Panasonic S1 vs Panasonic ZS40

Let's look a little more closely at the Panasonic S1 and Panasonic ZS40, former is a Pro Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both produced by Panasonic. There is a sizable difference between the resolutions of the S1 (24MP) and ZS40 (18MP) and the S1 (Full frame) and ZS40 (1/2.3") possess different sensor sizing.

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The S1 was introduced 5 years after the ZS40 which is quite a significant difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic S1 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the S1 grades versus the ZS40 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DC-S1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic S1 Gallery & Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

If you are looking to carry around your camera often, you will want to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic S1 comes with exterior measurements of 149mm x 110mm x 97mm (5.9" x 4.3" x 3.8") having a weight of 1021 grams (2.25 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS40 has specifications of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

See the Panasonic S1 and Panasonic ZS40 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you use at the time. Here is the front view size comparison of the S1 against the ZS40.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the S1 and ZS40 is 54 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's tough to imagine the gap between sensor sizes merely by going over a spec sheet. The pic below will help provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the S1 and ZS40.

Clearly, the two cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The S1 using its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field simpler and the Panasonic S1 will deliver greater detail using its extra 6MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics a little more aggressively. The younger S1 should have an edge with regard to sensor innovation.