Pocket cameras, LX10 vs. LX100 vs. Canon G5X vs. Sony RX100 III

With Panasonic's latest sale, where it lowers the price of the LX100 and LX10 to $650 in the USA, I've been thinking that my next camera might be a pocket camera. My current pocket camera is the Olympus Stylus-1, but Olympus has left that market. I'm looking for something that is a stop or two faster and a 1" or bigger sensor (instead of 1/1.7"), but I realize I will lose a lot of the zoom range.

In a pocket camera, I look for a camera that I can carry in a jacket pocket (or possibly pants pocket) for social gatherings where taking photos is not the primary activity. I might keep the camera in my pocket, or keep it on a shoulder strap, but it doesn't draw attention to the shooter like an E-m1 or G85 with a shoulder bag of lenses do. But it should be a step up from my cell phone (Samsung S5 Galaxy).

Using a flash can ruin the mood, so I'm looking for something that can take usable pictures without flash, say up to about ISO 1600, but still have the flash if needed.

Having an EVF (electronic viewfinder) is nice, but not required.

I do shoot some video. At the moment, I shoot 1080p video, so I would prefer a camera that does decent 1080p video. If it does 4K video as well, that would be nice. If it does great 4K videos but not so nice 1080p videos (like the FZ300), that would be less nice. Note, it wouldn't be for sustained videos (I have my G85 for that), but short slices of life videos.

It is more for spur of the moment photos, than 'serious' photos, so I'm not looking to replace the larger cameras. Note, price is an issue. I would rather the camera be in the $600-700 range than higher, particularly over $1k.

So anyway, there are 4 cameras on my radar screen. I figure most of the people in this group would go for the LX10 or LX100, but if you have opinions about the others let me know:

• Panasonic LX10
• Panasonic LX100
• Canon G5X
• Sony RX100 mark III (possibly mark IV)
• Possibly Canon G1X mark III (rumored to be announced later this month)

As i see it, the strengths and weaknesses of the LX10 are:

• No EVF, as I said not a deal breaker, but nice to have.
• Not having an EVF can be an advantage, since I do notice the EVF when my Stylus-1 is in my pants pocket.
• 24-72mm equivalent focal length, f/1.7-2.8 lens
• Tilting lcd is probably more useful for the way I use pocket cameras than a fully articulating screen that you have to twist to the left to use.
• Popup flash when I need it.
• Touch screen support (particularly to set the focus point).
• The LX10 is the newest camera, so perhaps there are tweaks in the sensor that others don't have.
• Smaller battery life compared to the LX100.

The strengths and weaknesses of the LX100 seem to be:

• The cropped 4/3" sensor offers slightly better noise handling in low light situations.
• 24-75mm equivalent focal length, f/1.7-2.8 lens.
• No touch screen.
• LCD does not tilt at all.
• EVF is on the tiny side.
• Separate flash that makes the camera bigger when transporting it, and a separate part that can be lost.
• Dust in the sensor seems to be a major issue for folks.

The strenghts and weaknesses of the Canon G5X seem to be:

• 24-100mm equivalent focal length, f/1.8-2.8 lens offers more telephoto reach.
• Pop-up flash + hotshoe.
• A common knock is that the images are a little softer compared to the competition.
• Large EVF is presumably great for taking pictures, but it also makes the camera taller.
• Fully articularing LCD is useful in some cases, but for things like shooting over a crowd, the tilting LCD might be more useful.
• Small battery is often times mentioned in reviews.
• No 4K video support (as I mentioned right now that is fine with me, but perhaps one day that will be a negative).
• Touch screen.
• The G5X is $75 more than the LX10/LX100.

The strengths and weaknesses of the Sony RX100 mark III seem to be:

• 24-70mm equivalent field of view, f/1.8-2.8 lens.
• Pop-up EVF means it is the easiest to carry in a pocket.
• No touch screen support.
• Tilting LCD.
• Images are said to be on the cool side, which might mean slightly more post processing to produce images I'm used to.
• The best battery life of the 4 cameras mentioned.
• A lot of people dislike the smooth grip, but there are add-on solutions.
• Even though it is a 2014 camera with two successors, Sony is still producing it.
• A few years ago I worked for a company that needed to deal with Sony, and it was nearly impossible to get anything from them, so I've not been a big fan of anything Sony since then, but given it was 10 years ago, maybe its time to let it go.
• The RX100 mark III doesn't support 4K video, but I believe the RX100 mark IV does. However, the RX100 mark IV is at a higher price point.
• The RX100 mark III supports a wired shutter release (as opposed to having to use a smartphone), but for a pocket camera, it isn't that useful of a feature.
• The RX100 mark III is $100 more than the LX10/LX100.

