Olympus FE-4000 vs Panasonic ZS40

Its time to look a bit more closely at the Olympus FE-4000 versus Panasonic ZS40, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom by brands Olympus and Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference between the image resolutions of the FE-4000 (12MP) and ZS40 (18MP) but they use the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The FE-4000 was introduced 5 years earlier than the ZS40 which is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a detailed comparison, below is a quick summary of how the FE-4000 scores against the ZS40 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus FE-4000 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The whole galleries are viewable at Olympus FE-4000 Gallery and Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

For those who are aiming to carry around your camera, you are going to need to think about its weight and volume. The Olympus FE-4000 provides external dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS40 has sizing of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Look at the Olympus FE-4000 versus Panasonic ZS40 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you choose at that time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the FE-4000 vs the ZS40.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the FE-4000 and ZS40 is 95 and 90 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizes only by reviewing specs. The image here may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the FE-4000 and ZS40.

All in all, each of the cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different megapixels. You should count on the Panasonic ZS40 to offer extra detail using its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more aged FE-4000 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.