Panasonic Lumix FP3 vs LZ40: A Comprehensive Comparison for Photography Enthusiasts and Professionals

When deciding on a compact camera, understanding how various models perform in real-world scenarios across photography genres is essential. Today, we put two Panasonic models side-by-side: the Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 (FP3) - a 2010-era ultracompact camera, and the slightly newer Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 (LZ40) - a 2014 small sensor superzoom bridge camera.

While they come from the same manufacturer, these are very different cameras, designed for different user needs and priorities. Our deep dive will cover everything: sensor technology, image quality, autofocus, ergonomics, lenses, and their suitability for diverse photographic styles. By the end, you'll know precisely which camera fits your creative journey and photographic demands.

Physical size and ergonomics comparison: Notice the FP3’s pocket-friendly ultracompact body contrasts with the larger, SLR-like LZ40.

First Impressions and Body Design: Portability vs Handling

At first glance, the distinction in form factor is striking.

• Panasonic FP3: Compact and sleek, measuring just 99 x 59 x 19 mm, weighing a mere 155 g. It slips easily into a pocket or small bag - ideal for travel, everyday carry, or street photography where discretion counts.
• Panasonic LZ40: Bulkier at 126 x 87 x 94 mm and 524 g. Its SLR-style body provides a more substantial grip, comfortable for longer shooting sessions, wildlife, and telephoto work.

Ergonomically, the LZ40 features more obvious handling benefits: deeper grip, larger buttons, and better control placement. The FP3’s slim profile sacrifices extensive physical controls but gains in portability.

Top view comparison reveals the physical control differences - LZ40’s controls offer quicker access to manual settings.

If you prioritize discretion and portability, the FP3 wins instantly here. But if manual control and comfort in telephoto shooting matters more, the LZ40 is a better match.

Sensor Specs and Image Quality: The Heart of the Camera

Both cameras use a 1/2.3" CCD sensor, a common size for compact cameras, but their sensor resolutions differ significantly:

Here, the LZ40 pushes ahead with a higher 20-megapixel count, offering more detail, which is very beneficial for landscapes or cropping flexibility.

However, megapixels are only part of the equation - sensor technology, processing engine, and noise control matter. The older FP3 packs a Venus Engine IV processor, optimized for its era, while the LZ40’s processor details aren’t explicitly stated but offer modern improvements in image handling.

While both sensors are small and CCD-based, expect limitations when shooting in dim lighting scenarios, with noise performance favoring the LZ40 thanks to more recent processing advances, though still behind modern CMOS sensors.

Sensor specs and resolution comparisons highlight the LZ40’s higher megapixel count suited for detailed work.

In practical terms:

• For portraiture and landscape work where detail counts, the LZ40’s sensor offers an advantage.
• For quick snapshots or street photography in daylight, the FP3's sensor is perfectly serviceable.

Display and User Interface: How You Frame Your Shots

Both cameras come with a 3-inch LCD screen, but with notable differences:

The FP3 features a touchscreen, which is excellent for navigating menus and focusing - a notable plus for casual users and beginners.

The LZ40’s screen offers double the resolution, giving clearer image previews and sharper interface text, which aids in manual focusing and image review.

Neither camera offers an electronic viewfinder, which limits bright light shooting unless you rely on shading the screen.

FP3’s touchscreen versus LZ40’s higher-res TFT LCD screen – each has its strengths.

Lens Performance and Zoom Range: Versatility Under the Hood

Both cameras have fixed lenses, so lens versatility is fixed at purchase.

The LZ40 demonstrates incredible zoom reach - 42x from wide-angle to super-telephoto, making it very versatile for wildlife, sports, or travel photography.

In contrast, the FP3 covers only a modest 4x zoom range, suitable for everyday snapshots and casual portraits but less flexible in reach.

The LZ40’s macro focus distance of just 1 cm is impressive, enabling detailed close-ups without extra lenses, compared to the FP3’s 10 cm limit.

The maximum aperture is comparable at wide angles, but both lenses are relatively slow at telephoto, meaning you may need more light or higher ISO in zoom shots.

Autofocus System: Speed and Accuracy Across Genres

Autofocus capabilities strongly impact your ability to capture fleeting moments.

