Panasonic FZ40 vs Panasonic ZS3

Its time to look much closer at the Panasonic FZ40 vs Panasonic ZS3, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras and they are both designed by Panasonic. There is a large difference between the sensor resolutions of the FZ40 (14MP) and ZS3 (10MP) but they come with the same exact sensor sizing (1/2.3").

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The FZ40 was released 15 months after the ZS3 making the cameras a generation away from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a complete comparison, below is a short introduction of how the FZ40 scores against the ZS3 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic FZ40 Gallery & Panasonic ZS3 Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera, you will have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FZ40 features external dimensions of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") having a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS3 has proportions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic FZ40 vs Panasonic ZS3 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are using during that time. Here is the front view size comparison of the FZ40 and the ZS3.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the FZ40 and ZS3 is 68 and 91 respectively.

Often, it can be hard to picture the difference between sensor dimensions simply by reviewing specs. The image here may offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ40 and ZS3.

As you can plainly see, both of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing but different MP. You can expect to see the Panasonic FZ40 to deliver more detail as a result of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop pics a little more aggressively. The fresher FZ40 should have a benefit in sensor innovation.