Panasonic FZ300 vs Panasonic ZS40

Below, we are reviewing the Panasonic FZ300 versus Panasonic ZS40, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras and both of them are created by Panasonic. There is a substantial difference between the image resolutions of the FZ300 (12MP) and ZS40 (18MP) but they feature the exact same sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The FZ300 was announced 19 months after the ZS40 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ300 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief summation of how the FZ300 matches up against the ZS40 in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ300 Gallery & Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera frequently, you are going to need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FZ300 features physical measurements of 132mm x 92mm x 117mm (5.2" x 3.6" x 4.6") with a weight of 691 grams (1.52 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS40 has dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FZ300 versus Panasonic ZS40 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you are working with during that time. Following is the front view size comparison of the FZ300 vs the ZS40.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the FZ300 and ZS40 is 59 and 90 respectively.

In many cases, it can be difficult to envision the gap between sensor sizes merely by going over technical specs. The image underneath should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the FZ300 and ZS40.

As you have seen, the two cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements but not the same resolution. You can anticipate the Panasonic ZS40 to deliver more detail with its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images somewhat more aggressively. The more recent FZ300 will have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.