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Panasonic ZS40

 
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 front
 
  • 18MP - 1/2.3" Sensor
  • 3" Fixed Screen
  • ISO 100 - 3200 (Expand to 6400)
  • Optical Image Stabilization
  • 1920 x 1080 video
  • 24-720mm (F3.3-6.4) lens
  • 240g - 111 x 64 x 34mm
  • Launched January 2014
  • Also Known as Lumix DMC-TZ60
  • Older Model is Panasonic ZS35
  • Renewed by Panasonic ZS45
  • Read full specs
  • Alternatives
  • Size Comparison
  • FAQ
Portability
90
Imaging
43
Features
58
Overall
49

Panasonic ZS40 summary

Panasonic ZS40 is Panasonic's Small Sensor Superzoom digital camera originally revealed on January of 2014. The camera includes a 18MP, CMOS 1/2.3" size sensor with a full resolution of 4896 x 3672. It is referred to as "Lumix DMC-TZ60" in certain countries.

Panasonic brought out this model to replace the earlier Panasonic ZS35 (Read Full Comparison) and afterwards launched the fresher Panasonic ZS45 (Read Full Comparison) to update this camera.

The ZS40 is rated #24 out of 244 in Small Sensor Superzoom cameras and over-all #441 out of 1465 for digital cameras in our collection. Please test our Advanced camera filter to see camera results based on your personal factors.

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Here is a graph of multiple factors used in the rating system.

Panasonic ZS40 history

The Panasonic ZS40 is part of a family of products. You can read the full list below.

ModelVisualizeLensResolutionSensor SizeReleased
Panasonic-Lumix-DC-ZS80 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS80
ZS40 vs ZS80
24-720mm
F3.3-6.4
20MP1/2.3"2018
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS70 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS70
ZS40 vs ZS70
24-720mm
F3.3-6.4
20MP1/2.3"2017
Sora from OpenAI releases its first ever music video
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS60 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS60
ZS40 vs ZS60
24-720mm
F3.3-6.4
18MP1/2.3"2016
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS50 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS50
ZS40 vs ZS50
24-720mm
F3.3-6.4
12MP1/2.3"2015
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS45 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS45
ZS40 vs ZS45
24-480mm
F3.3-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2015
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS40 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS4024-720mm
F3.3-6.4
18MP1/2.3"2014
Cutting-edge AI developed by Apple deciphers subtle nuances in pixels
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS35 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS35
ZS40 vs ZS35
24-480mm
F3.3-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2014
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS30 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS30
ZS40 vs ZS30
24-480mm
F3.3-6.4
18MP1/2.3"2013
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS25 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS25
ZS40 vs ZS25
24-480mm
F3.3-6.4
16MP1/2.3"2013
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS15 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS15
ZS40 vs ZS15
24-384mm
F3.3-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2012
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS20 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS20
ZS40 vs ZS20
24-480mm
F3.3-6.4
14MP1/2.3"2012
Snapchat Adds Watermarks to AI-Created Images
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS8 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS8
ZS40 vs ZS8
24-384mm
F3.3-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS7 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS7
ZS40 vs ZS7
25-300mm
F3.3-4.9
12MP1/2.3"2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS10 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS10
ZS40 vs ZS10
24-384mm
F3.3-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2011
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS5 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS5
ZS40 vs ZS5
25-300mm
F3.3-4.9
12MP1/2.3"2010
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZR3 front thumbnailPanasonic ZR3
ZS40 vs ZR3
25-200mm
F3.3-5.9
14MP1/2.3"2010
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZR1 front thumbnailPanasonic ZR1
ZS40 vs ZR1
25-200mm
F3.3-5.9
12MP1/2.3"2009
Panasonic-Lumix-DMC-ZS3 front thumbnailPanasonic ZS3
ZS40 vs ZS3
25-300mm
F3.3-4.9
10MP1/2.3"2009

