Nikon B500 vs Panasonic ZS40

Below, we will be matching up the Nikon B500 and Panasonic ZS40, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by manufacturers Nikon and Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the B500 (16MP) and the ZS40 (18MP) is pretty similar and they come with the exact same sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The B500 was manufactured 2 years after the ZS40 which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Nikon B500 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight into a detailed comparison, below is a brief highlight of how the B500 grades vs the ZS40 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Nikon Coolpix B500 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The entire galleries are viewable at Nikon B500 Gallery and Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you will need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Nikon B500 offers outside dimensions of 114mm x 78mm x 95mm (4.5" x 3.1" x 3.7") accompanied by a weight of 541 grams (1.19 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS40 has dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Look at the Nikon B500 and Panasonic ZS40 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are utilising during that time. Below is the front view dimensions comparison of the B500 and the ZS40.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the B500 and ZS40 is 68 and 90 respectively.

Normally, it is tough to picture the difference between sensor dimensions purely by reading specs. The image here should provide you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the B500 and ZS40.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different MP. You should expect the Panasonic ZS40 to offer extra detail due to its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more modern B500 provides a benefit in sensor technology.