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  • BLOG

Panasonic FZ40 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Panasonic FZ40

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    Main Features

    • 14MP - 1/2.3-inch CCD Sensor
    • ISO 80 - 6400
    • 25-600 mm F2.8-5.2 Zoom Lens
    • Optical Image Stabilization
    • 3.00" Fixed Type Screen
    • Electronic viewfinder
    • 2.0fps continuous shooting
    • 494g. 120 x 80 x 92 mm
    • Also known as Lumix DMC-FZ45
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Panasonic FZ40 Overview

    Launched in July 2010 , Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 is a 14.0MP Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 1/2.3-inch (6.08 x 4.56 mm ) sized CCD sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and 24.0x zoom 25-600 mm F2.8-5.2 lens. FZ40 is also sold as Lumix DMC-FZ45 in some countries.

    Panasonic FZ40 Review - Click for Table of Contents

    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Sensor and Photography Features
    4. Physical Specs
    5. LCD and Viewfinder
    6. Connectivity, Storage and Battery
    7. Video
    8. Other Features
    9. Lens
    10. Photography Type Scores
    11. Alternatives
    12. Popular Comparisons
    13. Frequently Asked Questions
    14. Detailed Specifications

    Panasonic FZ40 is a member of Panasonic's Small Sensor Superzoom class cameras. Below you can see the latest models in this class and how their main specs have changed with each new model.

    Panasonic Small Sensor Superzoom Series History
    Model Release Date Sensor Max FPS Dimensions Weight
    Panasonic ZS80
    Compare
    2018 20.0MP - 1/2.3 10.0 fps 112 x 69 x 42mm 327g
    Panasonic ZS70
    Compare
    2017 20.0MP - 1/2.3 10.0 fps 112 x 67 x 41mm 322g
    Panasonic FZ80
    Compare
    2017 18.0MP - 1/2.3 10.0 fps 130 x 94 x 119mm 616g
    Panasonic ZS60
    Compare
    2016 18.0MP - 1/2.3 10.0 fps 112 x 64 x 38mm 282g
    Panasonic FZ300
    Compare
    2015 12.0MP - 1/2.3 12.0 fps 132 x 92 x 117mm 691g

    Check the link below to compare specs of the latest cameras in this series side by side:
    Panasonic ZS80 vs ZS70 vs FZ80 vs ZS60 vs FZ300


    **This post contains affiliate links and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking through my links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    Panasonic FZ40 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Panasonic FZ40 review by analysing its specs and features and listing out its pros and cons compared to average competitor cameras in its class.

    PROs
    Image Stabilization
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    RAW Shooting
    Manual Focusing
    Manual Exposure
    25mm Wide Angle Lens
    600mm Good Tele Lens
    24.0X Optical Zoom
    Fast 2.80 Lens at Wide
    Report a correction

    Buy Panasonic FZ40 from AMAZON or B&H PHOTO


    CONs
    No Wireless Connection
    No Articulating Screen
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Full HD Video
    No Touch Screen
    No Face Detection Focusing
    Low Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
    Only Unknown Focus Points
    Low Screen Resolution ( 230kdots )
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps
    Heavy Body: 494
    No Environmental Sealing
    Slow Lens at Tele: f5.20

    Report a correction


    Panasonic FZ40 Physical Specs
    Panasonic FZ40 weighs 494 g (1.09 lb / 17.43 oz) and has external dimensions of 120 x 80 x 92 mm (4.72 x 3.15 x 3.62″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR-Like type cameras is 591g, Panasonic FZ40 is a remarkably light camera for its class. With a thickness of 92mm, it has an average thickness for its class.
    Weight Comparison

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    Panasonic FZ40
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    Panasonic FZ40
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Panasonic FZ40 with the dimensions:

    Panasonic FZ40 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Panasonic FZ40 Camera Body


    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Panasonic FZ40, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Panasonic FZ40 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Panasonic FZ40 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery



    Below you can find the comparison of the weight and thickness of Panasonic FZ40 with its main competitors:

    Panasonic FZ40 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs FZ40 Thickness vs FZ40
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 Camera Panasonic FZ35
    Compare
    397g 97g lighter 89mm 3mm thinner
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 Camera Panasonic FZ80
    Compare
    616g 122g heavier 119mm 27mm thicker
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 Camera Panasonic FZ300
    Compare
    691g 197g heavier 117mm 25mm thicker
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 Camera Panasonic FZ47
    Compare
    498g 4g heavier 92mm equal thickness
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 Camera Panasonic FZ200
    Compare
    588g 94g heavier 110mm 18mm thicker
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 Camera Panasonic FZ70
    Compare
    606g 112g heavier 118mm 26mm thicker
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 Camera Panasonic FZ100
    Compare
    540g 46g heavier 92mm equal thickness
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 Camera Panasonic FZ28
    Compare
    417g 77g lighter 89mm 3mm thinner

    Weather Sealing

    Panasonic FZ40 doesn't have any environmental sealings on its body so you got to be extra careful to protect it against water and dust. If you shoot under these conditions very often, consider checking Top Bridge Cameras with Weather Sealing page.

