Panasonic ZS40 vs Samsung HZ15W

The following is a detailed comparison of the Panasonic ZS40 and Samsung HZ15W, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Small Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Samsung. There exists a sizeable gap between the resolutions of the ZS40 (18MP) and HZ15W (12MP) but they enjoy the same exact sensor sizes (1/2.3").

Photography Glossary

The ZS40 was revealed 4 years after the HZ15W which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Compact).

Before getting straight into a in depth comparison, below is a short overview of how the ZS40 matches up against the HZ15W in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 and Samsung HZ15W. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS40 Gallery and Samsung HZ15W Gallery.

For those who are intending to travel with your camera frequently, you need to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS40 has got physical dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs) while the Samsung HZ15W has measurements of 105mm x 61mm x 37mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.5") having a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS40 and Samsung HZ15W in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you are using during that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the ZS40 and the HZ15W.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS40 and HZ15W is 90 and 90 respectively.

Typically, it is hard to imagine the contrast between sensor dimensions only by looking at specs. The image below might offer you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS40 and HZ15W.

As you can plainly see, both cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit different MP. You should count on the Panasonic ZS40 to give you greater detail because of its extra 6MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The younger ZS40 provides an advantage with regard to sensor technology.