Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic FZ40 Comparison

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Panasonic ZS3

10 MP | 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) CCD Sensor

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Panasonic FZ40

14 MP | 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) CCD Sensor

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Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic FZ40 Comparison Overview

In this review, we will be comparing ZS3 and FZ40, two Small Sensor Superzoom cameras by Panasonic. Both cameras have 1/2.3-inch sensors but Panasonic ZS3 has a 10.0 MP and Panasonic FZ40 has a 14.0 MP resolution. Panasonic ZS3 was introduced to market in May 2009 and Panasonic FZ40 was launched in July 2010. There is 14 months difference between ZS3 and FZ40 so we don't expect to see a huge technology difference between these two cameras but it would still give an advantage to younger FZ40, especially in sensor tech.

Here is a brief look at the main features of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ40 before getting into our more detailed comparison.

Panasonic ZS3 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2009-05-14

10MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 80 - 6400

25-300 mm F3.3-4.9 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3" Fixed Type Screen

2 fps continuous shooting

HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution

229g. 103 x 60 x 33 mm

Also known as Lumix DMC-TZ7

Panasonic FZ40 Key Specs

Announcement Date: 2010-07-21

14MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor

ISO 80 - 6400

25-600 mm F2.8-5.2 Zoom Lens

Optical Image Stabilization

3" Fixed Type Screen

Electronic viewfinder

2 fps continuous shooting

HD - 1280 x 720 video resolution

494g. 120 x 80 x 92 mm

Also known as Lumix DMC-FZ45

Let's read on the following sections in order to better understand in detail how Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ40 compares and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one is better for you.

Reasons to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40

LCD Screen Resolution	460k dots vs 230k dots	100% higher resolution screen
Weight	229 g vs 494 g	265 g lighter
Max Aperture - Tele	4.90 vs 5.20	faster lens at tele
Sensor Pixel Area	2.78µm² vs 1.98µm²	40% larger pixel area

Reasons to choose Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 over Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3

Viewfinder	Electronic vs None	Better framing and control
RAW Support	Yes vs No	Better image quality
Max Sensor Resolution	14 MP vs 10 MP	39% more pixels
Manual Exposure	Yes vs No	better exposure control
Focal Length - Tele	600mm vs 300mm	300 mm longer tele reach
Optical Zoom	24× vs 12×	more flexible focal coverage
Max Aperture - Wide	2.80 vs 3.30	faster lens at wide
Flash Coverage	9.5m vs 5.3m	4.2m longer range

Common Strengths of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40

Image Stabilization	Optical vs Optical	Sharper images at longer focal lengths and long exposures
Built-in Flash	Yes vs Yes	Useful in low-light
Focal Length - Tele	300mm vs 600mm	Very good Telezoom

Common Weaknesses of Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40

Fixed Screen	Fixed Type vs No	No flexible viewing angles
External Flash Shoe	No vs No	Not suitable for flash photography
LCD Screen Resolution	460k dots vs 230k dots	Low resolution screens
Continuous Shooting	2.0fps vs 2.0fps	Slow shooting speeds
Environmental Sealing	No vs No	not suitable for tough conditions
AE Bracketing	No vs No	Not good for multi-exposure HDR

Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic FZ40: Physical Specs and Body features Comparison

Size and weight is a big decision factor when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs. In this section, We are going to illustrate Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ40 side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Panasonic ZS3 has external dimensions of 103 x 60 x 33 mm (4.06 x 2.36 x 1.3″) and weighs 229 g (0.50 lb / 8.08 oz) (including batteries). Panasonic FZ40 has external dimensions of 120 x 80 x 92 mm (4.72 x 3.15 x 3.62″) and weighs 494 g (1.09 lb / 17.43 oz) (including batteries).

Below you can see the front view size comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ40. Panasonic ZS3 is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 17mm narrower, 20mm shorter and 59mm thinner than Panasonic FZ40.

Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ40 Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View

Here is the back view size comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ40.

Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ40 Size and Weight - Back View

Now lets look at the top view comparison of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ40.

Top View Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ40 Size

Weight is another important factor especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day. Panasonic ZS3 is significantly lighter (265g ) than the Panasonic FZ40 which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.

Weight Comparison

Bridge Cameras

ZS3

FZ40

Min

Average

Max

Thickness Comparison

Bridge Cameras

ZS3

FZ40

Min

Average

Max

Weather Sealing

Unfortunately neither Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 (Lumix DMC-TZ7) nor Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 (Lumix DMC-FZ45) provides any type of weather sealing in their body, 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
Top Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing

LCD Screen Size and Features

Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ40's LCD screens has the same diagonal size of 3".

Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.

Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic FZ40: Sensor Comparison

Panasonic ZS3 has a 10.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor . On the other hand, Panasonic FZ40 has a 14.0MP 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor and features Venus Engine HD II processor.

Below you can see the ZS3 and FZ40 sensor size comparison.

Sensor Size and Resolution Comparison image of Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ40 Cameras

Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ40 have sensor sizes so they will provide same level of control over the depth of field when used with same focal length and aperture. On the other hand, since Panasonic ZS3 has 40% larger pixel area compared to Panasonic FZ40, it has potential to collect more light on pixel level hence have less noise in low light / High ISO images.

Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic FZ40 Lens Specs Comparison

Panasonic ZS3 features a 25-300 mm F3.3-4.9 12× zoom lens whereas Panasonic FZ40 features a 25-600 mm F2.8-5.2 24× zoom lens.

Both cameras have a wide angle coverage of 25mm. On the other hand, with a max aperture of f2.80, Panasonic FZ40 is faster than Panasonic ZS3 at this focal length. On the tele end, Panasonic FZ40 has 300mm longer telezoom reach than the Panasonic ZS3. However, with a max aperture of f4.90, Panasonic ZS3 is faster at widest end.