    Panasonic FZ40 Lens

    Panasonic FZ40 features a 25-600 mm F2.8-5.2 24× zoom lens. Lens has a good wide angle capability starting at 25mm and remarkable super telephoto reach at 600mm.

    Wide Coverage

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    FZ40
    Widest - Samsung WB2200F
    Average
    Telezoom

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    FZ40
    Longest - Nikon P1000
    Average

    With a max aperture of f2.80, this lens is fast on wide end, but only moderately fast at the tele end with max aperture of f5.20.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    FZ40
    Fastest - Sony RX10 III
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    FZ40
    Fastest - Olympus 1
    Average

    FZ40 is equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds. Panasonic FZ40's lens also has a Manual Focus Mode.

    Panasonic FZ40 Sensor and Photography Features

    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. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4320 x 3240 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. FZ40 has a native ISO range of 80 - 6400 and it can save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

    Panasonic FZ40 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. GoPro Hero9 Black with its 23.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Panasonic FZ40 vs GoPro Hero9 Black or take a look at Highest resolution Bridge cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Panasonic FZ40's 1/2.3-inch sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Panasonic FZ40 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Panasonic FZ40 Sensor Size with other standard sensors



    Panasonic FZ40 LCD and Viewfinder

    Panasonic FZ40 has a Fixed Type 3.00-inch LCD screen with a resolution of 230k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    Panasonic FZ40 back view and LCD

    Unfortunately Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 doesn't have a Selfie friendly screen. If this feature is important for your shooting style, check here the list of Best Bridge Cameras with Selfie Friendly LCD screen.


    FZ40 has a built-in Electronic viewfinder, making it easier to shoot in direct sunlight and in other situations where it might be difficult to view the LCD monitor.

    Panasonic FZ40 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    You can connect FZ40 to compatible devices via its HDMI port or USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port.

    Panasonic FZ40 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 Camera Panasonic FZ35
    Compare
    1280 x 720 shots No No No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 Camera Panasonic FZ80
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 330shots Yes No No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 Camera Panasonic FZ300
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 380shots Yes No No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 Camera Panasonic FZ47
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 400shots No No No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 Camera Panasonic FZ200
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 540shots No No No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 Camera Panasonic FZ70
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 400shots No No No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 Camera Panasonic FZ100
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 shots No No No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 Camera Panasonic FZ28
    Compare
    1280 x 720 shots No No No

    Panasonic FZ40 Video Features

    With Panasonic FZ40, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1280 x 720 at 60,30 fps and save in and AVCHD Lite formats. 1280 x 720 is a low video resolution by todays standards. If video quality is important for you, we recommend you to look at cameras with Full HD, even better 4K / Ultra-HD resolution .

    FZ40 has a built-in Stereo microphone but no speaker. On the other hand, Panasonic FZ40 doesn't have any connections for external microphones and headphones. If you need a DSLR-Like camera with external microphone connectivity, consider or in a similar price range.

    Also read:

    • Best Bridge Cameras with Microphone Port
    • Best Bridge Cameras with Headphone Port

    Panasonic FZ40 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Panasonic FZ40 can shoot continuously at max speed of 2 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/2000 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately FZ40 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.
    Panasonic FZ40 Built-in Flash
    Built-in Flash of Panasonic FZ40

    Focusing

    Panasonic FZ40 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system.

    What type of Photography is Panasonic FZ40 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Panasonic FZ40 in 5 different photography areas.

    Panasonic FZ40 for Portrait Photography

    Panasonic FZ40 has a score of 42 for Portrait Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Portrait Photography list.
    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 of how we scored Panasonic FZ40 for Portrait Photography

    Panasonic FZ40 for Street Photography

    Panasonic FZ40 has a score of 69 for Street Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Street Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Bridge Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Manual Focus Mode
    Live-view
    Image Stabilization
    Fast Lens at Wide: f2.80
    25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    RAW shooting capability
    Medium sized Body
    Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Panasonic FZ40 for Street Photography

    Panasonic FZ40 for Sports Photography

    Panasonic FZ40 has a score of 47 for Sports Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Sports is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Sports Photography list.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    Electronic Built-in Viewfinder
    Image Stabilization
    600 mm Tele Lens
    RAW shooting capability
    Average Max shutter speed: 1/2000s
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 2.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    Unknown Focus Points
    No External Flash Shoe

    Read the details of how we scored Panasonic FZ40 for Sports Photography

    Panasonic FZ40 for Daily Photography

    Panasonic FZ40 has a score of 62 for Daily Photography which makes it a GOOD candidate for this type of photography. If you are looking for a camera that is better suited to Daily Photography, we recommend you to check our Top 10 Bridge Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    24.0X Optical Zoom
    RAW shooting capability
    Medium size Body
    494g
    Body Thickness 92mm
    Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Panasonic FZ40 for Daily Photography

