Panasonic ZS40 vs Samsung HZ50W

Below is a extended review of the Panasonic ZS40 and Samsung HZ50W, both Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by manufacturers Panasonic and Samsung. There exists a huge gap among the image resolutions of the ZS40 (18MP) and HZ50W (14MP) but they feature the same exact sensor dimensions (1/2.3").

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The ZS40 was unveiled 3 years later than the HZ50W and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera and the Samsung HZ50W being a SLR-like (bridge) camera.

Before getting straight into a full comparison, below is a quick summary of how the ZS40 scores vs the HZ50W when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 and Samsung HZ50W. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS40 Gallery and Samsung HZ50W Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera often, you will have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS40 enjoys external measurements 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 HZ50W has measurements of 116mm x 83mm x 91mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.6") with a weight of 426 grams (0.94 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS40 and Samsung HZ50W in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are working with at that moment. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the ZS40 against the HZ50W.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS40 and HZ50W is 90 and 70 respectively.

More often than not, it is difficult to envision the contrast in sensor measurements only by checking out specs. The photograph below will provide you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS40 and HZ50W.

All in all, both of these cameras offer the same exact sensor sizing albeit not the same MP. You should count on the Panasonic ZS40 to provide extra detail having an extra 4MP. Higher resolution will let you crop shots a little more aggressively. The more modern ZS40 will have a benefit when it comes to sensor innovation.