So any thoughts. Any strengths or weaknesses that I missed?

Having now used the TZ100 for a couple of weeks I can recommend it. For the price and its size, it is an amazing camera. The 1-inch sensor and 250mm Leica lens work a dream.

Jeff15 said:

Having now used the TZ100 for a couple of weeks I can recommend it. For the price and its size, it is an amazing camera. The 1-inch sensor and 250mm Leica lens work a dream.

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The TZ100 looks nice for a super-zoom replacement. However with a f/2.8-5.6 lens, it is a little slower than I would like for indoor, low light, no flash shooting.

Given I already have the Stylus-1 with a constant f/2.8 lens (28-300mm equivalent lens), it isn't a big enough jump to get a 1" sensor over 1/1.7".

Michael Meissner said:

I do shoot some video. At the moment, I shoot 1080p video, so I would prefer a camera that does decent 1080p video. If it does 4K video as well, that would be nice. If it does great 4K videos but not so nice 1080p videos (like the FZ300), that would be less nice. Note, it wouldn't be for sustained videos (I have my G85 for that), but short slices of life videos.

It is more for spur of the moment photos, than 'serious' photos, so I'm not looking to replace the larger cameras. Note, price is an issue. I would rather the camera be in the -700 range than higher, particularly over k.

So anyway, there are 4 cameras on my radar screen. I figure most of the people in this group would go for the LX10 or LX100, but if you have opinions about the others let me know:

• Panasonic LX10
• Panasonic LX100
• Canon G5X
• Sony RX100 mark III (possibly mark IV)
• Possibly Canon G1X mark III (rumored to be announced later this month)

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I had both the LX10 and the Canon G7X and although I did consider the LX10 a better overall camera, I would also add the G7X mk2 in the above list. It seems to have the best ergonomics of all cameras above with great Canon colors. The only thing it really lacks is the panorama mode.

However I would remove the G5X as it has the older Digic 6 processor lacking in AF speed and accuracy.

Michael Meissner said:

As i see it, the strengths and weaknesses of the LX10 are:

• No EVF, as I said not a deal breaker, but nice to have.

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Not needed in such small cameras which are usually used in waist level

Michael Meissner said:

• Not having an EVF can be an advantage, since I do notice the EVF when my Stylus-1 is in my pants pocket.

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Agree

Michael Meissner said:

• 24-72mm equivalent focal length, f/1.7-2.8 lens

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My LX10 had a nice sharp lens

Michael Meissner said:

• Tilting lcd is probably more useful for the way I use pocket cameras than a fully articulating screen that you have to twist to the left to use.

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Definitely agree

Michael Meissner said:

• Popup flash when I need it.
• Touch screen support (particularly to set the focus point).
• The LX10 is the newest camera, so perhaps there are tweaks in the sensor that others don't have.
• Smaller battery life compared to the LX100.

The strengths and weaknesses of the LX100 seem to be:

• The cropped 4/3" sensor offers slightly better noise handling in low light situations.
• 24-75mm equivalent focal length, f/1.7-2.8 lens.
• No touch screen.

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Big deal for small cameras

Michael Meissner said:

• LCD does not tilt at all.

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Even more important drawback for me

Michael Meissner said:

• EVF is on the tiny side.
• Separate flash that makes the camera bigger when transporting it, and a separate part that can be lost.
• Dust in the sensor seems to be a major issue for folks.

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ALL P&S cameras above have similar dust issues, be warned!

Michael Meissner said:

The strenghts and weaknesses of the Canon G5X seem to be:

• 24-100mm equivalent focal length, f/1.8-2.8 lens offers more telephoto reach.

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Longer but definitely softer lens than the LX10 and RX100/3

Michael Meissner said:

• Pop-up flash + hotshoe.
• A common knock is that the images are a little softer compared to the competition.
• Large EVF is presumably great for taking pictures, but it also makes the camera taller.

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Agree

Michael Meissner said:

• Fully articularing LCD is useful in some cases, but for things like shooting over a crowd, the tilting LCD might be more useful.

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Strongly agree, I much prefer the tilting LCD. Be aware that the G7X mk2 can trilt both ways whereas the LX10 tilts only upwards

Michael Meissner said:

• Small battery is often times mentioned in reviews.

