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Panasonic LZ40 Review

  • Overview
  • Alternatives
  • Panasonic LZ40

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    Main Features

    • 20MP - 1/2.3" CCD Sensor
    • ISO 100 - 1600( expands to 6400)
    • 22-924 mm F3.0-6.5 Zoom Lens
    • Optical Image Stabilization
    • 3" Fixed Type Screen
    • 1 fps continuous shooting
    • HD - 1280 x 720 video
    • 524g. 126 x 87 x 94 mm
    • Replaced Panasonic LZ30
    CHECK PRICE
    CHECK PRICE

    Panasonic LZ40 Overview

    First introduced in January 2014 , Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 is a 20.0MP Small Sensor Superzoom camera with a 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor, built-in Image Stabilization and 22-924 mm F3.0-6.5 lens. Panasonic replaced the older LZ30 with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
    Compare Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 vs Panasonic LZ30

    Panasonic LZ40 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 LZ40 has an Overall Score of 38/100 and ranked #100 out of 113 in DSLR-Like cameras (Top 10 Bridge), and ranked #823 out of 1220 in all Cameras (Top 10 Overall).

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



    Panasonic LZ40 Physical Specs
    Panasonic LZ40 weighs 524 g (1.16 lb / 18.48 oz) and has external dimensions of 126 x 87 x 94 mm (4.96 x 3.43 x 3.7″). Considering that the average weight of DSLR-Like type cameras is 591g, its weight is about average in its class. With a thickness of 94mm, it also has an average thickness.
    Weight Comparison

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    Panasonic LZ40
    Min
    Average
    Max
    Thickness Comparison

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    Panasonic LZ40
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Here is the front and top view image of Panasonic LZ40 with the dimensions:

    Panasonic LZ40 Body Size Dimensions
    Front and Top View External Dimensions and Size of Panasonic LZ40 Camera Body

    In order to give you a better idea about the real life size of Panasonic LZ40, we have added an image of how it looks next to a credit card and an AA type battery.


    Panasonic LZ40 Body Size Compared to a Credit card and a Battery
    Physical size of the Panasonic LZ40 Body Compared to a Credit Card and an AA Battery

    Now lets compare the weight and thickness of Panasonic LZ40 with its main competitors:

    Panasonic LZ40 Size Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Weight vs LZ40 Thickness vs LZ40
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 Camera Panasonic FZ80
    Compare
    616g 92g heavier 119mm 25mm thicker
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 Camera Sony H300
    Compare
    590g 66g heavier 122mm 28mm thicker
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 Camera Panasonic FZ70
    Compare
    606g 82g heavier 118mm 24mm thicker
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 Camera Panasonic LZ30
    Compare
    552g 28g heavier 92mm 2mm thinner
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 Camera Panasonic LZ20
    Compare
    499g 25g lighter 80mm 14mm thinner
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 Camera Panasonic FZ150
    Compare
    528g 4g heavier 92mm 2mm thinner
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 Camera Nikon L820
    Compare
    470g 54g lighter 85mm 9mm thinner
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 Camera Sony H400
    Compare
    628g 104g heavier 122mm 28mm thicker

    Weather Sealing

    Panasonic LZ40 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 LZ40 Sensor and Photography Features

    Panasonic LZ40 has a 20.0MP 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm ) sized CCD sensor . You can shoot at maximum resolution of 5152 x 3864 pixels with aspect ratios of 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 and 16:9. LZ40 has a native ISO range of 100 - 1600 which can be boosted to 6400 but unfortunately, Panasonic LZ40 doesn't have RAW file support. If you need a DSLR-Like camera with a RAW support, consider Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II or Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 in the same price range.

    Panasonic LZ40 is not the highest resolution Small Sensor camera. Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 with its 21.0MP sensor is leading in this class. Check the comparison of Panasonic LZ40 vs Kodak Astro Zoom AZ651 or take a look at Highest resolution Bridge cameras list.

    Let's look at how the size of the Panasonic LZ40's 1/2.3" sensor compares with other standard sensor sizes.

    Panasonic LZ40 Sensor Size Comparison
    Comparison image of Panasonic LZ40 Sensor Size with other standard sensors

    Panasonic LZ40 Lens

    Panasonic LZ40 features a 22-924 mm F3.0-6.5 42× zoom lens. This camera offers exceptional wide angle capacity thanks to 22mm focal length on the wide end and remarkable super telephoto reach at 924mm.

    Wide Coverage

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    LZ40
    Widest - Samsung WB2200F
    Average
    Telezoom

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    LZ40
    Longest - Nikon P1000
    Average

    With a max aperture of f3.00 at 22mm, we can not consider this lens fast on wide end, and it is slow at the tele end with its max aperture of f6.50.

    Max Aperture at Wide

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    LZ40
    Fastest - Sony RX10 III
    Average
    Max Aperture at Tele

    DSLR-Like Cameras

    LZ40
    Fastest - Olympus 1
    Average

    LZ40 is also equipped with Optical image stabilization system which is very handy especially at lower shutter speeds.



