Canon S100 vs Panasonic ZS40

In this write-up, we will be evaluating the Canon S100 and Panasonic ZS40, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Canon and Panasonic. There is a noticeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the S100 (12MP) and ZS40 (18MP) and the S100 (1/1.7") and ZS40 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizes.

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The S100 was manufactured 24 months earlier than the ZS40 which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before delving through a thorough comparison, below is a short introduction of how the S100 scores against the ZS40 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot S100 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The entire galleries are available at Canon S100 Gallery & Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera regularly, you have to consider its weight and size. The Canon S100 features external dimensions of 99mm x 60mm x 28mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.1") having a weight of 198 grams (0.44 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS40 has specifications of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Contrast the Canon S100 and Panasonic ZS40 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the S100 vs the ZS40.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the S100 and ZS40 is 93 and 90 respectively.

Usually, its tough to envision the contrast between sensor measurements only by reading specs. The graphic here will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor dimensions in the S100 and ZS40.

All in all, the 2 cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The S100 because of its bigger sensor will make getting bokeh easier and the Panasonic ZS40 will offer you more detail due to its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop photographs far more aggressively. The older S100 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.