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ALL small cameras have battery issues

Michael Meissner said:

• No 4K video support (as I mentioned right now that is fine with me, but perhaps one day that will be a negative).

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Not big loss, considering that Canon has one of the best video IS I have ever seen (and I am Panasonic fan)

Michael Meissner said:

• Touch screen.
• The G5X is more than the LX10/LX100.

The strengths and weaknesses of the Sony RX100 mark III seem to be:

• 24-70mm equivalent field of view, f/1.8-2.8 lens.
• Pop-up EVF means it is the easiest to carry in a pocket.
• No touch screen support.
• Tilting LCD.
• Images are said to be on the cool side, which might mean slightly more post processing to produce images I'm used to.
• The best battery life of the 4 cameras mentioned.
• A lot of people dislike the smooth grip, but there are add-on solutions.
• Even though it is a 2014 camera with two successors, Sony is still producing it.
• A few years ago I worked for a company that needed to deal with Sony, and it was nearly impossible to get anything from them, so I've not been a big fan of anything Sony since then, but given it was 10 years ago, maybe its time to let it go.
• The RX100 mark III doesn't support 4K video, but I believe the RX100 mark IV does. However, the RX100 mark IV is at a higher price point.
• The RX100 mark III supports a wired shutter release (as opposed to having to use a smartphone), but for a pocket camera, it isn't that useful of a feature.
• The RX100 mark III is more than the LX10/LX100.

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I have no experience from the RX100 but I don't like it lacks the touch screen and some people say its interface is not that user friendly.

Michael Meissner said:

So any thoughts. Any strengths or weaknesses that I missed?

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Thanks. It looks like the G7X-II uses the same lens as the G5X, but since it has a newer processor, perhaps they just cranked up the sharpening.

HI Michael, looking at your specific requirements I would offer the following:

Note, I have or have used RX100(4), TZ100, LX10, LX100, G1X.

Canon

G1X(3): Rather too big I think if the current rumors are correct

G5X: Too slow. Has the old Canon processor. Desperately needs a performance upgrade.

G7X(2): Should suit you quite well I think. No EVF but otherwise ticks most of the boxes.

Sony

RX100(3) or (4) should suit you well. They tick all the boxes, I think. I use the RX100(4) for exactly your purposes and it does the job very well. Good auto ISO algorithm permits good results in P mode. Sony stick on handle available and essential.

Panasonic:

LX100: Rather too large for a pocket. This camera has in fact double the box volume (wxhxd) of the RX100 cameras. Otherwise is a nice camera. Fast focus, good pictures.

TZ100: Slow lens, best outdoors.

LX10: No EVF but otherwise ticks most of the boxes. Horrible slippery little thing to hold though.

Warning: All these cameras come with significant lens quality variation. It's a lottery.

My pick is the RX100(4) if it must be pocketable or the LX100 if the camera can be carried in a pouch on the belt or over the shoulder.

But have a look at the G7X(2) which could be very suitable if you can find one with a good lens and don't mind the missing EVF.

Try before you buy if possible.

Good luck

Andrew

Thanks.

axlotl said:

HI Michael, looking at your specific requirements I would offer the following:

Note, I have or have used RX100(4), TZ100, LX10, LX100, G1X.

Canon

G1X(3): Rather too big I think if the current rumors are correct

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Yes, I suspect that is right.

axlotl said:

G5X: Too slow. Has the old Canon processor. Desperately needs a performance upgrade.

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Yes, it does seem to be the forgotten child with the 7/9 getting upgrades last year, and the 1 getting it shortly.

axlotl said:

G7X(2): Should suit you quite well I think. No EVF but otherwise ticks most of the boxes.

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Yes. I think I missed the 7, after looking at the 9. Or else, initially I added a EVF to the list. Or dpreview's camera feature search is messed up.

axlotl said:

Sony

RX100(3) or (4) should suit you well. They tick all the boxes, I think. I use the RX100(4) for exactly your purposes and it does the job very well. Good auto ISO algorithm permits good results in P mode. Sony stick on handle available and essential.

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With all of the comments about usability, I would really need to try it out in person.

axlotl said:

Panasonic:

LX100: Rather too large for a pocket. This camera has in fact double the box volume (wxhxd) of the RX100 cameras. Otherwise is a nice camera. Fast focus, good pictures.

