Panasonic GM5 vs Panasonic ZS40

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Panasonic GM5 versus Panasonic ZS40, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are built by Panasonic. The sensor resolution of the GM5 (16MP) and the ZS40 (18MP) is fairly well matched but the GM5 (Four Thirds) and ZS40 (1/2.3") provide different sensor sizing.

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The GM5 was introduced 9 months later than the ZS40 which means that they are both of a similar generation. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GM5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera.

Before diving into a full comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the GM5 scores vs the ZS40 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GM5 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic GM5 Gallery and Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry your camera often, you are going to need to consider its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GM5 provides exterior measurements of 99mm x 60mm x 36mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.4") and a weight of 211 grams (0.47 lbs) while the Panasonic ZS40 has proportions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic GM5 versus Panasonic ZS40 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you select during that time. Below is a front view size comparison of the GM5 vs the ZS40.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the GM5 and ZS40 is 91 and 90 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to imagine the difference between sensor sizing merely by looking at a spec sheet. The photograph here will help give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the GM5 and ZS40.

Clearly, both the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The GM5 having a larger sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF simpler and the Panasonic ZS40 will resolve more detail using its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also allow you to crop images way more aggressively. The fresher GM5 should have a benefit in sensor innovation.