Panasonic ZS40 Pros and Cons

Here is a list of positives and negatives of the Panasonic ZS40 based on aspects that are generally regarded as crucial in a digital camera.

built-in flash
comes with HDMI support
decent sensor resolution (18MP)
delivers RAW formats
focusing manually
good minimum ISO (100)
image stabilization (Optical)
lighter than average in class (240g)
long reach (720mm)
long zoom range (24-720mm 30.0 x zoom)
NFC support
pretty wide (24mm)
screen has good resolution (920 thousand dot)
screen is a decent size (3 inches)
supports face detect focusing
supports tracking focus
video resolution high (1920 x 1080 pxls)
can't swap lenses (fixed lens mount)
can't use external flash
doesn't have phase detect AF
fixed screen
max zoom aperture not good (f6.4)
missing headphone jack
missing mic jack
missing Time Lapse function
screen is not selfie friendly
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.3)
very small sensor size (1/2.3")
Body cameras now worn by bakery staff to deter stealing

Panasonic ZS40 Sensor features

The Panasonic ZS40 houses the Venus Engine processor chip. The sensor measurement on the Panasonic ZS40 is 6.17mm x 4.55mm (1/2.3"). The 28 mm² sensor has the capability to capture 4896 x 3672 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. The camera includes Image Stabilization (Optical). Optical stabilization is superior than digital stabilization since the latter can easily cause cropping.

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The CMOS sensor boasts 18MP and features a standard ISO range of 100 to 3200. The ISO can also be expanded electronically to a maximum of 6400. RAW files are saved so the user has more margin for error.

The graphic below displays the ZS40's sensor size in comparison to other popular sizes. The ZS40 sensor comes with a crop factor of 5.8 and is pointed out in green.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 sensor size Photography Glossary

To get a sense of specific aspect ratios, you should refer to the graphic below.

Camera sensor aspect ratios

Panasonic ZS40 dimensions

Panasonic ZS40 weighs 0.53 lbs (240 grams / 8.47 ounces) and the size of the camera is 111mm x 64mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3"). The weight of average Small Sensor Superzoom camera is 387 grams and the Panasonic ZS40 is less heavy compared to its competitors.

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Listed below is a pic of the Panasonic ZS40 next to a soda so you're able to have a sense of its size.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 dimensions scale

The top view below will highlight the button layout on the ZS40.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 topview buttons dials

Panasonic ZS40 Lens features

The ZS40 comes with a built in lens giving a focal range of 24-720mm giving it a 30.0 x zoom which is great and will let you zoom right in.

At it's widest 24mm, it offers an aperture of f3.3 which will be pretty sluggish and not ideal in low light events and you will likely find it hard to capture a shallow depth of field. You will probably also need to boost your ISO producing noisy shots. For the long end, 720mm is brilliant zoom and comes to f6.4 which is very slow and you may have to apply slower shutter speeds.

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Panasonic ZS40 Connectivity

The ZS40 has the following connectivity:

  • USB Yes
  • Wireless Yes
  • NFC Yes
  • HDMI Yes
  • GPS Yes

Digital cameras that feature NFC and Bluetooth support can easily be controlled wirelessly with smartphones. You are able to transfer images and usually alter camera settings with no need to connect physically with the camera.

Some apps also allow a Liveview and release the shutter if you are not near the camera. If the camera includes a HDMI out, it could be attached to an external monitor. A lot of cameras will allow you to recharge the battery pack using the USB port.

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Panasonic ZS40 Video features

The highest possible video quality on the Panasonic ZS40 is 1920 x 1080 and it can save in MPEG-4 and AVCHD file format. 1080p quality gives you an excellent balance for video quality vs file size but 1080p isn't going to leave you with much room to crop. The body does not offer a mic and headphone port so you get zero control over your sound. It is perhaps a better idea to get an alternative camera should you need decent sound in your videos.

