Camera Labs

[themistoklisv]

Hi
Which of these cameras do you think fits better a photography entusiast who likes compact design as well as features? Sadly there is no comparison in the reviews. I think the LX3 is a superb camera but I am afraid the olympus machine gives much better picture quality.

[Cam-I-Am]

Sensor size is the biggest difference between these cameras. The E-P1 has a pixel density of 5.1Mp/cm² and the LX3 24Mp/cm² which will allow the E-P1 to perform much better in low light/higher ISO conditions. Just about any camera is able to make good pictures in sunny conditions.

Compared to other compacts the LX3 performs somewhat better in low light conditions because of it's bigger brighter lens (F2.0) and because most compacts have pixel densities well above 30Mp/cm². Its lower pixel density gives you roughly an extra ISO stop to work with and the brighter lens prevents the need for a higher ISO where other compacts would require it to stay at an acceptable shutter speed to prevent motion blurring. The LX3 gives an extra 1 to 1.5, maybe 2 (effective) ISO stops compared to most other compacts. At least at the time it came out. Newer sensor technology in more recent cameras may have reduced the LX3's advantage.

But it ends there. It also has limited 2.5x zoom range (24-60) with a fixed lens. The E-P1 with interchangeable lenses will give you a much wider range to choose from depending on the lenses you buy.

Of course in the end you will be spending considerably extra for these lenses. The question is how high an ISO performance you need and how much of a zoom range you want and whether you are willing to spend the extra money for these extras.

Only you can make that choice.

Ben
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[Bob Andersson]

Hi themistoklisv,

Good words from Ben there. And if the budget permits don't forget the newly announced E-P2.

When compared against "compacts" cost and easy pocketability count against the PEN series from Olympus but they, together with the Panasonic GF1, do represent a new benchmark for compactness in large sensor interchangeable lens cameras. And while you have to spend more initially on lenses they will likely see service on more than one body provided you stick with the micro four-thirds standard.

If you have a chance then get down to a store and fondle the goods and see which feels best. In the end, as Ben says, "only you can make that choice".

Bob.
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Canon EOS 5D Mk II, EF 16-35mm f/2.8L II USM, EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM, EF 70-200mm f/4L IS USM, EF 85mm f/1.2L II USM
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head, PowerShot G10 and some other stuff.

[grahamnp]

For the photography enthusiast, the E-P1. It offers quality that was previously only available in an SLR with a form factor previously only on compacts. It's a great combination and with the interchangeable lenses you have plenty of room to expand your hobby.
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Graham
Nikon D80 | 10-20 | 18-135 | 50 f/1.8 | AF-S 60 Macro | SB-600
Flickr

[Enche Zein]

agree, sensor size is the main differences. So yes, you will get better image with Olympus E-P1, especially in high ISO (low light condition).

Because of the size of the sensor, it is easier to achieve narrow depth of field in E-P1 and wide depth of field in LX3.

Depend on your photography style, you might prefer one over another.

LX3 is significant smaller and compact, cheaper, higher res LCD screen, and the picture quality is very clear/detailed and good in low ISO. (thanks to Leica lens)
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