A potelyt.com – Photography & Imaging Resources
ad

When you use links on apotelyt.com to buy products,
the site may earn a commission.

PW

Panasonic LX7 vs Pentax K-3 II

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 and the Pentax K-3 II are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in July 2012 and April 2015. The LX7 is a fixed lens compact, while the K-3 II is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a 1/1.7-inch (LX7) and an APS-C (K-3 II) sensor. The Panasonic has a resolution of 10 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 LX7
versus
Pentax K-3 II
Panasonic LX7   Pentax K-3 II
Fixed lens compact camera Digital single lens reflex
24-90mm f/1.4-2.3 Pentax K mount lenses
10 MP – 1/1.7" sensor 24.1 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/60p Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 80-6,400 (80 - 12,800) ISO 100-51,200
Viewfinder optional Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 920k 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
330 shots per battery charge720 shots per battery charge
111 x 68 x 46 mm, 298 g 131 x 100 x 77 mm, 800 g
logo
Check LX7 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check K-3 II offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 and the Pentax K-3 II? 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.

ad

Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Panasonic LX7 and the Pentax K-3 II is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The LX7 can be obtained in two different colors (black, white), while the K-3 II is also available in two color-versions, but different ones (black, silver).

Size Panasonic LX7 vs Pentax K-3 II
Compare LX7 versus K-3 II top
Comparison LX7 or K-3 II 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 II is considerably larger (74 percent) than the Panasonic LX7. It is noteworthy in this context that the K-3 II is splash and dust-proof, while the LX7 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the LX7 has a lens built in, whereas the K-3 II 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 LX7 gets 330 shots out of its Panasonic DMW-BCJ13 battery, while the K-3 II can take 720 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.

scroll hint
Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic LX7 111 mm 68 mm 46 mm 298 g 330 n Jul 2012 499ebay.com
2.
 
Pentax K-3 II 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 720 Y Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G15 107 mm 76 mm 40 mm 352 g 350 n Sep 2012 499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G16 109 mm 76 mm 40 mm 356 g 360 n Aug 2013 549ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X10 117 mm 70 mm 57 mm 350 g 270 n Sep 2011 599ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X20 117 mm 70 mm 57 mm 353 g 270 n Jan 2013 599ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D7200 136 mm 107 mm 76 mm 765 g 1110 Y Mar 2015 1,199ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic FZ200 125 mm 87 mm 110 mm 588 g 540 n Jul 2012 599ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic G3 115 mm 84 mm 47 mm 336 g 270 n May 2011 599ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GF3 108 mm 67 mm 32 mm 264 g 300 n Jun 2011 549ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GF5 108 mm 67 mm 37 mm 267 g 360 n Apr 2012 499ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic LF1 103 mm 62 mm 28 mm 192 g 250 n Apr 2013 499ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic LX5 110 mm 65 mm 43 mm 271 g 400 n Jul 2010 499ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax K-3 131 mm 100 mm 77 mm 800 g 560 Y Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-3 III 135 mm 104 mm 74 mm 820 g 800 Y Mar 2021 1,999 amazon.com
16.
 
Pentax K-5 II 131 mm 97 mm 73 mm 760 g 740 Y Sep 2012 1,099ebay.com
17.
 
Pentax K-S2 123 mm 91 mm 73 mm 678 g 410 Y Feb 2015 749ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. 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 LX7 was launched at a lower price than the K-3 II, despite having a lens built in. 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.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants 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. 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 LX7 features a 1/1.7-inch sensor and the Pentax K-3 II an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the K-3 II is 774 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 4.65 and 1.5. The sensor in the LX7 has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the K-3 II offers a 3:2 aspect. The LX7 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 LX7 and Pentax K-3 II sensor measures

With 24.1MP, the K-3 II offers a higher resolution than the LX7 (10MP), but the K-3 II nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.90μm versus 2.05μm for the LX7) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the K-3 II is a much more recent model (by 2 years and 9 months) than the LX7, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the K-3 II 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 II implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the K-3 II 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 LX7 are 18.2 x 13.7 inches or 46.3 x 34.7 cm for good quality, 14.6 x 10.9 inches or 37.1 x 27.8 cm for very good quality, and 12.2 x 9.1 inches or 30.9 x 23.2 cm for excellent quality prints.

Unlike the LX7, the K-3 II has the capacity to capture high quality composite images by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

The Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 80 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 80-12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Pentax K-3 II 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.

LX7 versus K-3 II MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. 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. Of the two cameras under consideration, the K-3 II offers substantially better image quality than the LX7 (overall score 30 points higher). The advantage is based on 2.9 bits higher color depth, 1.9 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2.9 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

scroll hint
Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Panasonic LX7 1/1.7 10.0 3648 27361080/60p20.711.714750
2.
 
