Panasonic L1 vs Panasonic ZS40

Lets look a bit more closely at the Panasonic L1 and Panasonic ZS40, former is a Advanced DSLR while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and both are created by Panasonic. There is a large difference between the resolutions of the L1 (7MP) and ZS40 (18MP) and the L1 (Four Thirds) and ZS40 (1/2.3") enjoy totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The L1 was introduced 7 years prior to the ZS40 which is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic L1 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera.

Before getting straight into a in-depth comparison, below is a short overview of how the L1 matches up vs the ZS40 with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic L1 Gallery & Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

In case you're going to travel with your camera regularly, you'll need to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic L1 offers exterior dimensions of 146mm x 87mm x 77mm (5.7" x 3.4" x 3.0") along with a weight of 606 grams (1.34 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS40 has proportions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic L1 and Panasonic ZS40 in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you use during that time. Underneath is the front view dimensions comparison of the L1 compared to the ZS40.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the L1 and ZS40 is 65 and 90 respectively.

In many cases, it is very hard to see the contrast between sensor dimensions only by going over specs. The image here may provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the L1 and ZS40.

As you can plainly see, both of those cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The L1 having a bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field easier and the Panasonic ZS40 will deliver extra detail using its extra 11MP. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop shots much more aggressively. The more aged L1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.