Panasonic FP3 vs Panasonic ZS40

Its time to take a closer look at the Panasonic FP3 vs Panasonic ZS40, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both offered by Panasonic. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the FP3 (14MP) and ZS40 (18MP) but both cameras provide the same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The FP3 was released 5 years earlier than the ZS40 and that is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FP3 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera.

Before going into a complete comparison, here is a simple summary of how the FP3 matches up versus the ZS40 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP3 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FP3 Gallery & Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

In case you're planning to carry your camera frequently, you will want to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FP3 enjoys outer measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") with a weight of 155 grams (0.34 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS40 has proportions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FP3 vs Panasonic ZS40 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are working with at that time. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the FP3 versus the ZS40.

Considering size and weight, the portability grade of the FP3 and ZS40 is 95 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's hard to visualise the contrast in sensor sizing just by seeing technical specs. The visual underneath will provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the FP3 and ZS40.

As you have seen, both of those cameras have the same sensor dimensions but not the same MP. You can expect to see the Panasonic ZS40 to provide extra detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Greater resolution will let you crop pics a bit more aggressively. The older FP3 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.