Panasonic LZ40 vs Sony NEX-5R

Lets examine more in depth at the Panasonic LZ40 and Sony NEX-5R, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by companies Panasonic and Sony. There exists a sizeable gap among the image resolutions of the LZ40 (20MP) and NEX-5R (16MP) and the LZ40 (1/2.3") and NEX-5R (APS-C) feature totally different sensor size.

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The LZ40 was revealed 17 months later than the NEX-5R making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic LZ40 being a SLR-like (bridge) camera and the Sony NEX-5R being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before going through a step-by-step comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the LZ40 matches up versus the NEX-5R when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 and Sony Alpha NEX-5R. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic LZ40 Gallery and Sony NEX-5R Gallery.

For those who are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you need to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic LZ40 comes with exterior measurements of 126mm x 87mm x 94mm (5.0" x 3.4" x 3.7") accompanied by a weight of 524 grams (1.16 lbs) and the Sony NEX-5R has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 39mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 276 grams (0.61 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic LZ40 and Sony NEX-5R in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you choose at that moment. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the LZ40 versus the NEX-5R.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the LZ40 and NEX-5R is 67 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it's tough to envision the difference in sensor measurements purely by going through technical specs. The photograph underneath might give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the LZ40 and NEX-5R.

As you have seen, the two cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The LZ40 with its smaller sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field harder and the Panasonic LZ40 will show extra detail because of its extra 4 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics far more aggressively. The more modern LZ40 will have an advantage with regard to sensor innovation.