Panasonic GF1 vs Panasonic ZS40

Lets look a little more closely at the Panasonic GF1 vs Panasonic ZS40, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are produced by Panasonic. There exists a considerable gap between the image resolutions of the GF1 (12MP) and ZS40 (18MP) and the GF1 (Four Thirds) and ZS40 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The GF1 was introduced 5 years earlier than the ZS40 and that is quite a large difference as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera.

Before getting in to a in depth comparison, below is a brief view of how the GF1 matches up against the ZS40 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic GF1 Gallery & Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

For anyone who is going to carry your camera frequently, you need to think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic GF1 has got physical dimensions of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") having a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS40 has sizing of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic GF1 vs Panasonic ZS40 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you use during that time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the GF1 and the ZS40.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GF1 and ZS40 is 85 and 90 respectively.

Typically, its hard to envision the difference between sensor sizing merely by checking technical specs. The visual below will help provide you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the GF1 and ZS40.

As you have seen, both of these cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The GF1 using its larger sensor will make achieving shallow DOF easier and the Panasonic ZS40 will give you more detail using its extra 6MP. Greater resolution will also help you crop photos a little more aggressively. The older GF1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor tech.