Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, we are going to illustrate the Nikon S6500 and Panasonic ZS40 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Nikon S6500 has external dimensions of and weighs 250 g (0.55 lb / 8.82 oz) (including batteries). Panasonic ZS40 has external dimensions of 111 x 64 x 34 mm (4.37 x 2.52 x 1.34″) and weighs 240 g (0.53 lb / 8.47 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Nikon S6500 and the Panasonic ZS40. Nikon S6500 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 16mm narrower, 6mm shorter and 8mm thinner than Panasonic ZS40.
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Nikon S6500 and Panasonic ZS40.
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Panasonic ZS40 is 10g lighter than the Nikon S6500 but we don't think this will make a significant difference.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Nikon Coolpix S6500 nor Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 (Lumix DMC-TZ60) provides any type of weather sealing in their bodies, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections: Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Nikon S6500 and Panasonic ZS40's LCD screens have the same diagonal size of 3.00 inches.
Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.