Panasonic ZS40 vs Sony A9

Following is a extended assessment of the Panasonic ZS40 and Sony A9, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Pro Mirrorless by competitors Panasonic and Sony. There is a sizable difference among the sensor resolutions of the ZS40 (18MP) and A9 (24MP) and the ZS40 (1/2.3") and A9 (Full frame) possess totally different sensor sizes.

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The ZS40 was unveiled 4 years before the A9 which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera and the Sony A9 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera.

Before delving in to a step-by-step comparison, below is a quick summation of how the ZS40 grades against the A9 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 & Sony Alpha A9. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS40 Gallery & Sony A9 Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry around your camera, you need to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS40 comes with outer measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs) whilst the Sony A9 has specifications of 127mm x 96mm x 63mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.5") having a weight of 673 grams (1.48 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS40 and Sony A9 in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are utilizing at the time. Below is the front view overall size comparison of the ZS40 vs the A9.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS40 and A9 is 90 and 65 respectively.

In many cases, it is very difficult to envision the difference in sensor sizes only by checking out a spec sheet. The picture here will offer you a much better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS40 and A9.

Clearly, both of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The ZS40 having a smaller sensor will make getting bokeh more challenging and the Sony A9 will show extra detail having an extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged ZS40 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.