Upgrade Guide
Lumix LX5→Lumix G3
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
→
Strong upgrade
The G3 improves across 4 key areas at a reasonable price gap. Most LX5 owners will notice the difference.
What's new in the G3
-
Resolution16MP vs 10MP (+6MP)
-
StabilisationIBIS added — significant for handheld and video
-
Burst rate4fps vs 2.5fps
-
Generation1 year newer (2011 vs 2010)
Suitability by genre
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | LX5 | G3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | +1.3 | ||
| Street | -0.7 | ||
| Travel | -0.8 | ||
| Wedding & Events | +1.0 | ||
| Documentary | +0.2 | ||
| Landscape | +1.1 | ||
| Casual | +0.3 | ||
| Food | +2.5 | ||
| Macro | +2.4 | ||
| Architecture | +1.9 | ||
| Astrophotography | +1.8 | ||
| Vlogging & Video | — | ||
| Sports & Action | — | ||
| Wildlife | — |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | LX5 | G3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £245 used | £20 used | |
| Released | 2010 | 2011 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 10.1MP 1/1.63-inch CCD | 16MP Micro Four Thirds CMOS | |
| Resolution | 10MP | 16MP | ↑ |
| Video | HD 720p (AVCHD Lite) | Full HD 1080/60i | |
| Autofocus | Contrast AF; face detection, AF tracking, 23-area | 23-area contrast AF with face detection, touch AF | |
| Stabilisation | Optical image stabilisation (lens-based) | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | |
| Burst Rate | 2.5fps | 4fps | ↑ |
| Battery Life | ~400 shots (CIPA) | ~270 shots (CIPA) | ↓ |
| Weight | 271g (with battery) | 388g (with battery) | ↓ |
| Weather Sealed | Not weather sealed | Not weather sealed | |
| Viewfinder | None built in (optional DMW-LVF1 electronic finder) | LCD EVF, 1.44M dots | |
| Screen | 3.0" fixed LCD, 460k dots | 3.0" vari-angle touchscreen, 460k dots | |
| Mount | Fixed Leica 3.8x zoom lens (24-90mm equivalent, f/2.0-3.3) | Micro Four Thirds | |
| Memory Cards | Single SD slot | Single SD slot |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See LX5 and G3 next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
Get a personalised upgrade score
Run the upgrade checker →
Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the G3 against your specific genres — not just specs.
Other upgrades from the LX5
Related buying guides
Camera family history