Panasonic FZ40 vs Panasonic ZS8

Here is a in-depth review of the Panasonic FZ40 and Panasonic ZS8, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and they are both built by Panasonic. The image resolution of the FZ40 (14MP) and the ZS8 (14MP) is fairly comparable and both cameras have the identical sensor measurements (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FZ40 was announced 12 months before the ZS8 which means that they are both of a similar age. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera.

Before delving into a thorough comparison, here is a simple summation of how the FZ40 grades against the ZS8 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ40 Gallery & Panasonic ZS8 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera regularly, you will have to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ40 has external 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 ZS8 has specifications of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") along with a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic FZ40 and Panasonic ZS8 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is a front view overall size comparison of the FZ40 and the ZS8.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the FZ40 and ZS8 is 68 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it's hard to visualise the difference in sensor sizing simply by checking out a spec sheet. The graphic here will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the FZ40 and ZS8.

Clearly, each of these cameras feature the identical sensor size and the same exact megapixels therefore you can expect comparable quality of files but you would want to take the age of the cameras into account. The older FZ40 will be disadvantaged in sensor technology.