Panasonic ZS40 vs Ricoh GR Digital III

Its time to look closer at the Panasonic ZS40 and Ricoh GR Digital III, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Small Sensor Compact by brands Panasonic and Ricoh. There exists a sizeable gap among the resolutions of the ZS40 (18MP) and GR Digital III (10MP) and the ZS40 (1/2.3") and GR Digital III (1/1.7") boast totally different sensor measurements.

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The ZS40 was announced 4 years later than the GR Digital III and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of the cameras have the same body design (Compact).

Before delving into a thorough comparison, here is a concise summation of how the ZS40 grades versus the GR Digital III with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 and Ricoh GR Digital III. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS40 Gallery and Ricoh GR Digital III Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera often, you should factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS40 features outer dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs) while the Ricoh GR Digital III has sizing of 109mm x 59mm x 26mm (4.3" x 2.3" x 1.0") with a weight of 208 grams (0.46 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS40 and Ricoh GR Digital III in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at the time. Here is a front view size comparison of the ZS40 against the GR Digital III.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS40 and GR Digital III is 90 and 92 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very hard to visualise the difference in sensor sizing merely by seeing specs. The visual underneath should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS40 and GR Digital III.

All in all, both of those cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS40 having a smaller sensor will make achieving shallow DOF tougher and the Panasonic ZS40 will provide greater detail with its extra 8 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics more aggressively. The more recent ZS40 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor tech.