    Panasonic LZ40 LCD

    Panasonic LZ40 has a Fixed Type 3" LCD screen with a resolution of 460k dots. Both the screen size and the screen resolution is up to the standards of this class.



    LZ40 doesn't have a viewfinder and no option for external viewfinder. Lack of a viewfinder can be problematic especially under strong light where visibility of LCD screens goes down dramatically. If you need a DSLR-Like camera with a built-in viewfinder in a similar price range, consider Sony Cyber-shot DSC-RX10 II (Compare) or Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ300 (Compare).
    If the price is not an issue, take a look at our Top Rated Cameras with Viewfinders.

    Panasonic LZ40 Connectivity, Storage and Battery

    Panasonic LZ40 has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) port to connect your camera to other devices.

    Battery

    Panasonic LZ40 is powered by a proprietary battery which provides a shooting life of 320 according to CIPA standards. Considering that the average battery life of DSLR-Like type cameras is 353 shots, its battery life is about average in its class but it would still be wise to invest in some spare batteries for long photo trips.

    Battery Life Comparison in Small Sensor Superzoom Cameras

    Panasonic LZ40
    Min
    Average
    Max

    Fujifilm HS35EXR with its 600shots is the model with longest battery life among Small Sensor Superzoom cameras. Check the comparison of Panasonic LZ40 vs Fujifilm HS35EXR or take a look at Longest Battery Life Bridge cameras list.

    Panasonic LZ40 Features Compared to Main Competitors
    Model Max Video Battery Life Wi-fi Bluetooth NFC
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 Camera Panasonic FZ80
    Compare
    3840 x 2160 330shots Yes No No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 Camera Sony H300
    Compare
    1280 x 720 350shots No No No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 Camera Panasonic FZ70
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 400shots No No No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 Camera Panasonic LZ30
    Compare
    1280 x 720 380shots No No No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 Camera Panasonic LZ20
    Compare
    1280 x 720 380shots No No No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 Camera Panasonic FZ150
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 410shots No No No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 Camera Nikon L820
    Compare
    1920 x 1080 320shots No No No
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 Camera Sony H400
    Compare
    1280 X 720 300shots No No No

    Panasonic LZ40 Video Features

    With Panasonic LZ40, you can record your videos at a highest resolution of 1280 x 720 at 30p fps and save in and Motion JPEG 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 .

    LZ40 has a built-in Mono microphone and a Mono speaker. Panasonic LZ40 also has a port for an external microphone so you can record high quality sound with the help of an external microphone.

    Panasonic LZ40 Other Features

    Max Shutter speed

    Panasonic LZ40 can shoot continuously at max speed of 1 fps and has max shutter speed of 1/1500 sec.

    Flash

    Unfortunately LZ40 doesn't have an external flash shoe so you are limited with the built-in flash.

    Focusing

    Panasonic LZ40 features a Contrast Detection autofocusing system. The AF system has 9 points to choose from.

    Panasonic LZ40 also features Face detection AF where it intelligently detects the faces in the frame and locks the focus automatically.

    Panasonic LZ40 PROs and CONs Review

    Now let's get in to more details of our Panasonic LZ40 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
    Face Detection Focusing
    20.0MP - High Resolution Sensor
    Long Battery Life (320 shots)
    Manual Exposure
    External Microphone Port
    22mm Wide Angle Lens
    924mm Good Tele Lens
    42.0X Optical Zoom
    Panorama Shooting
    AE Bracketing
    Report a correction

    Buy Panasonic LZ40 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 Built-in Viewfinder
    No RAW Shooting
    Max Sensitivity only ISO 1.600
    Only 9 Focus Points
    Low Screen Resolution ( 460kdots )
    1/1500s Low Max Shutter Speed
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
    Heavy Body: 524
    No Manual Focusing
    No Environmental Sealing
    Slow Lens at Wide: f3.00
    Slow Lens at Tele: f6.50
    Report a correction
    What type of Photography is Panasonic LZ40 Good for?
    In this section, we review and score Panasonic LZ40 in 5 different photography areas.

    Panasonic LZ40 for Portrait Photography

    Panasonic LZ40 has a score of 33 for Portrait Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Portrait We strongly recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Portrait Photography list and consider these alternatives over theLZ40.
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
    Image Stabilization
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No RAW shooting capability
    No External Flash Shoe
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No Manual Focus Mode

    Read the details of how we scored Panasonic LZ40 for Portrait Photography

    Panasonic LZ40 for Street Photography

    Panasonic LZ40 has a score of 53 for Street Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Street is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Street Photography list.
    Live-view
    Face-Detection Focusing
    Image Stabilization
    22 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Medium sized Body
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor

    Read the details of how we scored Panasonic LZ40 for Street Photography

    Panasonic LZ40 for Sports Photography

    Panasonic LZ40 has a score of 39 for Sports Photography which makes it a POOR candidate for this type of photography. If Sports We strongly recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Sports Photography list and consider these alternatives over theLZ40.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Image Stabilization
    924 mm Tele Lens
    Average Ergonomics&Handling
    Slow Continuous Shooting: 1.0fps
    Environmental Sealings
    Slow Max shutter speed: 1/1500s
    9 Focus Points
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No Built-in Viewfinder
    No External Flash Shoe
    Slow Lens at Tele: f6.50
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Panasonic LZ40 for Sports Photography

