Panasonic FZ40 vs Panasonic L1

Let's take a closer look at the Panasonic FZ40 versus Panasonic L1, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Advanced DSLR and both of them are manufactured by Panasonic. There is a large difference between the sensor resolutions of the FZ40 (14MP) and L1 (7MP) and the FZ40 (1/2.3") and L1 (Four Thirds) boast totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The FZ40 was manufactured 3 years after the L1 which is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic L1 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before getting right into a detailed comparison, here is a quick summation of how the FZ40 grades against the L1 in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ40 Gallery & Panasonic L1 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera regularly, you will have to consider its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ40 features outside 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 L1 has specifications of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") accompanied by a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FZ40 versus Panasonic L1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you select at that time. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the FZ40 vs the L1.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the FZ40 and L1 is 68 and 65 respectively.

Generally, its tough to see the difference between sensor sizes merely by going over specs. The pic below will provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ40 and L1.

All in all, both cameras come with different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The FZ40 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh tougher and the Panasonic FZ40 will offer more detail due to its extra 7 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The fresher FZ40 will have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.