Panasonic FZ40 vs Panasonic GF5

Below is a comprehensive assessment of the Panasonic FZ40 and Panasonic GF5, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are created by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the FZ40 (14MP) and the GF5 (12MP) is fairly similar but the FZ40 (1/2.3") and GF5 (Four Thirds) use different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FZ40 was announced 20 months prior to the GF5 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a concise overview of how the FZ40 matches up vs the GF5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FZ40 Gallery and Panasonic GF5 Gallery.

If you're planning to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FZ40 enjoys physical dimensions of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") and a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs) whilst the Panasonic GF5 has measurements of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") and a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs).

See the Panasonic FZ40 and Panasonic GF5 in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the FZ40 against the GF5.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FZ40 and GF5 is 68 and 89 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to imagine the gap between sensor measurements simply by going over specifications. The graphic underneath will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ40 and GF5.

Plainly, both of these cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FZ40 having a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Panasonic FZ40 will offer more detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics far more aggressively. The older FZ40 is going to be behind in sensor innovation.