

With 24.1MP, the K-3 offers a higher resolution than the LX100 (12.7MP), but the K-3 nevertheless has marginally larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.90μm versus 3.82μm for the LX100) due to its larger sensor. However, the LX100 is a somewhat more recent model (by 11 months) than the K-3, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the K-3 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Pentax K-3 implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the K-3 for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 30.1 x 20 inches or 76.4 x 50.8 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 24.1 x 16 inches or 61.1 x 40.6 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 20.1 x 13.3 inches or 50.9 x 33.9 cm. The corresponding values for the Panasonic LX100 are 20.6 x 15.4 inches or 52.2 x 39.2 cm for good quality, 16.4 x 12.4 inches or 41.8 x 31.4 cm for very good quality, and 13.7 x 10.3 inches or 34.8 x 26.1 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Pentax K-3 are ISO 100 to ISO 51200 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

LX100 versus K-3 MP

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 K-3 offers substantially better image quality than the LX100 (overall score 13 points higher). The advantage is based on 1.4 bits higher color depth, 0.9 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.1 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Panasonic LX100 Four Thirds 12.7 4112 30884K/30p22.312.555367
2.
 
Pentax K-3 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.713.4121680
3.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II 1.5-inch 13.0 4160 31201080/30p21.510.858158
4.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109 Four Thirds 12.7 4112 30884K/30p22.412.160767
5.
 
Nikon D7100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.213.7125683
6.
 
Panasonic LX100 II Four Thirds 16.8 4736 35524K/30p22.812.797972
7.
 
Panasonic FZ1000 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.111.751764
8.
 
Panasonic GM5 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p22.111.772166
9.
 
Panasonic G6 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p21.311.563961
10.
 
Panasonic GM1 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i22.311.766066
11.
 
Panasonic GX7 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60p22.612.271870
12.
 
Panasonic GF1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 3000720/30p21.210.351354
13.
 
Panasonic GH1 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/24p21.611.677264
14.
 
Pentax KP APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.913.2169981
15.
 
Pentax K-3 II APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.613.6110680
16.
 
Pentax K-5 II APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.814.1123582
17.
 
Sony A77 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.013.280178
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the LX100 provides a higher video resolution than the K-3. It can shoot video footage at 4K/30p, while the Pentax is limited to 1080/60i.

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Feature comparison

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 K-3 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 viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), but the viewfinder of the LX100 has a higher magnification than the one of the K-3 (0.70x vs 0.63x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Panasonic LX100 and Pentax K-3 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
# image Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Panasonic LX1002764 n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
2.
 
Pentax K-3optical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s Y Y
3.
 
Canon G1 X Mark IIoptional n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/4000s 5.2/s Y Y
4.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 1092764 n3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
5.
 
Nikon D7100optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
6.
 
Panasonic LX100 II2764 n3.0 / 1240 fixed Y 1/4000s 11.0/s n Y
7.
 
Panasonic FZ10002359 n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
8.
 
Panasonic GM51166 n3.0 / 921 fixed Y 1/500s 5.8/s n n
9.
 
Panasonic G61440 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/4000s 7.0/s Y n
10.
 
Panasonic GM1none n3.0 / 1036 fixed Y 1/500s 5.0/s Y n
11.
 
Panasonic GX72760 n3.0 / 1040 tilting Y 1/8000s 5.0/s Y Y
12.
 
Panasonic GF1optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
13.
 
Panasonic GH11440 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
14.
 
Pentax KPoptical n3.0 / 921 tilting n 1/6000s 7.0/s Y Y
15.
 
Pentax K-3 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n Y
16.
 
Pentax K-5 IIoptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y Y
17.
 
Sony A772359 Y3.0 / 921 full-flex n 1/8000s 12.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One feature that is present on the K-3, but is missing on the LX100 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

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 LX100 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 LX100 and the Pentax K-3 both have 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the LX100 and the K-3 write their files to SDXC cards. The K-3 features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the LX100 only has one slot. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

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Connectivity comparison

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-LX100 and Pentax K-3 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Panasonic LX100Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
2.
 
Pentax K-3Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
3.
 
Canon G1 X Mark IIYstereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
4.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
5.
 
Nikon D7100Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0---
6.
 
Panasonic LX100 IIYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y-Y
7.
 
Panasonic FZ1000Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0YY-
8.
 
Panasonic GM5Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
9.
 
Panasonic G6Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
10.
 
Panasonic GM1-stereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
11.
 
