Panasonic FZ40 vs Sony HX20V

Let's take a deeper look at the Panasonic FZ40 vs Sony HX20V, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There is a considerable difference between the image resolutions of the FZ40 (14MP) and HX20V (18MP) but they use the exact same sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The FZ40 was brought out 24 months earlier than the HX20V which makes the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony HX20V being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a in depth comparison, below is a concise introduction of how the FZ40 matches up vs the HX20V when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX20V. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FZ40 Gallery & Sony HX20V Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera frequently, you're going to have to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ40 has outside measurements of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") accompanied by a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs) while the Sony HX20V has specifications of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") with a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic FZ40 vs Sony HX20V in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ based on the lens you have attached at that moment. Underneath is the front view overall size comparison of the FZ40 vs the HX20V.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability grade of the FZ40 and HX20V is 68 and 90 respectively.

Oftentimes, it can be tough to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by going over a spec sheet. The image below will offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the FZ40 and HX20V.

As you can see, both the cameras posses the exact same sensor measurements albeit different resolution. You can count on the Sony HX20V to offer you extra detail having its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more aged FZ40 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.