Panasonic LX3 vs. Canon G10 size comparison with some features side by side

LX3 and G10 quick size reference comparison review with some features outlined, compared and discussed.

Both are great cameras. Both can shoot in RAW mode and have full auto and manual override. I like the Panasonic Lumix LX3 for its smaller portable size as well as the 720 HD video recording capability. The slightly larger sensor with less pixels does marginally better than the Canon Powershot G10 in higher ISO in handling noise.

The Canon G10 has better white balance control and more of a solid feel to it. More accessories available to the Canon model as well as adjustable mic level.

Here's the firmware upgrade to the LX3 which is supposed to address the white balance issue and offer faster focusing and integration to their new portable hotshoe mounted flash. Don't worry it's in English.

http://panasonic.jp/support/global/cs/dsc/download/LX3/index.html

Panasonic wins in:
- Lower noise at higher ISO (barely)
- Wider focal length 24mm and larger F-stop aperture at 2.0
- 1280x720 HD movies at 24fps which does good low light
- Choice of 3 aspect ratio options
- Smaller and lighter than the G10


Canon G10 wins in:
- Higher MP count for larger prints and cropping options
- More powerful zoom range
- Better build and ergonomics
- Better white balance
- Built-in lens cap
- Better mic with adjustable levels
- Also has an optical viewfinder


Video of both cameras shot here with my trusty Canon Powershot S3 IS which does not do HD, but has stereo microphones for a fuller sound.

Panasonic Lumix LX3 specs:

Image Sensor 1/1.63" 11.3 Megapixel CCD with Primary Color Filter
Effective Resolution 10.1 Megapixels
Color Depth 24-Bit RGB
Image File Formats JPEG, RAW, RAW+JPEG
Recorded Resolution 4:3 Aspect Ratio 3648 x 2736
3:2 Aspect Ratio 3776 x 2520
16:9 Aspect Ratio 3968 x 2232

Video Recording QuickTime Motion JPEG with Audio
16:9 Aspect Ratio 1280 x 720 @ 24fps (HD format) 848 x 480 @ 30 or 10fps

BTW I'm not a huge fan of the 24fps in HD mode since it is being played back electronically it seems to make fast moving objects jittery. The film "look" only works when you are projecting it onto a screen from a reel, not played back at 30fps via electronic monitor.

Optical Zoom 2.5x
Lens Focal Length 5.1-12.8mm (24-60mm equivalent)
Digital Zoom 4x
Minimum Focus Distance 0.4" (1cm)
Maximum Aperture f/2.0-2.8
Optical Image Stabilization Yes (MEGA O.I.S.)
Accessory Lens/Filter Mount No (46mm with optional DMW-LA4 lens Adapter)
Selectable ISO (80, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600, 3200)
Shutter Speed 60 sec -1/2000
Aperture Range f/2.0-2.8 - f/8.0
Self Timer 2 or 10 seconds
Built-in Memory 50MB
Physical Dimensions 2.4 x 4.3 x 1.1" (60 x 109 x 27mm)
Weight 8.0 oz. (227g)


Canon Powershot G10 specs:

Image Sensor 1/1.7" 15.0 Megapixel CCD
Effective Resolution 14.7Mp
Color Depth 36-Bit RGB
Image File Formats JPEG, RAW
Recorded Max Resolution 4416 x 3312

Video Recording AVI Motion JPEG with Audio High Resolution (640 x 480 @ 30fps) [max. file size 4GB, up to 60 minutes]

Optical Zoom 5x
Lens Focal Length 6.1-30.5mm (28mm-140mm equivalent in 35mm terms)
Digital Zoom 4x
Minimum Focus Distance 0.39" (1cm)
Maximum Aperture f/2.8-4.5
Optical Image Stabilization Yes (Canon OIS)
Accessory Lens/Filter Mount No (58mm w/ optional LA-DC58K Lens Adapter)
Selectable ISO (80, 100, 200, 400, 800, & 1600)
Shutter Speed 15 sec - 1/4000
Aperture Range f/2.8-4.5-f/11.0 Self Timer 2 or 10 seconds
Physical Dimensions 3.1 x 4.3 x 1.8" (78 x 109 x 46mm)
Weight 0.77 lb (350g)

I've since given away the G10 since I didn't use it much. The LX3 won out in the end for its portability and wider angle lens.If I didn't already own a DSLR, i would have kept the G10 as well.

Oh, never mind my dirty fingers, I had ash from emptying the fireplace prior to shooting this video and forgot to clean my hands.

Video shot with Canon S3IS.

Category:

Science & Technology

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[renzadude]

is the upgrade free?

[LEXPIX]

@renzadude Firmware upgrade is always free.

[angmingzhen]

Damn, im in serious dilemma.

Im thinkin of haven the canon one but canon's not good in filming videos...

heard a lot of great things bout lx3 too...

[LEXPIX]

@angmingzhen LX3 is an awesome camera. The new GF1 is even better if you like the LX3 styling and features.

[LEXPIX]

@protpig Not a problem, you'll enjoy the G11 with the updated sensor and flip out rear LCD screen.

[protpig]

@LEXPIX

Hey! First of all thanks for Your reply! I have now ordered the G11 and looking forward to shoot some hopefully very nice pictures. :)

And thanks again for the very nice video. Keep up the good work!

[LEXPIX]

@protpig G11 is an improved G10. Can't go wrong with it since it now offers the flip out articulated LCD with a better sensor. G11 is the way to go. The Panasonic GF1 is the grown up version of the LX3, but at over twice the cost.

[protpig]

Nice video. I'm a total newbie to this camera stuff, but I have been recommended the G11, but then I found this video and is know very confused on which camera to buy? Which one would you recommend?

[LEXPIX]

Yeah, the G11 attempts to address the noise issue by backing off on the pixel count.

[LEXPIX]

Post some videos of your own to show me how. LOL I didn't' think so.

- if you can't post constructive comments with useful suggestions, then don't bother leaving comments on other people's videos that do nothing to add to the conversation.