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It is slightly larger than my Stylus-1, and I can fit it in a pocket, but I need to look at it in person:

http://camerasize.com/compact/#494,569,555,ha,t

axlotl said:

TZ100: Slow lens, best outdoors.

LX10: No EVF but otherwise ticks most of the boxes. Horrible slippery little thing to hold though.

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Sounds like the Sony.

axlotl said:

Warning: All these cameras come with significant lens quality variation. It's a lottery.

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Yeah. I wonder how camera makers make any money if people are sending cameras back all of the time.

axlotl said:

My pick is the RX100(4) if it must be pocketable or the LX100 if the camera can be carried in a pouch on the belt or over the shoulder.

But have a look at the G7X(2) which could be very suitable if you can find one with a good lens and don't mind the missing EVF.

Try before you buy if possible.

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I have a salesman I work with at a brick and mortar store that is more than happy to take my money. They have a big sale coming up in November. I will probably go in to look at the cameras before then, and if I like the LX10 or LX100, but it now while the sale is on. Otherwise I might wait for the store sale. I bought my G85 that way last year, but neither Olympus nor Panasonic discount prices for store sales, so I paid the full price.

axlotl said:

Good luck

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Thanks.

Michael Meissner said:

Jeff15 said:

Having now used the TZ100 for a couple of weeks I can recommend it. For the price and its size, it is an amazing camera. The 1-inch sensor and 250mm Leica lens work a dream.

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The TZ100 looks nice for a super-zoom replacement. However with a f/2.8-5.6 lens, it is a little slower than I would like for indoor, low light, no flash shooting.

Given I already have the Stylus-1 with a constant f/2.8 lens (28-300mm equivalent lens), it isn't a big enough jump to get a 1" sensor over 1/1.7".

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I have found the TZ100 excellent for indoor shooting. The larger sensor allows for higher ISO. Also, using DXO pro for noise reduction gives really excellent results....better than my Nikon D300s.

I just got the Canon G7X mark2.

I like the tilting LCD a lot and the way the camera feels to me is good.

How do I know I have one with a good lens? Is there a problem with quality control on these things?

thank you

Thank you for starting this thread, since I have the same exact dilemma. I first got the Canon G9x, which I promptly returned after disappointing results. I was then set on the LX10, mainly because it is the newest of this bunch and very compact. But people keep pointing out what an awesome camera the LX100 is, so now I'm leaning towards that at the moment. I know I will never have that little flash attachment with me when I need it, but that may not be a big deal. Where will you buy your camera from eventually?

john_t_03 said:

Thank you for starting this thread, since I have the same exact dilemma. I first got the Canon G9x, which I promptly returned after disappointing results. I was then set on the LX10, mainly because it is the newest of this bunch and very compact. But people keep pointing out what an awesome camera the LX100 is, so now I'm leaning towards that at the moment. I know I will never have that little flash attachment with me when I need it, but that may not be a big deal. Where will you buy your camera from eventually?

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• Hunts Photo & Video, Melrose, MA (flagship store)

My salesman is Peter Pritchard.

In terms of photos being disappointing, it really depends on the photos. While the LX100 might give you one more stop than the G9x, it isn't a miracle worker. Sometimes you need the bigger cameras.

Other times, it takes working with the camera you have to understand its quirks, and shoot for its strengths. This takes a lot of effort. For example, I mostly shoot Olympus cameras, but recently I have added a Panasonic G85, and it has some quirks that are different that the Olympus quirks.

In particular, Panasonic cameras seem to blow out highlights more often than Olympus, so I suspect I will have to play with the EV setting on the LX100 (or LX10...) more often than I was accustomed to for the Olympus cameras, and in post bring up the light levels. This takes a bit more care in taking the picture, rather than just taking a snapshot. When I'm shooting renaissance faires, I don't always have the time to do this, but I anticipate the way I use pocket cameras, I have to plan the photo more.

Sometimes, I just put the camera away when it is too dark for the camera to capture, or I don't have an appropriate telephoto/wide angle option to capture the scene.

alanmushnick said:

I just got the Canon G7X mark2.

I like the tilting LCD a lot and the way the camera feels to me is good.

How do I know I have one with a good lens? Is there a problem with quality control on these things?

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Some people are very exacting, and look at things at 100%. Me, I look at things at normal web resolutions (say 1024x768), since that is where most people will look at them. Downsizing and sharpening can hide some things that you only see when looking at it 100%. But unless you crop insanely and/or print large, most people won't see little things.