Pentax K-3 II APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.613.6110680
3.
 
Canon G15 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/24p19.911.516546
4.
 
Canon G16 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60p21.011.723054
5.
 
Fujifilm X10 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/30p20.511.324550
6.
 
Fujifilm X20 2/3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p20.110.9-46246
7.
 
Nikon D7200 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.514.6133387
8.
 
Panasonic FZ200 1/2.3 12.0 4000 30001080/60p19.110.811437
9.
 
Panasonic G3 Four Thirds 15.8 4592 34481080/60i21.010.666756
10.
 
Panasonic GF3 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.610.145950
11.
 
Panasonic GF5 Four Thirds 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.510.057350
12.
 
Panasonic LF1 1/1.7 12.0 4000 30001080/60i20.811.621152
13.
 
Panasonic LX5 1/1.7 10.0 3648 2736720/60p19.610.813241
14.
 
Pentax K-3 APS-C 24.1 6016 40001080/60i23.713.4121680
15.
 
Pentax K-3 III APS-C 25.6 6192 41284K/30p24.213.7208385
16.
 
Pentax K-5 II APS-C 16.1 4928 32641080/25p23.814.1123582
17.
 
Pentax K-S2 APS-C 20.0 5472 36481080/30p23.612.9151479
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

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 LX7 provides a higher frame rate than the K-3 II. It can shoot video footage at 1080/60p, while the Pentax is limited to 1080/60i.

ad

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the K-3 II has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the LX7 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the LX7 can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the DMW-LVF2. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Panasonic LX7 and Pentax K-3 II along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

scroll hint
Core Features
  empty 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 LX7optional n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y Y
2.
 
Pentax K-3 IIoptical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s n Y
3.
 
Canon G15optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.1/s Y Y
4.
 
Canon G16optical n3.0 / 922 fixed n 1/4000s 2.2/s Y Y
5.
 
Fujifilm X10optical n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
6.
 
Fujifilm X20optical n2.8 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
7.
 
Nikon D7200optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
8.
 
Panasonic FZ2001312 n3.0 / 460 swivel n 1/4000s 12.0/s Y Y
9.
 
Panasonic G31440 n3.0 / 460 swivel Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
10.
 
Panasonic GF3none n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 3.2/s Y n
11.
 
Panasonic GF5none n3.0 / 920 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
12.
 
Panasonic LF1200 n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 10.0/s Y Y
13.
 
Panasonic LX5optional n3.0 / 460 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y Y
14.
 
Pentax K-3optical Y3.2 / 1037 fixed n 1/8000s 8.3/s Y Y
15.
 
Pentax K-3 IIIoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 12.0/s n Y
16.
 
Pentax K-5 IIoptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 7.0/s Y Y
17.
 
Pentax K-S2optical n3.0 / 921 swivel n 1/6000s 5.4/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The LX7 has one, while the K-3 II does not. While the built-in flash of the LX7 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The Panasonic LX7 and the Pentax K-3 II 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 LX7 and the K-3 II write their files to SDXC cards. The K-3 II features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the LX7 only has one slot. The K-3 II supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the LX7 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.

ad

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-LX7 and Pentax K-3 II and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

scroll hint
Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Panasonic LX7Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
2.
 
Pentax K-3 IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
3.
 
Canon G15Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
4.
 
Canon G16Ystereo / mono--mini2.0Y--
5.
 
Fujifilm X10Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
6.
 
Fujifilm X20Ystereo / mono--micro2.0---
7.
 
Nikon D7200Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0YY-
8.
 
Panasonic FZ200Ystereo / monoY-mini2.0---
9.
 
Panasonic G3Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
10.
 
Panasonic GF3-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
11.
 
Panasonic GF5-stereo / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Panasonic LF1-stereo / mono--mini2.0YY-
13.
 
Panasonic LX5Ymono / mono--mini2.0---
14.
 
Pentax K-3Ymono / monoYYmini3.0---
15.
 
Pentax K-3 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2Y-Y
16.
 
Pentax K-5 IIYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
17.
 