    Panasonic FZ40 for Landscape Photography

    Panasonic FZ40 has a score of 35 for Landscape Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Landscape We strongly recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Landscape Photography list and consider these alternatives over theFZ40.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Manual Focus Mode
    25 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    RAW shooting capability
    Average Resolution Sensor: 14.0MP
    Small 1/2.33" (6.08 x 4.56 mm) sensor
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Panasonic FZ40 for Landscape Photography
    Panasonic FZ40 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Panasonic FZ40 compares with other DSLR-Like cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Panasonic FZ40 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Panasonic FZ40

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Panasonic FZ40 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Panasonic FZ35
    Panasonic FZ35
    Compare
    Panasonic FZ80
    Panasonic FZ80
    Compare
    Panasonic FZ300
    Panasonic FZ300
    Compare
    Panasonic FZ47
    Panasonic FZ47
    Compare
    Panasonic FZ200
    Panasonic FZ200
    Compare
    Panasonic FZ70
    Panasonic FZ70
    Compare
    Panasonic FZ100
    Panasonic FZ100
    Compare
    Panasonic FZ28
    Panasonic FZ28
    Compare

    Panasonic FZ40 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Panasonic FZ40 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Panasonic FZ40's price range.

    Panasonic FZ40 Conclusion and Scores

    Currently, Panasonic FZ40 has an Overall Score of 44/100 which is based on our evaluation of 69 different technical parameters. Our scores are dynamically updated whenever a new camera is added to our database or when we change our ranking algorithm and the maximum score is always 100. Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 is ranked #67 out of 113 in DSLR-Like cameras (Top 20 Bridge), and ranked #617 out of 1244 in all Cameras (Top 20 Overall).

    #617 out of 1244 in Top Ranking Cameras
    #67 out of 113 in Top Ranking Bridge Cameras
    #96 out of 245 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras
    #180 out of 740 in Top Ranking Small Sensor Sensor Cameras
    #28 out of 104 in Lightest Bridge Cameras with Small Sensor sensor(494g)
    #316 out of 917 in Top Ranking Cameras with Fixed Type Screen

    Main Scores
    Imaging
    Features
    Value for Money
    Portability
    Overall Score
    Check our Smart Finder Tool to filter, sort and compare all digital cameras.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Panasonic FZ40
    Does the Panasonic FZ40 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Panasonic FZ40 have RAW support?
    Does the Panasonic FZ40 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Panasonic FZ40 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Panasonic FZ40?
    What is the Sensor Size of Panasonic FZ40?
    is the Panasonic FZ40 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Panasonic FZ40 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Panasonic FZ40 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Panasonic FZ40?
    What is the Weight of Panasonic FZ40?
    What are the Dimensions of Panasonic FZ40?
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Panasonic
    Model Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ40
    Also known as Lumix DMC-FZ45
    Announced 2010-07-21
    Body Type SLR-like (bridge)
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Number of Lenses
    Lens Focal Range 25-600 mm (24×)
    Max Aperture F2.8-5.2
    Macro Focus Range 1cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Size 3.00"
    Screen Resolution 230k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder Electronic
    Viewfinder Resolution n/a
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 60s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 2.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 9.50 m
    Flash Modes Auto, On, Off, Red-eye, Slow Sync
    External Flash
    AE Bracketing
    WB Bracketing
    Exposure Modes
    Multi-Segment
    Average
    Spot
    Partial
    AF-Area
    Center Weighted
    DxO Sensor Scores
    DxO Overall Score not tested
    DxO Color Depth not tested
    DxO Dynamic Range not tested
    DxO Low Light ISO not tested
    Report a correction

    Sensor
    Sensor Type CCD
    Sensor Size 1/2.3-inch
    Sensor Dimensions 6.08 x 4.56 mm
    Sensor Area 27.72mm2
    Sensor Resolution 14 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 4320 x 3240
    Max Native ISO 6,400
    Min Native ISO 80
    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 Unknown
    Number of Cross Focus Points 0
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1280 x 720 (60, 30 fps), 848 x 480 (30 fps), 640 x 480 (30 fps), 320 x 240 (30fps), 320 x 240 (30 fps)
    Max Video Resolution 1280 x 720
    Video Formats AVCHD Lite
    Microphone Port
    Headphone Port
    Connectivity
    Wireless Connectivity None
    HDMI
    USB USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec)
    Physical
    Environmental Sealing
    Water Proof
    Dust Proof
    Shock Proof
    Crush Proof
    Freeze Proof
    Weight 494g
    Physical Dimensions 120 x 80 x 92mm
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 10 sec, 10 sec (3 pictures))
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
    Storage Slots 1


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