Panasonic ZS40 vs Sony RX100 V

The following is a comprehensive assessment of the Panasonic ZS40 versus Sony RX100 V, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by rivals Panasonic and Sony. The resolution of the ZS40 (18MP) and the RX100 V (20MP) is pretty comparable but the ZS40 (1/2.3") and RX100 V (1") enjoy different sensor sizes.

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The ZS40 was unveiled 3 years prior to the RX100 V which is a fairly big difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 V being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before delving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a simple overview of how the ZS40 scores vs the RX100 V with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

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

If you're looking to travel with your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic ZS40 enjoys outside measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") along with a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs) whilst the Sony RX100 V has sizing of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") having a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZS40 versus Sony RX100 V in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you choose at that time. The following is the front view measurement comparison of the ZS40 versus the RX100 V.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the ZS40 and RX100 V is 90 and 89 respectively.

Generally, it's hard to imagine the difference in sensor dimensions only by checking out specifications. The picture below should provide you a greater sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS40 and RX100 V.

To sum up, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The ZS40 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF tougher and the Sony RX100 V will produce more detail having an extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will let you crop shots far more aggressively. The more aged ZS40 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.