Canon SX500 IS vs Panasonic ZS40

Let's take a more detailed look at the Canon SX500 IS and Panasonic ZS40, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Canon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SX500 IS (16MP) and the ZS40 (18MP) is fairly well matched and both cameras have the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

Samsung Releases Faster Versions of EVO MicroSD Cards

The SX500 IS was brought out 16 months prior to the ZS40 making them a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before diving into a detailed comparison, here is a simple introduction of how the SX500 IS matches up versus the ZS40 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Canon PowerShot SX500 IS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The entire galleries are available at Canon SX500 IS Gallery and Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to travel with your camera, you're going to have to consider its weight and measurements. The Canon SX500 IS offers physical dimensions of 104mm x 70mm x 80mm (4.1" x 2.8" x 3.1") with a weight of 341 grams (0.75 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS40 has proportions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Check the Canon SX500 IS and Panasonic ZS40 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are using at that moment. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the SX500 IS against the ZS40.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the SX500 IS and ZS40 is 80 and 90 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by checking specs. The picture below will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX500 IS and ZS40.

As you can plainly see, each of these cameras feature the identical sensor size but different MP. You should anticipate the Panasonic ZS40 to give you more detail having its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos way more aggressively. The more aged SX500 IS is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.