• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 10.0 megapixels
  • 33.00mm - 396.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

Buy From

Differences

Fujifilm S1500 advantages over Panasonic ZS40

  • Less expensive
    $250 vs $450 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.69 vs 1.26 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.8 vs f/3.3
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject

Panasonic ZS40 advantages over Fujifilm S1500

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More telephoto lens reach
    720 mm vs 396 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Thinner
    34 mm vs 67 mm
    Thinner
  • Newer
    10 years vs 15 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Lighter weight
    240g vs 325g
    Lighter weight
  • More dots on screen
    920k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    18.1 vs 10.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    24 mm vs 33 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 1.4 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Both provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Integrated ND filter
    Neither provide
    Shoot in daylight with a large aperture or slow shutter
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Hot shoe
    Neither provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Bulb shutter
    Neither provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

User reviews

Buy From

Your purchases support this site

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm S1000fd

Fujifilm S1500
Fujifilm S1000fd
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Higher extended ISO
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
Panasonic ZS40
Fujifilm S1000fd
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon SX110 IS

Fujifilm S1500
Canon SX110 IS
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus
Panasonic ZS40
Canon SX110 IS
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $300
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon SX120 IS

Fujifilm S1500
Canon SX120 IS
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $215
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Longer stills battery life
  • Manual focus
Panasonic ZS40
Canon SX120 IS
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $215
  • 1/2.5 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon SX700 HS

Fujifilm S1500
Canon SX700 HS
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Panasonic ZS40
Canon SX700 HS
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Faster shutter

Compared to Canon SX710 HS

Fujifilm S1500
Canon SX710 HS
  • $250
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC
Panasonic ZS40
Canon SX710 HS
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster shutter
Compare Other Cameras?