Panasonic ZS40 vs Panasonic ZS5

Here, we will be evaluating the Panasonic ZS40 versus Panasonic ZS5, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and both are sold by Panasonic. There is a sizeable difference among the sensor resolutions of the ZS40 (18MP) and ZS5 (12MP) but both cameras offer the identical sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The ZS40 was introduced 3 years after the ZS5 which is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature the same body design (Compact).

Before getting into a detailed comparison, here is a quick summation of how the ZS40 matches up vs the ZS5 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS40 Gallery and Panasonic ZS5 Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS40 comes with external dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs) and the Panasonic ZS5 has specifications of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS40 versus Panasonic ZS5 in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have attached at the time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the ZS40 against the ZS5.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS40 and ZS5 is 90 and 92 respectively.

Usually, it is difficult to visualise the contrast in sensor sizes simply by viewing specs. The pic below may offer you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS40 and ZS5.

All in all, both of these cameras feature the identical sensor size albeit not the same megapixels. You should expect the Panasonic ZS40 to provide you with extra detail using its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop pictures way more aggressively. The more recent ZS40 will have an edge in sensor innovation.