Panasonic FS7 vs Panasonic FZ40

Following is a extended assessment of the Panasonic FS7 versus Panasonic FZ40, one is a Ultracompact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are manufactured by Panasonic. There is a crucial difference between the image resolutions of the FS7 (10MP) and FZ40 (14MP) and the FS7 (1/2.5") and FZ40 (1/2.3") posses totally different sensor sizes.

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The FS7 was revealed 18 months prior to the FZ40 which makes them a generation away from each other. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FS7 being a Ultracompact camera and the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before we go into a detailed comparison, here is a concise summation of how the FS7 matches up versus the FZ40 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS7 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FS7 Gallery and Panasonic FZ40 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and volume. The Panasonic FS7 enjoys physical measurements of 97mm x 54mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.1" x 0.9") having a weight of 139 grams (0.31 lbs) while the Panasonic FZ40 has sizing of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") along with a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FS7 versus Panasonic FZ40 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the FS7 vs the FZ40.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the FS7 and FZ40 is 95 and 68 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizes simply by checking specifications. The image below will offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the FS7 and FZ40.

To sum up, the two cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The FS7 having a tinier sensor will make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Panasonic FZ40 will give you more detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution can also help you crop photographs more aggressively. The more aged FS7 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.