Panasonic ZS100 vs Panasonic ZS40

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Panasonic ZS100 versus Panasonic ZS40, former being a Large Sensor Compact while the latter is a Small Sensor Superzoom and they are both sold by Panasonic. The image resolution of the ZS100 (20MP) and the ZS40 (18MP) is relatively comparable but the ZS100 (1") and ZS40 (1/2.3") feature totally different sensor measurements.

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The ZS100 was introduced 2 years later than the ZS40 and that is a fairly sizable difference as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a full comparison, below is a quick synopsis of how the ZS100 grades versus the ZS40 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 & Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS100 Gallery & Panasonic ZS40 Gallery.

For anybody who is going to carry your camera regularly, you are going to need to think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS100 features external dimensions of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Panasonic ZS40 has dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS100 versus Panasonic ZS40 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is the front view size comparison of the ZS100 vs the ZS40.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS100 and ZS40 is 87 and 90 respectively.

Quite often, it is very difficult to visualise the gap in sensor sizing just by going through technical specs. The photograph here might provide you a clearer sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS100 and ZS40.

As you can tell, each of the cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS100 using its bigger sensor will make shooting shallow DOF less difficult and the Panasonic ZS100 will show greater detail using its extra 2MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop photographs far more aggressively. The newer ZS100 is going to have an edge in sensor tech.