Canon SX510 HS vs Panasonic FZ40

Following is a thorough analysis of the Canon SX510 HS and Panasonic FZ40, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Canon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the SX510 HS (12MP) and the FZ40 (14MP) is very well matched and they use the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The SX510 HS was revealed 3 years after the FZ40 which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras come with different body type with the Canon SX510 HS being a Compact camera and the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving through a complete comparison, below is a quick introduction of how the SX510 HS grades versus the FZ40 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Canon PowerShot SX510 HS and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40. The full galleries are viewable at Canon SX510 HS Gallery and Panasonic FZ40 Gallery.

If you're planning to carry around your camera often, you have to factor its weight and proportions. The Canon SX510 HS provides external dimensions of 104mm x 70mm x 80mm (4.1" x 2.8" x 3.1") and a weight of 349 grams (0.77 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ40 has measurements of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs).

Contrast the Canon SX510 HS and Panasonic FZ40 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you are working with at that moment. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the SX510 HS and the FZ40.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the SX510 HS and FZ40 is 80 and 68 respectively.

More often than not, its difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizes just by checking technical specs. The pic underneath will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SX510 HS and FZ40.

As you have seen, both of those cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Panasonic FZ40 to resolve more detail because of its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will help you crop pics much more aggressively. The fresher SX510 HS is going to have an edge in sensor innovation.