Wide Coverage

Compact Cameras

ZS3

FZ40

Widest - Ricoh WG-M1

Average

Telezoom

DSLR-Like Cameras

ZS3

FZ40

Longest - Canon SX520 HS

Average

Max Aperture at Tele

DSLR-Like Cameras

ZS3

FZ40

Fastest - Ricoh GR Digital IV

Average

Max Aperture at Wide

DSLR-Like Cameras

ZS3

FZ40

Fastest - Leica D-Lux 6

Average

What types of Photography are Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ40 Good for?

In this section, we rank and compare Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ40 for five different photography types in order to make your decision process easier in case you are specifically interested in one or more of these areas.

Panasonic ZS3 for Portrait Photography

POOR

Panasonic FZ40 for Portrait Photography

AVERAGE

Image Stabilization
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
Very Low Resolution Sensor: 10.0MP
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Read the details

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No External Flash Shoe
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 for Street Photography

AVERAGE

Panasonic FZ40 for Street Photography

GOOD

Image Stabilization
Small Body
Live-view
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
Read the details

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Live-view
Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Medium sized Body
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 for Sports Photography

POOR

Panasonic FZ40 for Sports Photography

AVERAGE

Image Stabilization
11 Focus Points
300 mm Tele Lens
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No RAW shooting capability
No External Flash Shoe
No Built-in Viewfinder
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
Not so good Ergonomics&Handling
Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Image Stabilization
RAW shooting capability
Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
600 mm Tele Lens
Average Ergonomics&Handling
Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
No External Flash Shoe
Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps
Environmental Sealings
Unknown Focus Points
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Panasonic FZ40 for Daily Photography

GOOD

Compact Body
229g
12.0X Optical Zoom
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No RAW shooting capability
Read the details

RAW shooting capability
24.0X Optical Zoom
Medium size Body
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
494g
Body Thickness 92mm
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 for Landscape Photography

POOR

Panasonic FZ40 for Landscape Photography

POOR

25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
Very Low Resolution Sensor: 10.0MP
No RAW shooting capability
No Manual Focus Mode
No Manual Exposure Mode
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Manual Focus Mode
Manual Exposure Mode
25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
No Environmental Sealings
Read the details

Panasonic ZS3 vs Panasonic FZ40: OUR DECISION

You may have already made your decision about which camera suits better for your needs and your budget so far but in case you wonder how we rated Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ40, below you can find their scores in five different aspects. Our Decision Algorithm dynamically scores cameras using 63 different specs, current price and DxO Mark scores (where possible) in order to make a more objective and consistent comparison.

Here is a summary of how Panasonic ZS3 and Panasonic FZ40 scores compare:

Panasonic ZS3

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #342 out of 475 in Compact cameras
Ranked #996 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Panasonic FZ40

Imaging

Features

Value

Portability

Overall

Ranked #57 out of 113 in SLR-like (bridge) cameras
Ranked #591 out of 1223 in all Cameras

Panasonic FZ40 is the overall winner of this comparison. It has a higher Overall Score and beats Panasonic ZS3 in all criteria except one: Portability.
If small size and light body is a big priority for you, choose Panasonic ZS3. Otherwise, Panasonic FZ40 is the better camera overall.

Panasonic FZ40 vs Panasonic ZS3 Specs Table

Detailed comparison of specifications

General	Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3	Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40
Brand	Panasonic	Panasonic
Announced	2009-05-14	2010-07-21
Body Type	Compact	SLR-like (bridge)
Sensor
Type	CCD	CCD
Size	1/2.3-inch	1/2.3-inch
Dimensions	6.08 x 4.56 mm	6.08 x 4.56 mm
Area	27.72mm²	27.72mm²
Megapixels	10 megapixels	14 megapixels
Max Resolution	3648 x 2736	4320 x 3240
Max Native Light sensitivity	6,400 ISO	6,400 ISO
Min Native Light sensitivity	80 ISO	80 ISO
RAW Support
Autofocus
AF Touch
AF Continuous
AF Single
AF Tracking
AF Selective
AF Center
AF Multi Area
AF Live View
AF Face Detection
AF Contrast Detection
AF Phase Detection
Number of Focus Points	11	n/a
Lens
Manual Focus
Lens Mount	fixed lens	fixed lens
Lens Focal Range	25-300 mm (12×)	25-600 mm (24×)
Max Aperture	F3.3-4.9	F2.8-5.2
Macro Focus Range	3cm	1cm
Screen
Type	Fixed type	Fixed type
Size	3"	3"
Resolution	460k dots	230k dots
Touch Screen
Viewfinder
Viewfinder	None	Electronic
Photography Features
Max Mechanical Shutter	1/2000s	1/2000s
Shutter Priority
Aperture Priority
Manual Exposure Mode
Custom White Balance
Image Stabilization	Optical	Optical
Built-in Flash
Flash Range	5.30 m (Auto ISO)	9.50 m
External Flash
Continuous Shooting	2.0 fps	2.0 fps
Multi-Segment
Average
Spot
Partial
AF-Area
Center Weighted
AE Bracketing
WB Bracketing
Video Features
Max Video Resolution	1280 x 720	1280 x 720
Video Formats	AVCHD Lite	AVCHD Lite
Microphone Port
Headphone Port
Connectivity
Wireless Connectivity	None	None
HDMI
Physical
Environmental Sealing
Weight	229g	494g
Dimensions	103 x 60 x 33mm	120 x 80 x 92mm
Battery Life	n/a	n/a
Other Features
Timelapse Recording
GPS	None	None
DxO Sensor Scores
	Report a correction	Report a correction