Nikon L21 vs Panasonic ZS40

Lets look more closely at the Nikon L21 vs Panasonic ZS40, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by competitors Nikon and Panasonic. There exists a sizable gap between the sensor resolutions of the L21 (8MP) and ZS40 (18MP) but both cameras provide the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

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The L21 was released 4 years prior to the ZS40 and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. The two cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting right into a more detailed comparison, here is a simple view of how the L21 grades against the ZS40 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Nikon Coolpix L21 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The complete galleries are available at Nikon L21 Gallery & Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to carry your camera regularly, you will have to factor in its weight and volume. The Nikon L21 has external measurements of 92mm x 67mm x 28mm (3.6" x 2.6" x 1.1") and a weight of 169 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS40 has sizing of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Compare the Nikon L21 vs Panasonic ZS40 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have during that time. The following is a front view measurement comparison of the L21 and the ZS40.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the L21 and ZS40 is 93 and 90 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be tough to envision the contrast between sensor sizing just by reviewing specs. The visual below might give you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the L21 and ZS40.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras come with the identical sensor size but not the same megapixels. You can expect to see the Panasonic ZS40 to offer greater detail as a result of its extra 10MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The older L21 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.