    Panasonic LZ40 for Daily Photography

    Panasonic LZ40 has a score of 53 for Daily Photography which makes it an AVERAGE candidate for this type of photography. If Daily is important for you, we recommend you to check our Top Bridge Cameras for Daily Photography list.
    42.0X Optical Zoom
    Medium size Body
    524g
    Body Thickness 94mm
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No RAW shooting capability

    Read the details of how we scored Panasonic LZ40 for Daily Photography

    Panasonic LZ40 for Landscape Photography

    Panasonic LZ40 has a score of 26 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 theLZ40.
    Manual Exposure Mode
    22 mm - Good Wide Angle Coverage
    Very High Resolution Sensor: 20.0MP
    No Manual Focus Mode
    No RAW shooting capability
    Small 1/2.3" (6.17 x 4.55 mm) sensor
    No Environmental Sealings

    Read the details of how we scored Panasonic LZ40 for Landscape Photography
    Panasonic LZ40 Alternatives
    In this section, we analyse how Panasonic LZ40 compares with other DSLR-Like cameras within a similar price range.
    Read a more detailed analysis of Panasonic LZ40 alternatives.

    Popular Comparisons of Panasonic LZ40

    Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Panasonic LZ40 amongst Camera Decision readers.

    Panasonic FZ80
    Panasonic FZ80
    Compare
    Sony H300
    Sony H300
    Compare
    Panasonic FZ70
    Panasonic FZ70
    Compare
    Panasonic LZ30
    Panasonic LZ30
    Compare
    Panasonic LZ20
    Panasonic LZ20
    Compare
    Panasonic FZ150
    Panasonic FZ150
    Compare
    Nikon L820
    Nikon L820
    Compare
    Sony H400
    Sony H400
    Compare

    Panasonic LZ40 Alternatives in Cameras

    It would also be interesting to compare Panasonic LZ40 with Cameras. Below we have listed 4 highest ranked cameras in Panasonic LZ40's price range.

    Frequently Asked Questions about Panasonic LZ40
    Does the Panasonic LZ40 have Image Stabilization?
    Does the Panasonic LZ40 have RAW support?
    Does the Panasonic LZ40 have Weather Sealing?
    Does the Panasonic LZ40 have built-in GPS?
    What is the Max ISO of Panasonic LZ40?
    What is the Sensor Size of Panasonic LZ40?
    is the Panasonic LZ40 a Full Frame (FF) camera?
    Does the Panasonic LZ40 have Touch Screen?
    Does the Panasonic LZ40 have built-in Wireless?
    What is the Max Continuous Shooting Speed (fps) of Panasonic LZ40?
    What is the Weight of Panasonic LZ40?
    What are the Dimensions of Panasonic LZ40?
    Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40 Detailed Specifications

    General
    Brand Panasonic
    Model Panasonic Lumix DMC-LZ40
    Announced 2014-01-06
    Body Type SLR-like (bridge)
    Lens
    Manual Focus
    Lens Mount fixed lens
    Number of Lenses
    Lens Focal Range 22-924 mm (42×)
    Max Aperture F3.0-6.5
    Macro Focus Range 1cm
    Screen
    Screen Type Fixed Type
    Screen Technology TFT LCD
    Screen Size 3"
    Screen Resolution 460k dots
    Live View
    Touch Screen
    Viewfinder
    Viewfinder None
    Viewfinder Resolution no electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Coverage n/a
    Viewfinder Magnification n/a
    Photography Features
    Min Shutter Speed 15s
    Max Mechanical Shutter Speed 1/1500s
    Continuous Shooting 1.0 fps
    Shutter Priority
    Aperture Priority
    Manual Exposure Mode
    Exposure Compensation Yes
    Custom White Balance
    Image Stabilization
    Built-in Flash
    Flash Range 10.80 m
    Flash Modes Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On, Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced Off
    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"
    Sensor Dimensions 6.17 x 4.55 mm
    Sensor Area 28.07mm2
    Sensor Resolution 20 megapixels
    Max Image Resolution 5152 x 3864
    Max Native ISO 1,600
    Max Boosted ISO 6400
    Min Native ISO 100
    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 9
    Number of Cross Focus Points Unknown
    Video Features
    Video Resolutions 1280 x 720 (30p), 640 x 480 (30p), 320 x 240 (30p)
    Max Video Resolution 1280 x 720
    Video Formats Motion JPEG
    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 524g
    Physical Dimensions 126 x 87 x 94mm
    Battery Life 320 shots
    Battery Type Battery Pack
    Other Features
    Self Timer Yes (2 or 10 sec)
    Timelapse Recording
    GPS None
    Storage Type SD/SDHC/SDXC, Internal
    Storage Slots 1


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