Panasonic ZS40 vs Sony A65

In this write-up, we will be reviewing the Panasonic ZS40 vs Sony A65, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Entry-Level DSLR by brands Panasonic and Sony. There exists a sizable gap between the resolutions of the ZS40 (18MP) and A65 (24MP) and the ZS40 (1/2.3") and A65 (APS-C) come with totally different sensor sizes.

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The ZS40 was launched 2 years after the A65 which is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS40 being a Compact camera and the Sony A65 being a Compact SLR camera.

Before going in to a complete comparison, below is a quick overview of how the ZS40 grades vs the A65 in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 & Sony SLT-A65. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS40 Gallery & Sony A65 Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to carry around your camera frequently, you'll have to think about its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS40 comes with physical measurements of 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 240 grams (0.53 lbs) whilst the Sony A65 has specifications of 132mm x 97mm x 81mm (5.2" x 3.8" x 3.2") and a weight of 622 grams (1.37 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic ZS40 vs Sony A65 in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you choose during that time. Below is the front view measurement comparison of the ZS40 and the A65.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS40 and A65 is 90 and 64 respectively.

Quite often, it's difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes merely by checking technical specs. The picture below may offer you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS40 and A65.

As you have seen, each of the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The ZS40 because of its tinier sensor will make getting shallow DOF harder and the Sony A65 will give you extra detail utilizing its extra 6 Megapixels. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots a little more aggressively. The more recent ZS40 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.