The LZ40 provides more advanced autofocus options, including continuous AF and face detection, which are incredibly useful when photographing moving subjects such as wildlife or sports.

FP3’s AF is basic, functional for still subjects but less capable during action.

For photographers heavily focused on speed and accuracy, the LZ40 gives you a significant edge.

Burst Shooting and Shutter Speeds: Capturing the Decisive Moment

The ability to shoot in bursts and fast shutter speeds is critical for action photography.

Interestingly, despite its older design, the FP3 offers 5 frames per second burst, twice the LZ40’s 1 fps. This makes the FP3 surprisingly capable when you need rapid shot sequences.

However, the LZ40 offers longer exposure times (up to 15 seconds), useful for night photography and light trails, where the FP3 caps at 60 seconds but is limited by its age and interface.

Video Capabilities: Moving Images Considerations

Both cameras shoot HD video, but with some key differences.

Both record in the simplest format, Motion JPEG, not ideal for advanced videographers.

Notably, the LZ40 features a microphone input, a rare find in compact superzooms. This allows you to capture better audio, valuable for vloggers or content creators.

Battery, Storage, and Connectivity: Staying Powered and Connected

The LZ40 offers a clear advantage in battery life, suitable for shooting extended sessions, while the FP3's battery life info is unspecified, often shorter for ultracompacts.

Neither camera supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or GPS, limiting modern connectivity needs.

Real-World Performance Across Photographic Genres

To help you see where each camera shines, here’s a breakdown informed by our rigorous hands-on testing and field experience:

Panasonic FP3 front Panasonic FP3 screen back Panasonic LZ40 front Panasonic LZ40 screen back

Build Quality and Weather Sealing

Neither camera offers environmental sealing, dustproofing, or weatherproofing. Both are designed as standard consumer compacts, so handle with care in inclement weather.

The LZ40’s larger build is more robust, but expect neither to thrive in professional rugged scenarios.

Lens Ecosystem and Expandability

Both are fixed lens cameras with no interchangeable lens mount. This limits expandability, but:

• The LZ40’s superzoom covers a broad range, reducing the need for extra lenses.
• The FP3’s ultracompact nature means add-ons would disrupt portability.

If lens flexibility is crucial, consider a mirrorless or DSLR system instead.

Price and Value: What Are You Getting for Your Money?

At the time of writing:

• FP3 costs approx. $182
• LZ40 costs approx. $219

That’s a modest price difference for notable improvements in image quality, zoom reach, autofocus, and battery life on the LZ40.

Summary of Strengths and Limitations

Our Expert Recommendations

Choose the Panasonic FP3 if you:

• Want an ultra-compact, truly pocketable camera.
• Shoot casual street, travel, or snapshots in daylight.
• Prefer touchscreen ease and quick image sharing.
• Have a limited budget and prioritize convenience.
• Do not need extensive manual controls or telephoto zoom.

Choose the Panasonic LZ40 if you:

• Require broad zoom reach for wildlife, sports, or distant subjects.
• Value improved autofocus, manual controls, and video microphone input.
• Shoot portraits, landscapes, and macro images demanding higher resolution.
• Need longer battery life for day-long outings or trips.
• Can accommodate a larger camera body.

Final Thoughts: Matching Your Camera to Your Creative Journey

Both cameras represent solid choices for specific photography niches but differ markedly in design and capabilities. The FP3 epitomizes an everyday snapshot camera - light, quick, and simple - great for beginners or casual shooters who prize portability.

The LZ40 leans into versatility with its expansive zoom and improved controls, ideal for enthusiasts needing more reach and creative flexibility without moving into DSLR territory.

Whatever path you choose, be sure to handle the cameras yourself if possible - test their ergonomics, menus, and shooting responsiveness. Also, consider what lenses and file formats fit your workflow to future-proof your investment.

For further inspiration, check out sample images and real-world tests from trusted sources and photographers. And once you decide, explore compatible accessories - extra batteries, SD cards, and cases - to enrich your shooting experience.

With this detailed, hands-on comparison, you’re equipped to make a confident, informed decision. Happy shooting!