Panasonic FS42 vs Panasonic FZ40

Lets take a more detailed look at the Panasonic FS42 versus Panasonic FZ40, former being a Ultracompact while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both offered by Panasonic. There is a substantial difference among the image resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and FZ40 (14MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and FZ40 (1/2.3") offer totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FS42 was introduced 15 months prior to the FZ40 making them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before delving into a detailed comparison, here is a short synopsis of how the FS42 scores vs the FZ40 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FS42 Gallery & Panasonic FZ40 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera often, you have to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic FS42 has outside dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) and the Panasonic FZ40 has sizing of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") having a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FS42 versus Panasonic FZ40 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you select during that time. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the FS42 versus the FZ40.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the FS42 and FZ40 is 95 and 68 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to see the contrast in sensor sizing only by viewing technical specs. The visual below will help provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FS42 and FZ40.

As you can tell, both the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FS42 having a smaller sensor will make getting bokeh more difficult and the Panasonic FZ40 will result in more detail using its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The older FS42 will be behind with regard to sensor technology.