Panasonic ZS40 vs Sony A390

The following is a extended overview of the Panasonic ZS40 and Sony A390, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Sony. There is a large difference between the resolutions of the ZS40 (18MP) and A390 (14MP) and the ZS40 (1/2.3") and A390 (APS-C) provide totally different sensor dimensions.

Photography Glossary

The ZS40 was revealed 3 years after the A390 which is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera and the Sony A390 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before we go right into a full comparison, here is a brief summation of how the ZS40 scores versus the A390 when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 & Sony Alpha DSLR-A390. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS40 Gallery & Sony A390 Gallery.

When you are intending to travel with your camera, you are going to need to factor its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS40 features 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) and the Sony A390 has proportions of 128mm x 97mm x 86mm (5.0" x 3.8" x 3.4") accompanied by a weight of 549 grams (1.21 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS40 and Sony A390 in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. The following is a front view dimension comparison of the ZS40 versus the A390.

Looking at size and weight, the portability score of the ZS40 and A390 is 90 and 66 respectively.

Usually, it is very difficult to see the gap between sensor dimensions merely by looking at technical specs. The pic underneath should provide you a clearer sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS40 and A390.

As you have seen, both of these cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The ZS40 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic ZS40 will give extra detail because of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The newer ZS40 will have an edge in sensor innovation.