Nikon P500 vs Panasonic FZ40
67 Imaging
35 Features
44 Overall
38


68 Imaging
36 Features
40 Overall
37
Nikon P500 vs Panasonic FZ40 Key Specs
(Full Review)
- 12MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Tilting Screen
- ISO 160 - 3200
- Sensor-shift Image Stabilization
- 1920 x 1080 video
- 23-810mm (F3.4-5.7) lens
- 494g - 116 x 84 x 103mm
- Released February 2011
- Successor is Nikon P510
(Full Review)
- 14MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
- 3" Fixed Screen
- ISO 80 - 6400
- Optical Image Stabilization
- 1280 x 720 video
- 25-600mm (F2.8-5.2) lens
- 494g - 120 x 80 x 92mm
- Introduced July 2010
- Alternative Name is Lumix DMC-FZ45

Nikon P500 vs Panasonic FZ40 Overview
Following is a comprehensive overview of the Nikon P500 versus Panasonic FZ40, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by brands Nikon and Panasonic. The resolution of the P500 (12MP) and the FZ40 (14MP) is relatively close and both cameras boast the same sensor size (1/2.3").

The P500 was launched 7 months after the FZ40 which means that they are of a similar generation. Both of these cameras have the same body design (SLR-like (bridge)).
Before we go straight to a step-by-step comparison, here is a concise overview of how the P500 grades versus the FZ40 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Nikon P500 vs Panasonic FZ40 Gallery
The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix P500 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40. The complete galleries are viewable at Nikon P500 Gallery and Panasonic FZ40 Gallery.
Reasons to pick Nikon P500 over the Panasonic FZ40
P500 | FZ40 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Introduced | February 2011 | ![]() | July 2010 | More modern by 7 months |
Screen type | Tilting | ![]() | Fixed | Tilting screen |
Screen resolution | 921k | ![]() | 230k | Clearer screen (+691k dot) |
Reasons to pick Panasonic FZ40 over the Nikon P500
FZ40 | P500 |
---|
Common features in the Nikon P500 and Panasonic FZ40
P500 | FZ40 | |||
---|---|---|---|---|
Manual focus | ![]() | Dial precise focusing | ||
Screen dimensions | 3" | ![]() | 3" | Equal screen size |
Selfie screen | ![]() | Lack of selfie screen | ||
Touch screen | ![]() | Neither provides Touch screen |
Nikon P500 vs Panasonic FZ40 Physical Comparison
For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera often, you need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Nikon P500 provides physical measurements of 116mm x 84mm x 103mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 4.1") having a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ40 has dimensions of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") with a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs).
Contrast the Nikon P500 versus Panasonic FZ40 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.
Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is a front view dimensions comparison of the P500 versus the FZ40.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the P500 and FZ40 is 67 and 68 respectively.

Nikon P500 vs Panasonic FZ40 Sensor Comparison
Normally, it's tough to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes merely by looking through specifications. The pic underneath will provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the P500 and FZ40.
Plainly, each of the cameras provide the same sensor dimensions albeit different resolution. You should count on the Panasonic FZ40 to result in greater detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop pictures more aggressively. The fresher P500 provides a benefit in sensor tech.

