Panasonic FZ40 vs Panasonic GF1

Lets look much closer at the Panasonic FZ40 vs Panasonic GF1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are manufactured by Panasonic. The image resolution of the FZ40 (14MP) and the GF1 (12MP) is pretty similar but the FZ40 (1/2.3") and GF1 (Four Thirds) posses different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FZ40 was introduced 10 months later than the GF1 so they are both of a similar generation. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the FZ40 grades against the GF1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ40 Gallery and Panasonic GF1 Gallery.

In case you're aiming to lug around your camera, you should think about its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ40 has outside dimensions of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") having a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs) while the Panasonic GF1 has specifications of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") having a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FZ40 vs Panasonic GF1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the FZ40 vs the GF1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FZ40 and GF1 is 68 and 85 respectively.

Quite often, its difficult to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements only by going over a spec sheet. The visual underneath might offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ40 and GF1.

As you can see, both of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FZ40 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF more difficult and the Panasonic FZ40 will offer you greater detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots way more aggressively. The newer FZ40 should have a benefit with regard to sensor technology.