Panasonic ZS40 vs Panasonic ZS50

Cameras
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Panasonic ZS40 vs Panasonic ZS50

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

Go in depth with our full Panasonic ZS40 Review.

1/2.3 inch 28.1mm²
12.1 megapixels
24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

Go in depth with our full Panasonic ZS50 Review.

Succeeded by the Panasonic ZS60
Compare ZS50 vs ZS60
Compare Panasonic ZS40 vs Panasonic ZS60

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Differences

Panasonic ZS40 advantages over Panasonic ZS50

Built-in GPS
GPS vs None
Geotag your photos
More pixels
18.1 vs 12.1 megapixels
Higher resolution photos

Panasonic ZS50 advantages over Panasonic ZS40

Bigger pixels
~ 1.54 vs 1.26 microns
Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
Higher effective ISO

Higher effective ISO

Maximum effective ISO is an estimate of the highest sensitivity at which a camera can capture excellent quality photos.

Cameras with higher effective ISO will be better choices for indoor photography, night shooting, and indoor sports photography, especially if you intend to make large prints.

You can learn more at our glossary entry.

Maximum effective ISO test data courtesy of DxO Mark.
ZS50 test data on DxO Mark ZS40 test data on DxO Mark

138 vs 117 iso
Take photos in low light with less noise
Longer exposure
60 vs 30 sec
Long exposures for night shots

Similarities

Common Strengths

Focus peaking
Both provide
Your camera will highlight what's in focus
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
In-camera panoramas
Both provide
Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
RAW file ability
Both provide
Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
Built-in Wi-Fi
Both provide
Share your photos wirelessly
Internal flash
Both provide
Useful in a pinch for fill flash
Manual focus
Both provide
AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
HDMI out
Both provide
Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
Slow-motion videos
Both provide
Shoot slow-motion videos

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

Amazon
Adorama
Read ZS40 User Reviews

Amazon
Adorama
Read ZS50 User Reviews

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Panasonic ZS40

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Panasonic ZS50 (Black)

Panasonic ZS50 (Black)
Panasonic ZS50 (Silver)

Review Excerpt

We haven’t finished our review of the Panasonic ZS40, but we have extensive sample photos and a hands-on report.
See our Panasonic ZS40 First Shots

We haven’t finished our review of the Panasonic ZS50, but we have extensive sample photos and a hands-on report.
See our Panasonic ZS50 First Shots

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic ZS35

Panasonic ZS40

Panasonic ZS35

$380
1/2.3 inch

Focus peaking
Eye-level viewfinder

$300
1/2.33 inch

Less expensive
Tiltable Screen

Compare Panasonic ZS40 vs Panasonic ZS35

Panasonic ZS50

Panasonic ZS35

$279
1/2.3 inch

Focus peaking
Eye-level viewfinder

$300
1/2.33 inch

Tiltable Screen
More pixels

Compare Panasonic ZS50 vs Panasonic ZS35

Compared to Canon SX700 HS

Panasonic ZS40

Canon SX700 HS

$380
1/2.3 inch

Focus peaking
Eye-level viewfinder

$329
1/2.3 inch

Less expensive
Faster shutter

Compare Panasonic ZS40 vs Canon SX700 HS

Panasonic ZS50

Canon SX700 HS

$279
1/2.3 inch

Focus peaking
Eye-level viewfinder

$329
1/2.3 inch

More pixels
Faster shutter

Compare Panasonic ZS50 vs Canon SX700 HS

Compared to Canon SX710 HS

Panasonic ZS40

Canon SX710 HS

$380
1/2.3 inch

Focus peaking
Eye-level viewfinder

$329
1/2.3 inch

Faster shutter

Compare Panasonic ZS40 vs Canon SX710 HS

Panasonic ZS50

Canon SX710 HS

$279
1/2.3 inch

Less expensive
Focus peaking

$329
1/2.3 inch

More pixels
Faster shutter

Compare Panasonic ZS50 vs Canon SX710 HS

Compared to Sony WX500

Panasonic ZS40

Sony WX500

$380
1/2.3 inch

Focus peaking
Eye-level viewfinder

$348
1/2.3 inch

Tiltable Screen
Longer stills battery life

Compare Panasonic ZS40 vs Sony WX500

Panasonic ZS50

Sony WX500

$279
1/2.3 inch

Less expensive
Focus peaking

$348
1/2.3 inch

Tiltable Screen
Longer stills battery life

Compare Panasonic ZS50 vs Sony WX500

Compared to Panasonic ZS60

Panasonic ZS40

Panasonic ZS60

$380
1/2.3 inch

Built-in GPS

$448
1/2.3 inch

Shoot 4K video
Touchscreen

Compare Panasonic ZS40 vs Panasonic ZS60

Panasonic ZS50

Panasonic ZS60

$279
1/2.3 inch

Less expensive
Bigger pixels

$448
1/2.3 inch

Shoot 4K video
Touchscreen

Compare Panasonic ZS50 vs Panasonic ZS60

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