Panasonic FZ40 vs Panasonic XS1

Below, we are analyzing the Panasonic FZ40 vs Panasonic XS1, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact and they are both produced by Panasonic. The image resolution of the FZ40 (14MP) and the XS1 (16MP) is fairly comparable and they use the exact same sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The FZ40 was launched 3 years before the XS1 which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic XS1 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a thorough comparison, below is a short introduction of how the FZ40 scores against the XS1 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-XS1. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ40 Gallery and Panasonic XS1 Gallery.

For those who are planning to carry around your camera, you are going to need to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ40 has got 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) and the Panasonic XS1 has specifications of 94mm x 54mm x 14mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.6") along with a weight of 103 grams (0.23 lbs).

See the Panasonic FZ40 vs Panasonic XS1 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. The following is the front view physical size comparison of the FZ40 against the XS1.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the FZ40 and XS1 is 68 and 97 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to see the gap in sensor sizes purely by checking out specifications. The picture underneath should provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ40 and XS1.

Plainly, both cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements but not the same MP. You should anticipate the Panasonic XS1 to provide extra detail utilizing its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will allow you to crop images much more aggressively. The more aged FZ40 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.