Panasonic ZS40 vs Sony A6500

Here, we will be reviewing the Panasonic ZS40 vs Sony A6500, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Advanced Mirrorless by companies Panasonic and Sony. There is a huge difference among the image resolutions of the ZS40 (18MP) and A6500 (24MP) and the ZS40 (1/2.3") and A6500 (APS-C) provide different sensor sizes.

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The ZS40 was launched 3 years earlier than the A6500 and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera and the Sony A6500 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before getting into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick synopsis of how the ZS40 scores versus the A6500 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 and Sony Alpha a6500. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS40 Gallery and Sony A6500 Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera often, you need to take into account its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS40 provides exterior dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") having a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs) and the Sony A6500 has specifications of 120mm x 67mm x 53mm (4.7" x 2.6" x 2.1") and a weight of 453 grams (1.00 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS40 vs Sony A6500 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have attached at that moment. Following is a front view scale comparison of the ZS40 compared to the A6500.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS40 and A6500 is 90 and 81 respectively.

Usually, its hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizing only by viewing a spec sheet. The photograph here might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS40 and A6500.

Clearly, each of the cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS40 because of its smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh tougher and the Sony A6500 will render extra detail utilizing its extra 6MP. Higher resolution can also make it easier to crop shots way more aggressively. The older ZS40 will be behind in sensor tech.