Panasonic ZS40 vs Sony RX100 IV

In this write-up, we are matching up the Panasonic ZS40 vs Sony RX100 IV, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Large Sensor Compact by manufacturers Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZS40 (18MP) and the RX100 IV (20MP) is very well matched but the ZS40 (1/2.3") and RX100 IV (1") use different sensor size.

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The ZS40 was brought out 17 months prior to the RX100 IV making the cameras a generation away from each other. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 IV being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before diving through a in-depth comparison, below is a short view of how the ZS40 scores against the RX100 IV with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 IV. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS40 Gallery & Sony RX100 IV Gallery.

If you're aiming to carry around your camera frequently, you need to factor in its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS40 enjoys exterior dimensions of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") and a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs) and the Sony RX100 IV has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") with a weight of 298 grams (0.66 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS40 vs Sony RX100 IV in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you use during that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the ZS40 and the RX100 IV.

Looking at size and weight, the portability grade of the ZS40 and RX100 IV is 90 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to picture the gap between sensor sizes merely by looking at a spec sheet. The pic below will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS40 and RX100 IV.

Clearly, each of these cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The ZS40 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow DOF more challenging and the Sony RX100 IV will give you more detail having its extra 2MP. Greater resolution will also let you crop images far more aggressively. The more aged ZS40 is going to be behind in sensor tech.