Panasonic GX8 vs Panasonic ZS40

Below, we are evaluating the Panasonic GX8 versus Panasonic ZS40, former being a Advanced Mirrorless while the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both of them are sold by Panasonic. The resolution of the GX8 (20MP) and the ZS40 (18MP) is fairly well matched but the GX8 (Four Thirds) and ZS40 (1/2.3") feature different sensor size.

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The GX8 was announced 19 months later than the ZS40 making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GX8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera.

Before delving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick view of how the GX8 matches up against the ZS40 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX8 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic GX8 Gallery & Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

If you're intending to lug around your camera regularly, you'll need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GX8 has external dimensions of 133mm x 78mm x 63mm (5.2" x 3.1" x 2.5") along with a weight of 487 grams (1.07 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS40 has dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic GX8 versus 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 select at that time. Here is the front view scale comparison of the GX8 against the ZS40.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the GX8 and ZS40 is 74 and 90 respectively.

Often, its tough to picture the gap between sensor measurements only by reading through specifications. The photograph below might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the GX8 and ZS40.

To sum up, both of the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The GX8 having a larger sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF less difficult and the Panasonic GX8 will resolve greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop images much more aggressively. The more modern GX8 provides an advantage in sensor tech.