Panasonic ZS40 vs Sony A230

Following is a extensive analysis of the Panasonic ZS40 and Sony A230, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by companies Panasonic and Sony. There exists a crucial gap between the resolutions of the ZS40 (18MP) and A230 (10MP) and the ZS40 (1/2.3") and A230 (APS-C) provide different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS40 was introduced 4 years after the A230 which is quite a serious gap as far as technology is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera and the Sony A230 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a simple overview of how the ZS40 matches up vs the A230 with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 and Sony Alpha DSLR-A230. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS40 Gallery and Sony A230 Gallery.

If you are going to carry around your camera regularly, you'll need to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS40 has external measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs) and the Sony A230 has specifications of 128mm x 97mm x 68mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 2.7") accompanied by a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS40 and Sony A230 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing during that time. Below is a front view over all size comparison of the ZS40 against the A230.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS40 and A230 is 90 and 69 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to picture the difference between sensor sizes only by checking specifications. The image here might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS40 and A230.

Plainly, both cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The ZS40 using its tinier sensor is going to make shooting bokeh trickier and the Panasonic ZS40 will resolve extra detail using its extra 8MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures way more aggressively. The more recent ZS40 should have an advantage in sensor technology.