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Panasonic ZS40 Weather Sealing

There is no environment sealing in the Panasonic ZS40 so you have to be careful in rainy and dusty conditions.

Panasonic ZS40 Screen and Viewfinder

The Panasonic ZS40 includes a 3 inch fixed display screen with a resolution of 920 thousand dots.

Sadly the display screen isn't a touch screen.

Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 screen and viewfinder Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The ViewFinder specs regarding Panasonic ZS40 are below:

  • ViewFinder Electronic
  • Resolution 200 thousand dots
  • Coverage 100%

Viewfinders can be very beneficial for bright outdoor conditions which can make the camera screen washed out and hard to view.

Panasonic ZS40 Shutter features

Panasonic ZS40 has the capability to shoot continuously at 10.0 frames/s. The max shutter speed is 1/2000s.

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Panasonic ZS40 Flash and Hot shoe features

Panasonic ZS40 includes just in-built flash with missing external flash support.

Panasonic ZS40 Autofocus features

Panasonic ZS40 includes only Contrast Based Auto Focus and lacks Phase Detect Auto Focus. Phase Detection focusing is a lot faster & precise compared to Contrast Based focusing. The camera includes Face detection which is valuable for people photography.

It includes 23 focus points to pick from. It also features Tracking Auto Focus for moving objects. Panasonic ZS40 includes manual focusing in case it is needed for low light conditions or you require more accurate focusing control.

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Panasonic ZS40 Battery life

The battery life in the Panasonic ZS40 is made to last for 300 pictures based on the CIPA requirements which is comparable with its competition. The average Small Sensor Superzoom camera battery life is 316. Fujifilm HS35EXR offers the best (600) battery life for this range of cameras.

Following is a collection of Small Sensor Superzoom cameras which have the highest battery life:

Panasonic ZS40 for specific kinds of photography

The following illustration provides a outline of the Panasonic ZS40 for specific kinds of photography. To find out more, browse to the specific section below.

Panasonic ZS40 Portrait photography details

The Panasonic ZS40 gets a points total of 52 which is decent, and means the camera is reasonably suitable for portraits. Photographing portrait photos leans greatly towards sensor specs, RAW support & ability to utilize off-camera flash.

Body cameras now worn by bakery staff to deter stealing
has manual focus
good MP (18 megapixels)
comes with face detection focusing
supports RAW files
can't use external flash
sensor is very small (1/2.3")

Street photography with Panasonic ZS40

With a nice points tally of 69, the Panasonic ZS40 is a good fit for street photography. A decent street photography camera offers a perfect balance of picture quality plus portability.

Photography Glossary
built in image stabilization (Optical)
delivers RAW formats
lighter than competition (240g)
fixed screen
small sensor size (1/2.3")

Panasonic ZS40 Sports photography details

A modest sports photography score of 54 means the Panasonic ZS40 is reasonably acceptable for taking pictures of sports. A camera really should have very good tracking and fast continuous shooting for sports photography.

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great zoom range (24-720mm 30.0 x zoom)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
resolution is good (18 megapixels)
supports tracking focus
sensor size is tiny (1/2.3")
lacks phase detect auto focus

Travel photography with Panasonic ZS40

Size is extremely important when buying a camera for travel. All things considered, the Panasonic ZS40 gets a above average 69 as a travelling camera which is a very decent choice to take with you on your travels.

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lighter than competitors in class (240g)
megapixel count decent (18 megapixels)
flash built-in
reasonably wide (24mm)
long reach (720mm)
no Timelapse function
doesn't contain selfie friendly screen
sluggish maximum aperture (f3.3)

Landscape photography with Panasonic ZS40

When you're looking to pick a camera for landscape photographs, the most vital aspect will be image quality. The Panasonic ZS40 with it's reasonable grade of 56 for a landscape camera is reasonably acceptable within the current market.

