Panasonic SZ7 vs Panasonic ZS40

In this write-up, we are looking at the Panasonic SZ7 versus Panasonic ZS40, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both created by Panasonic. There exists a crucial gap between the resolutions of the SZ7 (14MP) and ZS40 (18MP) but they use the same exact sensor measurements (1/2.3").

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The SZ7 was unveiled 24 months earlier than the ZS40 making the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of these cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before we go through a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the SZ7 scores versus the ZS40 for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ7 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The full galleries are available at Panasonic SZ7 Gallery and Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera regularly, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic SZ7 comes with exterior measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") accompanied by a weight of 133 grams (0.29 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS40 has specifications of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

See the Panasonic SZ7 versus Panasonic ZS40 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Below is the front view scale comparison of the SZ7 against the ZS40.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ7 and ZS40 is 95 and 90 respectively.

Quite often, its tough to see the gap between sensor sizing merely by reading through technical specs. The graphic here should provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the SZ7 and ZS40.

As you have seen, the 2 cameras enjoy the same exact sensor sizing but not the same resolution. You should expect to see the Panasonic ZS40 to give you greater detail having an extra 4MP. Greater resolution will help you crop images far more aggressively. The older SZ7 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.