Nikon P7800 vs Panasonic ZS40

Here is a detailed review of the Nikon P7800 and Panasonic ZS40, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Nikon and Panasonic. There is a big difference among the resolutions of the P7800 (12MP) and ZS40 (18MP) and the P7800 (1/1.7") and ZS40 (1/2.3") provide different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The P7800 was revealed very close to the ZS40 and they are both of a similar generation. Both of these cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before going right into a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple view of how the P7800 grades vs the ZS40 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Nikon Coolpix P7800 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The full galleries are viewable at Nikon P7800 Gallery and Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry your camera often, you have to consider its weight and measurements. The Nikon P7800 comes with external measurements of 119mm x 78mm x 50mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 2.0") and a weight of 399 grams (0.88 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS40 has proportions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Contrast the Nikon P7800 and Panasonic ZS40 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the P7800 and the ZS40.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the P7800 and ZS40 is 82 and 90 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to imagine the difference in sensor sizing merely by checking out specs. The graphic here might offer you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the P7800 and ZS40.

As you can plainly see, the two cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The P7800 having a bigger sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic ZS40 will provide more detail because of its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures a bit more aggressively.