Panasonic G9 vs Panasonic ZS40

Lets look much closer at the Panasonic G9 and Panasonic ZS40, one being a Pro Mirrorless and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are offered by Panasonic. The image resolution of the G9 (20MP) and the ZS40 (18MP) is pretty close but the G9 (Four Thirds) and ZS40 (1/2.3") feature different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The G9 was released 3 years later than the ZS40 and that is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic G9 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a in depth comparison, below is a concise summation of how the G9 scores versus the ZS40 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic G9 Gallery and Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

When you are looking to carry your camera regularly, you should factor its weight and size. The Panasonic G9 provides exterior dimensions of 137mm x 97mm x 92mm (5.4" x 3.8" x 3.6") with a weight of 658 grams (1.45 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS40 has specifications of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic G9 and Panasonic ZS40 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are working with at that time. The following is the front view over all size comparison of the G9 compared to the ZS40.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the G9 and ZS40 is 62 and 90 respectively.

Generally, its hard to imagine the contrast in sensor sizing purely by viewing technical specs. The visual here might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the G9 and ZS40.

As you can tell, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The G9 due to its bigger sensor is going to make achieving bokeh less difficult and the Panasonic G9 will result in greater detail as a result of its extra 2MP. Higher resolution will let you crop pictures far more aggressively. The more recent G9 should have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.