Olympus VH-515 vs Panasonic ZS40

In this write-up, we are contrasting the Olympus VH-515 versus Panasonic ZS40, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom by rivals Olympus and Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap between the sensor resolutions of the VH-515 (12MP) and ZS40 (18MP) but they feature the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The VH-515 was unveiled 16 months earlier than the ZS40 making the cameras a generation away from one another. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a concise summary of how the VH-515 scores against the ZS40 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus VH-515 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus VH-515 Gallery and Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Olympus VH-515 has got outer dimensions of 102mm x 60mm x 21mm (4.0" x 2.4" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 152 grams (0.34 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS40 has dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Take a look at the Olympus VH-515 versus Panasonic ZS40 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you have during that time. Underneath is the front view dimension comparison of the VH-515 vs the ZS40.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the VH-515 and ZS40 is 95 and 90 respectively.

Typically, it can be difficult to envision the difference between sensor sizes purely by going over technical specs. The pic underneath will help offer you a better sense of the sensor sizes in the VH-515 and ZS40.

As you can tell, both the cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same MP. You should anticipate the Panasonic ZS40 to offer greater detail having an extra 6MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop photos far more aggressively. The more aged VH-515 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.