Panasonic FZ40 vs Sony HX1

On this page, we are contrasting the Panasonic FZ40 and Sony HX1, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by brands Panasonic and Sony. There is a substantial difference between the sensor resolutions of the FZ40 (14MP) and HX1 (9MP) and the FZ40 (1/2.3") and HX1 (1/2.4") posses different sensor dimensions.

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The FZ40 was revealed 16 months later than the HX1 making them a generation apart from each other. Both of these cameras have the same body design (SLR-like (bridge)).

Before diving right into a more detailed comparison, here is a brief overview of how the FZ40 scores against the HX1 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX1. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FZ40 Gallery & Sony HX1 Gallery.

For those who are looking to lug around your camera frequently, you should consider its weight and volume. The Panasonic FZ40 enjoys outside measurements 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 Sony HX1 has sizing of 115mm x 83mm x 92mm (4.5" x 3.3" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 544 grams (1.20 lbs).

See the Panasonic FZ40 and Sony HX1 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you use at the time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the FZ40 versus the HX1.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the FZ40 and HX1 is 68 and 67 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to imagine the difference between sensor measurements purely by going over specs. The photograph underneath will help provide you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ40 and HX1.

All in all, both of those cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FZ40 having a larger sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic FZ40 will deliver greater detail because of its extra 5MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop images a bit more aggressively. The fresher FZ40 provides a benefit in sensor tech.