Panasonic GF5 vs Panasonic ZS40

Here is a thorough comparison of the Panasonic GF5 versus Panasonic ZS40, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are built by Panasonic. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the GF5 (12MP) and ZS40 (18MP) and the GF5 (Four Thirds) and ZS40 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor sizing.

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The GF5 was manufactured 21 months prior to the ZS40 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a short summary of how the GF5 scores versus the ZS40 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic GF5 Gallery & Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

If you are going to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GF5 features outer measurements of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") having a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS40 has proportions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

See the Panasonic GF5 versus Panasonic ZS40 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have chosen at the time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the GF5 versus the ZS40.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the GF5 and ZS40 is 89 and 90 respectively.

In many cases, it can be tough to envision the gap in sensor sizing purely by looking through specs. The visual underneath should provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the GF5 and ZS40.

All in all, each of these cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The GF5 because of its larger sensor will make shooting shallower depth of field less difficult and the Panasonic ZS40 will provide you with extra detail due to its extra 6 Megapixels. Greater resolution will allow you to crop pics a little more aggressively. The older GF5 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.