Panasonic FZ40 vs Panasonic SZ1

Below is a complete assessment of the Panasonic FZ40 and Panasonic SZ1, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and both are produced by Panasonic. The image resolution of the FZ40 (14MP) and the SZ1 (16MP) is very close and both cameras boast the identical sensor size (1/2.3").

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The FZ40 was brought out 17 months before the SZ1 making them a generation apart from each other. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic SZ1 being a Compact camera.

Before diving straight to a in depth comparison, here is a concise introduction of how the FZ40 scores against the SZ1 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ1. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic FZ40 Gallery and Panasonic SZ1 Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera frequently, you are going to need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FZ40 enjoys outer measurements of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") with a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs) while the Panasonic SZ1 has dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") and a weight of 131 grams (0.29 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FZ40 and Panasonic SZ1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you use at that time. Following is a front view over all size comparison of the FZ40 versus the SZ1.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the FZ40 and SZ1 is 68 and 95 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be difficult to picture the gap in sensor measurements purely by looking through specifications. The visual below might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the FZ40 and SZ1.

To sum up, both the cameras feature the identical sensor size but different megapixels. You should expect to see the Panasonic SZ1 to result in greater detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop pics way more aggressively. The older FZ40 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.