Nikon P500 vs Panasonic FZ40 Screen and ViewFinder


Photography Type Scores
Portrait Comparison

Street Comparison

Sports Comparison

Travel Comparison

Landscape Comparison

Vlogging Comparison

Nikon P500 vs Panasonic FZ40 Specifications
Nikon Coolpix P500 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 | |
---|---|---|
General Information | ||
Make | Nikon | Panasonic |
Model type | Nikon Coolpix P500 | Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 |
Also called as | - | Lumix DMC-FZ45 |
Category | Small Sensor Superzoom | Small Sensor Superzoom |
Released | 2011-02-09 | 2010-07-21 |
Physical type | SLR-like (bridge) | SLR-like (bridge) |
Sensor Information | ||
Processor | Expeed C2 | Venus Engine HD II |
Sensor type | BSI-CMOS | CCD |
Sensor size | 1/2.3" | 1/2.3" |
Sensor dimensions | 6.17 x 4.55mm | 6.08 x 4.56mm |
Sensor surface area | 28.1mm² | 27.7mm² |
Sensor resolution | 12 megapixels | 14 megapixels |
Anti alias filter | ||
Aspect ratio | 4:3 and 16:9 | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9 |
Max resolution | 4000 x 3000 | 4320 x 3240 |
Max native ISO | 3200 | 6400 |
Lowest native ISO | 160 | 80 |
RAW files | ||
Autofocusing | ||
Manual focusing | ||
AF touch | ||
AF continuous | ||
Single AF | ||
AF tracking | ||
AF selectice | ||
Center weighted AF | ||
Multi area AF | ||
Live view AF | ||
Face detection focusing | ||
Contract detection focusing | ||
Phase detection focusing | ||
Total focus points | 9 | - |
Cross type focus points | - | - |
Lens | ||
Lens support | fixed lens | fixed lens |
Lens zoom range | 23-810mm (35.2x) | 25-600mm (24.0x) |
Largest aperture | f/3.4-5.7 | f/2.8-5.2 |
Macro focusing range | 1cm | 1cm |
Focal length multiplier | 5.8 | 5.9 |
Screen | ||
Type of screen | Tilting | Fixed Type |
Screen diagonal | 3 inches | 3 inches |
Screen resolution | 921k dots | 230k dots |
Selfie friendly | ||
Liveview | ||
Touch function | ||
Screen technology | TFT-LCD with Anti-reflection coating | - |
Viewfinder Information | ||
Viewfinder type | Electronic | Electronic |
Features | ||
Min shutter speed | 8s | 60s |
Max shutter speed | 1/1500s | 1/2000s |
Continuous shutter rate | 1.0 frames per sec | 2.0 frames per sec |
Shutter priority | ||
Aperture priority | ||
Manual mode | ||
Exposure compensation | Yes | Yes |
Set WB | ||
Image stabilization | ||
Built-in flash | ||
Flash distance | 8.00 m | 9.50 m |
Flash modes | Auto, On, Off, Red-Eye, Slow-sync | Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync |
Hot shoe | ||
AE bracketing | ||
WB bracketing | ||
Exposure | ||
Multisegment exposure | ||
Average exposure | ||
Spot exposure | ||
Partial exposure | ||
AF area exposure | ||
Center weighted exposure | ||
Video features | ||
Supported video resolutions | 1920 x 1080 (30fps), 1280 x 720p (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30fps) | 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps) |
Max video resolution | 1920x1080 | 1280x720 |
Video file format | MPEG-4, H.264 | AVCHD Lite |
Mic support | ||
Headphone support | ||
Connectivity | ||
Wireless | None | None |
Bluetooth | ||
NFC | ||
HDMI | ||
USB | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) | USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) |
GPS | None | None |
Physical | ||
Environmental sealing | ||
Water proofing | ||
Dust proofing | ||
Shock proofing | ||
Crush proofing | ||
Freeze proofing | ||
Weight | 494 grams (1.09 lbs) | 494 grams (1.09 lbs) |
Physical dimensions | 116 x 84 x 103mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 4.1") | 120 x 80 x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") |
DXO scores | ||
DXO Overall rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Color Depth rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Dynamic range rating | not tested | not tested |
DXO Low light rating | not tested | not tested |
Other | ||
Battery life | 220 images | - |
Battery style | Battery Pack | - |
Battery ID | EN-EL5 | - |
Self timer | Yes (10 or 2 sec) | Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10 sec (3 pictures)) |
Time lapse feature | ||
Storage type | SD/SDHC/SDXC | SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal |
Card slots | 1 | 1 |
Price at release | $399 | $420 |