Panasonic ZS40 vs Sony NEX-3

Here, we will be reviewing the Panasonic ZS40 vs Sony NEX-3, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Panasonic and Sony. There exists a crucial gap among the resolutions of the ZS40 (18MP) and NEX-3 (14MP) and the ZS40 (1/2.3") and NEX-3 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The ZS40 was released 3 years later than the NEX-3 and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go right into a complete comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the ZS40 matches up vs the NEX-3 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 and Sony Alpha NEX-3. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS40 Gallery and Sony NEX-3 Gallery.

If you are intending to lug around your camera regularly, you should take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS40 offers physical 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 Sony NEX-3 has proportions of 117mm x 62mm x 33mm (4.6" x 2.4" x 1.3") and a weight of 297 grams (0.65 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS40 vs Sony NEX-3 in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you use at the time. The following is a front view overall size comparison of the ZS40 versus the NEX-3.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the ZS40 and NEX-3 is 90 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it is very hard to see the contrast in sensor measurements purely by going through a spec sheet. The photograph here should offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS40 and NEX-3.

Clearly, the two cameras feature different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The ZS40 featuring a smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF trickier and the Panasonic ZS40 will provide extra detail as a result of its extra 4MP. Higher resolution will also allow you to crop shots way more aggressively. The more recent ZS40 is going to have an advantage when it comes to sensor technology.