Panasonic FZ40 vs Panasonic GX1

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Panasonic FZ40 versus Panasonic GX1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless and both are sold by Panasonic. The resolution of the FZ40 (14MP) and the GX1 (16MP) is very well matched but the FZ40 (1/2.3") and GX1 (Four Thirds) posses totally different sensor measurements.

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The FZ40 was revealed 19 months before the GX1 making them a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic GX1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the FZ40 matches up vs the GX1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FZ40 Gallery and Panasonic GX1 Gallery.

In case you're intending to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FZ40 features external dimensions of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") along with a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs) while the Panasonic GX1 has measurements of 116mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") having a weight of 318 grams (0.70 lbs).

See the Panasonic FZ40 versus Panasonic GX1 in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with during that time. Below is a front view measurements comparison of the FZ40 vs the GX1.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FZ40 and GX1 is 68 and 87 respectively.

Sometimes, it is difficult to see the contrast between sensor sizing merely by looking at technical specs. The visual here will give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ40 and GX1.

As you have seen, both of those cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The FZ40 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Panasonic GX1 will resolve more detail because of its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop images a bit more aggressively. The older FZ40 is going to be behind with regard to sensor innovation.