Panasonic GX7Ystereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
12.
 
Panasonic GF1Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
13.
 
Panasonic GH1Ystereo / -Y-mini2.0---
14.
 
Pentax KPYstereo / monoY--2.0Y--
15.
 
Pentax K-3 IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
16.
 
Pentax K-5 IIYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
17.
 
Sony A77Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
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It is notable that the LX100 offers wifi support, while the K-3 does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Pentax K-3 (unlike the LX100) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the LX100 and the K-3 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The K-3 was replaced by the Pentax K-3 II, while the LX100 was followed by the Panasonic LX100 II. Further information on the features and operation of the LX100 and K-3 can be found, respectively, in the Panasonic LX100 Manual (free pdf) or the online Pentax K-3 Manual.

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Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Panasonic LX100 or the Pentax K-3 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Advantages of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX100:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in 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 1080/60i).
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.70x vs 0.63x).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 8.3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • Ready to shoot: Comes with a built-in lens, while the K-3 requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (115x66mm vs 131x100mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the K-3).
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 11 months after the K-3).

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Reasons to prefer the Pentax K-3:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (24.1 vs 12.7MP), which boosts linear resolution by 40%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (13 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (1.4 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (0.9 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (1.1 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1037k vs 921k dots).
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • More flexible: Makes it possible to change lenses and thus to use specialty optics.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (560 versus 300) out of a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in October 2013).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the K-3 is the clear winner of the contest (21 : 14 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. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

LX100 14:21 K-3

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic LX100 and the Pentax K-3 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the LX100 and the K-3 in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic LX1005/5+ +..85/1005/55/5 Sep 2014 899ebay.com
2.
 
Pentax K-34/5....83/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G1 X Mark II3/5+..77/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2014 799ebay.com
4.
 
Leica D-LUX Typ 109........4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2014 1,195ebay.com
5.
 
Nikon D71005/5+ +..85/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2013 1,199ebay.com
6.
 
Panasonic LX100 II4.5/5+4.2/582/1004.5/54.5/5 Aug 2018 999ebay.com
7.
 
Panasonic FZ10004/5+ +..82/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2014 899ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic GM53.5/5+..77/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2014 749ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic G64/5+ +....5/54.5/5 Apr 2013 599ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GM13/5+..78/1005/54.5/5 Oct 2013 749ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GX74/5+..79/1005/55/5 Aug 2013 999ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic GF1..85/100..69/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2009 749ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic GH1..+ +..72/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2009 899ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax KP4/5..3/582/1005/54.5/5 Jan 2017 1,099ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-3 II4.5/5......5/55/5 Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
16.
 
Pentax K-5 II5/5....80/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 1,099ebay.com
17.
 
Sony A775/591/100..81/100..5/5 Aug 2011 1,399ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Check LX100 offers at
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Check K-3 offers at
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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 use the search menu below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Panasonic LX100 vs Pentax K-3

    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.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Panasonic LX100 Pentax K-3
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens 24-75mm f/1.7-2.8 Pentax K mount lenses
    Launch Date September 2014 October 2013
    Launch Price USD 899 USD 1,299
    Sensor Specs Panasonic LX100 Pentax K-3
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 15.7 x 11.8 mm 23.5 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 185.26 mm2 366.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 19.6 mm 28.2 mm
    Crop Factor 2.2x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 12.7 Megapixels 24.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4112 x 3088 pixels 6016 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.82 μm 3.90 μm
    Pixel Density 6.85 MP/cm2 6.56 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 4K/30p Video 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 25,600 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor Venus PRIME III
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 67 80
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 22.3 23.7
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.5 13.4
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 553 1216
    Screen Specs Panasonic LX100 Pentax K-3
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.70x 0.63x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2764k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 921k dots 1037k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Panasonic LX100 Pentax K-3
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s 8.3 shutter flaps/s
    Electronic Shutterup to 1/16000sno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens-based stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Panasonic LX100 Pentax K-3
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.0
    HDMI Port micro HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Near-Field Communication NFC built-in no NFC
    Body Specs Panasonic LX100 Pentax K-3
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Panasonic DMW-BLG10 Pentax D-LI90
    Battery Life (CIPA)300 shots per charge560 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 115 x 66 x 55 mm
    (4.5 x 2.6 x 2.2 in)
    131 x 100 x 77 mm
    (5.2 x 3.9 x 3.0 in)
    Camera Weight 393 g (13.9 oz) 800 g (28.2 oz)
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