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you can focus manually
quite wide (24mm)
good sized screen (3 inches)
built in image stabilization (Optical)
MP count good (18 megapixels)
delivers RAW formats
can't change lens (fixed lens mount)
somewhat slow max aperture (f3.3)
tiny sensor size (1/2.3")
no Time Lapse function

Panasonic ZS40 as a Vlogging camera

A vlogging camera preferably should come with a articulating display screen, microphone port and ideally IBIS. Taking everything into account, the Panasonic ZS40 is not really very good as a vlog camera as it comes to a really bad score of 34.

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fairly wide (24mm)
image stabilization (Optical)
includes face detection focus
video res high (1920 x 1080 pixels)
lighter than average (240g)
slow maximum aperture (f3.3)
display is not selfie friendly
lack of external mic jack

Panasonic ZS40 Alternatives

If you are looking for replacements to the ZS40, here is a range of the highest placed cameras that fall under the class of Small Sensor Superzoom.

The graph followed below gives you a bird's eye view of the ZS40 vs it's top scored rivals suggested earlier.

Here are a few more cameras you may take a look at as alternate options. To see a extensive comparison, click the "compare" link.

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Specifications

General Information
Manufacturer
Panasonic
Model type
Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40
Also referred to as
Lumix DMC-TZ60
Category
Small Sensor Superzoom
Launched
2014-01-06
Body design
Compact
Sensor Information
Sensor type
CMOS
Processor Chip
Venus Engine
Sensor size
1/2.3"
Sensor dimensions
6.17 x 4.55mm
Sensor area
28.1mm²
Sensor resolution
18MP
Anti alias filter
Aspect ratio
1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9
Peak resolution
4896 x 3672
RAW photos
Highest native ISO
3200
Highest enhanced ISO
6400
Minimum native ISO
100
Autofocusing
Focus manually
AF touch
AF continuous
Single AF
AF tracking
Selective AF
Center weighted AF
Multi area AF
AF live view
Face detection focusing
Contract detection focusing
Phase detection focusing
Total focus points
23
Lens
Lens support
fixed lens
Lens zoom range
24-720mm (30.0x)
Highest aperture
f/3.3-6.4
Macro focusing distance
3cm
Focal length multiplier
5.8
Screen
Screen type
Fixed Type
Screen sizing
3 inches
Resolution of screen
920 thousand dot
Selfie friendly
Liveview
Touch display
Screen technology
TFT LCD with AR coating
Viewfinder Information
Viewfinder type
Electronic
Viewfinder resolution
200 thousand dot
Viewfinder coverage
100%
DXO scores
DXO Overall rating
not tested
DXO Color Depth rating
not tested
DXO Dynamic range rating
not tested
DXO Low light rating
not tested
Features
Minimum shutter speed
4 seconds
Fastest shutter speed
1/2000 seconds
Continuous shutter speed
10.0 frames/s
Shutter priority
Aperture priority
Manually set exposure
Exposure compensation
Yes
Change WB
Image stabilization
Built-in flash
Flash distance
6.40 m
Flash modes
Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
Hot shoe
AEB
WB bracketing
Exposure
Multisegment metering
Average metering
Spot metering
Partial metering
AF area metering
Center weighted metering
Video features
Video resolutions
1920 x 1080 (60p/60i/30p), 1280 x 720 (60p/30p), 640 x 480 (30p)
Highest video resolution
1920x1080
Video file format
MPEG-4, AVCHD
Mic input
Headphone input
Connectivity
Wireless
Built-In
Bluetooth
NFC
HDMI
USB
USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
GPS
BuiltIn
Physical
Environmental seal
Water proofing
Dust proofing
Shock proofing
Crush proofing
Freeze proofing
Weight
240 gr (0.53 lb)
Physical dimensions
111 x 64 x 34mm (4.4" x 2.5" x 1.3")
Other
Battery life
300 pictures
Type of battery
Battery Pack
Self timer
Yes (2 or 10 sec)
Time lapse shooting
Type of storage
SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
Storage slots
1
Pricing at release
$450