Basically you need to take pictures and see if you like them. Be aware of things like shutter speed and ISO. Even if IS can allow you to take pictures at 1/15 of a second, it doesn't help if you have humans that move in your pictures. Try to keep shutter speeds to at least 1/30 if not more. However, the other side of the coin is sometimes the camera software will push the ISO up higher to achieve a 1/250 shutter speed, when you would have gotten a better picture at 1/60 and ISO at 1/4 the value.

On the other hand, be realistic in your expectations. On these small cameras, your options for depth of field will be vary limited. Most times I find the ultra thin depth of field you get with a full frame dslr and fast lens to go too far. And this thin DOF really only works if you are shooting a single subject and want background isolation. If you are shooting a group, you want most of the group to be in focus.

If you are shooting in really low light, you need a camera with a bigger sensor and fast lens (and of course you carefully have to choose what is in focus with the small DOF). But these cameras can be useful in normal rooms to record family events.

I thought I'd add my 2..

A while back I was after a 'walk with' camera for family, small events. Similar to you, where pictures would be secondary but important enough, and avoid carrying DSLR and bag (usually limit lenses selection but still..) all the time.

After much research in mid 2015, I went for the LX100 just after it was released. I looked at the several offering in the market and visited shops for a hands on and menu experience. For me, the manual dial controls are brilliant as is the way you can move from auto to aperture to shutter priority.

The silent shutter is super, and the auto switch between mechanic and e-shutter great features.
Initially I was wondering if the lack of flash in body would be a problem as the lack of an integrated ND filter. But no need. I always take the flash add-on... and used it once! And that was to try a different look.
Shot many on the beach mid summer and no issues.

Perhaps a downside is that it would benefit from a dials lock. The exposure compensation the one I sometimes catch and not the one I usually pay that much attention to.

Here is a selection of walk with the family. Point and shoot type photos.
All photos out of camera, no corrections applied Lightroom nor noise reduction.



In woods, at 4000 ISO, due to Exp Comp caught to -2ev taking it out of a pocket (cargo pants). Was early days, still... Showcases both great ISO capability and the point that a dial lock on it would be great.


Dark theatre stage, horrible cross lighting at a local theatre production. Post showing. 1600 ISO.


Cloudy day panorama..


Macro shot


Black/white out of camera


Indoor Christmas tree detail. ISO 3200


Indoor. 3200 ISO.




Pitch black. Illumination with torch.


Courtyard.




Wedding reception. End of night. No corrections applied. 800 ISO.

Works for me a treat, for my purposes.

Video-wise, from quick tests, its ok. However, I hardly do video, so can't comment on it properly.
Overall, I think all the cameras in the list and mentioned above, will do a good job. Question is which fits you best.
Good luck.

Great pictures. Thanks. Now to try it out in person.

As I said, in one of the other posts, I wonder it the LX200 is still in the works (and if that is the reason for the sale). And if so, whether it might fix the niggling little problems (no touch screen, having either a tilt or fully articulating screen, protection against dust). I haven't seen anything in the rumors sites for about a year or so.

I haven't tried all the other cameras in your list but the 4k video on the LX100 is stunning. That's certainly a strength of you're into filming the family.

I went through this same process a year ago, and the camera that enjoyed the most was the tz100 and the gx85. I went with the GX85 because it offered the most options in one body.

I hesitated mentioning the GX85 but if you are looking at the lx100 they are of comparable size. There is also the gx850 which is smaller than both.

Camera Size comparison

The Gx850 is really worth your consideration considering its around $550 and if you get a 20mm f1.7 lens (great deals on used lens <$200), you will have an indoor no flash options. You will get the best picture quality, the best indoor lighting, no concerns with dust on the sensor, 4k video for 5 minutes, but no ibis (that is a god send on the gx85) but neither do the other cameras have it.

If I had to stick with one of the cameras listed I would go with the lx10. Its the best value of all the cameras you listed. And it has the fastest lens at an fstop of 1.4 (not 1.7).

This post looking closer at the DoF and light gathering as a comparison.

In terms of light gathering, f stop is an f stop, so f/1.7 is f/1.7, f/2.8 is f/2.8 and so on.

Regarding Depth of Field (DoF), it is dependant on the sensor as well as distance to subject and background. Sensor-wise, taking a 35mm full frame as standard: DOF on DX will be 1 stop less; micro 4/3s is 2 stops less; a 1 inch is just shy of 3 stops less.

