Panasonic FX580 vs Panasonic ZS40

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Panasonic FX580 versus Panasonic ZS40, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are offered by Panasonic. There exists a big gap among the resolutions of the FX580 (12MP) and ZS40 (18MP) but they use the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

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The FX580 was launched 6 years before the ZS40 and that is a fairly big gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting through a thorough comparison, below is a brief summation of how the FX580 matches up versus the ZS40 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FX580 Gallery and Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to carry your camera, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic FX580 has physical measurements of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") with a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS40 has specifications 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 FX580 versus Panasonic ZS40 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the FX580 versus the ZS40.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FX580 and ZS40 is 95 and 90 respectively.

More often than not, it is very hard to see the contrast in sensor sizing purely by going through a spec sheet. The photograph here will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the FX580 and ZS40.

As you can see, both of those cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same megapixels. You should count on the Panasonic ZS40 to produce more detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will let you crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older FX580 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.