Canon SX30 IS vs Panasonic ZS40

In this write-up, we will be comparing the Canon SX30 IS and Panasonic ZS40, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by companies Canon and Panasonic. There is a substantial difference between the resolutions of the SX30 IS (14MP) and ZS40 (18MP) but they come with the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The SX30 IS was released 4 years earlier than the ZS40 which is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Canon SX30 IS being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a short overview of how the SX30 IS matches up vs the ZS40 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Canon PowerShot SX30 IS & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The complete galleries are available at Canon SX30 IS Gallery & Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and size. The Canon SX30 IS features outside measurements of 123mm x 92mm x 108mm (4.8" x 3.6" x 4.3") and a weight of 601 grams (1.32 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS40 has specifications of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Analyze the Canon SX30 IS and Panasonic ZS40 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the SX30 IS compared to the ZS40.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the SX30 IS and ZS40 is 64 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizes just by looking at technical specs. The pic underneath may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizing in the SX30 IS and ZS40.

As you have seen, both of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same resolution. You can expect the Panasonic ZS40 to give you more detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged SX30 IS is going to be behind in sensor tech.