The LX100, sports a micro 4/3s sensor, so will have a DoF 2 stops less than a 35mm full frame. @f/1.7 DoF will be eq to a f/3.3 on 35mm; @f/2.8 DoF will be eq to f/5.6 on 35mm.

Having said that, my DX walk around/travel lens 18-140mm, which @75mm the aperture is around f/5.6 DX, DoF equivalent to f/8 on full frame. Meaning, the LX100 @75mm f/2.8 will be one stop better than that DX lens. The light gathering ability at those settings being 2 stops better on the LX100 favour!
In 2015, the Nikon D7100 was £800 and the 18-140mm was £400. Today, that pairing can be gotten for around £700-£750.

You could pair the Nikon d7100 with the Sigma 17-50mm (eq 24-75mm) which is a f/2.8 constant aperture and match the LX100 on light gathering and beat it on DoF (and overall picture quality due to the DX sensor).
In 2015, the D7100 was £800 and the sigma lens was £350. Today that pairing will be £700.

In 2015, when the LX100 was released, it was around £550-£600. Today its around £500.

The LX100 is very comparable to a capable DX Nikon D7100 in some respects!

Overall a very capable camera.

(Other users of the other cameras being considered may be able to give the details on Dof and light gathering.)

Michael Meissner said:

Great pictures. Thanks. Now to try it out in person.

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The pictures were mostly to showcase how it behaves in dull and dark days. Where there wasn't a lot of great light around. Nor did I have my artistic rib out either Standard days where I live.

Michael Meissner said:

As I said, in one of the other posts, I wonder it the LX200 is still in the works (and if that is the reason for the sale). And if so, whether it might fix the niggling little problems (no touch screen, having either a tilt or fully articulating screen, protection against dust). I haven't seen anything in the rumors sites for about a year or so.

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Regarding dust, I do have a little amount, 3 spots, after 2 years and a few trips to the beach! Fortunately only noticeable at higher than f/5.6 which I hardly ever use. It will be cleaned in coming weeks in warranty. (Was lucky to have gotten an offer of 5 years warranty on purchase).

Its unlikely a possible LX200 price will replace the LX100 at the same price point. Taking the trend of many electronics from phones, tablets and other cameras in the last 2 years, they got a price hike 30 to 50 % higher.

From the possible improvements, I'd like an articulated screen for low or high shots. Vloggers would love that too (and was probably the single big miss from the LX100). The EVF is great as it is. Not fussed about touch screen (my new Nikon D500 has one and I don't use it that often to be a huge thing).

The LX100 is great. Really, If the LX100 can be gotten at a good price, to me, its a keeper.

jhunna said:

I went through this same process a year ago, and the camera that enjoyed the most was the tz100 and the gx85. I went with the GX85 because it offered the most options in one body.

I hesitated mentioning the GX85 but if you are looking at the lx100 they are of comparable size. There is also the gx850 which is smaller than both.

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Yes, the body is smaller, but when you attach a lens, you either have a fairly slow lens (i.e. Panasonic 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6), a prime (i.e. Panasonic 20mm/f1.7), or a larger lens.

A tiny zoom lens like the 12-32mm is 2 stops slower than the lens on the LX100, so it loses on the ability to use the camera in low light, no flash situations.

I already have a E-PM2 and 20mm, and while it handles the low light it is not flexible in terms of zoom range.

And of course a larger lens like the 12-40mm (that I own) is not small.

Michael Meissner said:

jhunna said:

I went through this same process a year ago, and the camera that enjoyed the most was the tz100 and the gx85. I went with the GX85 because it offered the most options in one body.

I hesitated mentioning the GX85 but if you are looking at the lx100 they are of comparable size. There is also the gx850 which is smaller than both.

Click to expand...

Yes, the body is smaller, but when you attach a lens, you either have a fairly slow lens (i.e. Panasonic 12-32mm f/3.5-5.6), a prime (i.e. Panasonic 20mm/f1.7), or a larger lens.

A tiny zoom lens like the 12-32mm is 2 stops slower than the lens on the LX100, so it loses on the ability to use the camera in low light, no flash situations.

I already have a E-PM2 and 20mm, and while it handles the low light it is not flexible in terms of zoom range.

And of course a larger lens like the 12-40mm (that I own) is not small.

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It was the small size, fast lens, and EVF that caused me to get the LX100 to replace my PL7, which I really liked except for the lack of EVF.