Panasonic ZS40 vs Sony RX100

Lets look a bit more closely at the Panasonic ZS40 vs Sony RX100, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZS40 (18MP) and the RX100 (20MP) is pretty well matched but the ZS40 (1/2.3") and RX100 (1") enjoy totally different sensor measurements.

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The ZS40 was announced 17 months later than the RX100 which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Both of the cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go through a in-depth comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the ZS40 matches up versus the RX100 with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic ZS40 Gallery and Sony RX100 Gallery.

When you are going to lug around your camera frequently, you have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS40 features outer dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs) whilst the Sony RX100 has measurements of 102mm x 58mm x 36mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.4") along with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic ZS40 vs Sony RX100 in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you are employing at the time. Following is the front view scale comparison of the ZS40 compared to the RX100.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS40 and RX100 is 90 and 91 respectively.

Normally, it is hard to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements simply by checking specs. The graphic underneath may offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS40 and RX100.

All in all, both of the cameras have got different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The ZS40 using its tinier sensor will make getting bokeh harder and the Sony RX100 will give you greater detail with its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will help you crop shots much more aggressively. The fresher ZS40 will have an advantage in sensor technology.