Pentax K-S2Ymono / monoY-micro2.0YY-

It is notable that the K-3 II has a microphone port, which can help to improve the quality of audio recordings by attaching an external microphone. The LX7 does not feature such a mic input.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Pentax K-3 II (unlike the LX7) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the K-3 II has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

Both the LX7 and the K-3 II have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The LX7 was replaced by the Panasonic LX10, while the K-3 II was followed by the Pentax K-3 III. Further information on the features and operation of the LX7 and K-3 II can be found, respectively, in the Panasonic LX7 Manual (free pdf) or the online Pentax K-3 II Manual.

ad

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Panasonic LX7 and the Pentax K-3 II? Which camera is better? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

ilogo

Arguments in favor of the Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX7:

  • 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 movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/60i).
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 8.3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Ready to shoot: Comes with a built-in lens, while the K-3 II requires a separate lens.
  • More compact: Is smaller (111x68mm 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 II).
  • Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
  • More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in July 2012).

ilogo

Advantages of the Pentax K-3 II:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (24.1 vs 10MP), which boosts linear resolution by 58%.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (30 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (2.9 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.9 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (2.9 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.
  • Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • 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 920k 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 (720 versus 330) out of a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
  • Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
  • 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.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
  • More modern: Reflects 2 years and 9 months of technical progress since the LX7 launch.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the K-3 II is the clear winner of the contest (23 : 10 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.

LX7 10:23 K-3 II

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Panasonic LX7 and the Pentax K-3 II 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 comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the LX7 or the K-3 II 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.

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.

scroll hint
Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Panasonic LX73/5+ +..75/1004/54.5/5 Jul 2012 499ebay.com
2.
 
Pentax K-3 II4.5/5......5/55/5 Apr 2015 1,099ebay.com
3.
 
Canon G154/5+..76/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 499ebay.com
4.
 
Canon G164/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2013 549ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm X10......76/1004/54.5/5 Sep 2011 599ebay.com
6.
 
Fujifilm X204/5+ +..77/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2013 599ebay.com
7.
 
Nikon D72004/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2015 1,199ebay.com
8.
 
Panasonic FZ2003/5+ +..80/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2012 599ebay.com
9.
 
Panasonic G33/5+ +..75/1004.5/55/5 May 2011 599ebay.com
10.
 
Panasonic GF33/582/100..71/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2011 549ebay.com
11.
 
Panasonic GF53/5......4.5/54.5/5 Apr 2012 499ebay.com
12.
 
Panasonic LF13/5+....4/54.5/5 Apr 2013 499ebay.com
13.
 
Panasonic LX54/5+..73/1004.5/54.5/5 Jul 2010 499ebay.com
14.
 
Pentax K-34/5....83/1005/55/5 Oct 2013 1,299ebay.com
15.
 
Pentax K-3 III4/5..3/5..4.5/5.. Mar 2021 1,999 amazon.com
16.
 
Pentax K-5 II5/5....80/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 1,099ebay.com
17.
 
Pentax K-S24.5/5......5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 749ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, 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.

logo
Check LX7 offers at
ebay.com
logo
Check K-3 II offers at
ebay.com

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.

~
    loader
    ad

    Specifications: Panasonic LX7 vs Pentax K-3 II

    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 LX7 Pentax K-3 II
    Camera Type Fixed lens compact camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens 24-90mm f/1.4-2.3 Pentax K mount lenses
    Launch Date July 2012 April 2015
    Launch Price USD 499 USD 1,099
    Sensor Specs Panasonic LX7 Pentax K-3 II
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format 1/1.7" Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 7.44 x 5.58 mm 23.5 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 41.5152 mm2 366.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 9.3 mm 28.2 mm
    Crop Factor 4.65x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 10 Megapixels 24.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3648 x 2736 pixels 6016 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 2.05 μm 3.90 μm
    Pixel Density 24.04 MP/cm2 6.56 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60p Video 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 80 - 6,400 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    ISO Boost 80 - 12,800 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor Venus PRIME III
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 50 80
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 20.7 23.6
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.7 13.6
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 147 1106
    Screen Specs Panasonic LX7 Pentax K-3 II
    Viewfinder Type Viewfinder optional Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.63x
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 920k dots 1037k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen Fixed screen
    Shooting Specs Panasonic LX7 Pentax K-3 II
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking FeatureFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 11 shutter flaps/s 8.3 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationLens-based stabilizationIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    UHS card support no UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Panasonic LX7 Pentax K-3 II
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash no PC Sync PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 2.0 USB 3.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI mini HDMI
    Microphone Port no MIC socket External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi no Wifi
    Geotagging no internal GPS GPS built-in
    Body Specs Panasonic LX7 Pentax K-3 II
    Environmental Sealingnot weather sealedWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Panasonic DMW-BCJ13 Pentax D-LI90
    Battery Life (CIPA)330 shots per charge720 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 111 x 68 x 46 mm
    (4.4 x 2.7 x 1.8 in)
    131 x 100 x 77 mm
    (5.2 x 3.9 x 3.0 in)
    Camera Weight 298 g (10.5 oz) 800 g (28.2 oz)
    logo
    Check LX7 offers at
    ebay.com
    logo
    Check K-3 II offers at
    ebay.com

    Did you notice an error on this page? If so, please get in touch, so that we can correct the information.

    You are here Home  »  CAM-parator  »  Panasonic LX7 vs Pentax K-3 II