Panasonic ZS40 vs Sony RX100 VA

Below is a extensive comparison of the Panasonic ZS40 and Sony RX100 VA, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Large Sensor Compact by competitors Panasonic and Sony. The image resolution of the ZS40 (18MP) and the RX100 VA (20MP) is relatively comparable but the ZS40 (1/2.3") and RX100 VA (1") come with different sensor size.

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The ZS40 was launched 5 years earlier than the RX100 VA and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera and the Sony RX100 VA being a Large Sensor Compact camera.

Before we go in to a in depth comparison, below is a brief summation of how the ZS40 grades versus the RX100 VA in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 and Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX100 V(A). The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZS40 Gallery and Sony RX100 VA Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to lug around your camera frequently, you will have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic ZS40 comes with 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 VA has proportions of 102mm x 58mm x 41mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.6") along with a weight of 299 grams (0.66 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS40 and Sony RX100 VA in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ based on the lens you choose during that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the ZS40 versus the RX100 VA.

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

Normally, it is very hard to visualize the gap in sensor measurements simply by seeing a spec sheet. The graphic here should provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizes in the ZS40 and RX100 VA.

As you can see, the two cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The ZS40 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field tougher and the Sony RX100 VA will provide more detail utilizing its extra 2 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also let you crop pictures a little more aggressively. The older ZS40 will be behind when it comes to sensor technology.