Panasonic FZ40 vs Sony HX30V

The following is a detailed assessment of the Panasonic FZ40 and Sony HX30V, both Small Sensor Superzoom digital cameras by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the FZ40 (14MP) and HX30V (18MP) but they enjoy the exact same sensor size (1/2.3").

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The FZ40 was revealed 19 months before the HX30V making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony HX30V being a Compact camera.

Before going in to a more detailed comparison, below is a short synopsis of how the FZ40 matches up versus the HX30V with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX30V. The full galleries are available at Panasonic FZ40 Gallery and Sony HX30V Gallery.

When you are looking to travel with your camera regularly, you are going to need to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic FZ40 enjoys outside dimensions of 120mm x 80mm x 92mm (4.7" x 3.1" x 3.6") having a weight of 494 grams (1.09 lbs) while the Sony HX30V has specifications of 107mm x 62mm x 35mm (4.2" x 2.4" x 1.4") along with a weight of 254 grams (0.56 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic FZ40 and Sony HX30V in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ depending on the lens you have during that time. Here is the front view measurement comparison of the FZ40 against the HX30V.

Looking at size and weight, the portability rating of the FZ40 and HX30V is 68 and 90 respectively.

Often, it is difficult to visualize the difference between sensor dimensions just by checking technical specs. The picture below might give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the FZ40 and HX30V.

As you can tell, both cameras have got the exact same sensor measurements but different resolution. You should expect to see the Sony HX30V to resolve greater detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images much more aggressively. The more aged FZ40 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.