Panasonic ZS40 vs Sony NEX-5N

On this page, we are matching up the Panasonic ZS40 versus Sony NEX-5N, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the ZS40 (18MP) and the NEX-5N (16MP) is very comparable but the ZS40 (1/2.3") and NEX-5N (APS-C) have different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS40 was launched 2 years later than the NEX-5N and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting into a step-by-step comparison, here is a short introduction of how the ZS40 scores versus the NEX-5N with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 and Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS40 Gallery and Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

If you are planning to lug around your camera frequently, you'll have to think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS40 enjoys outer 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-5N has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") along with a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS40 versus Sony NEX-5N in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Here is a front view measurement comparison of the ZS40 versus the NEX-5N.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS40 and NEX-5N is 90 and 89 respectively.

Often, it can be tough to picture the gap in sensor measurements merely by checking out a spec sheet. The graphic here will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS40 and NEX-5N.

Clearly, the two cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The ZS40 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Panasonic ZS40 will provide greater detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Greater resolution can also let you crop images more aggressively. The more recent ZS40 should have an edge when it comes to sensor technology.