• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 125.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Samsung ST72 advantages over Panasonic ZS40

  • Less expensive
    $120 vs $450 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.5 vs f/3.3
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject
  • Thinner
    17 mm vs 34 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    108g vs 240g
    Lighter weight

Panasonic ZS40 advantages over Samsung ST72

  • Focus peaking
    Peaker vs Non-peaker
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Eye-level vs Rear display only
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Wi-Fi vs None
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • More telephoto lens reach
    720 mm vs 125 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.
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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

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Buy the Samsung ST72

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Buy the Panasonic ZS40

Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Samsung ST66

Samsung ST72
Samsung ST66
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
Panasonic ZS40
Samsung ST66
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $230
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger lens aperture

Compared to Sony WX50

Samsung ST72
Sony WX50
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer exposure
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Manual focus
Panasonic ZS40
Sony WX50
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $227
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger lens aperture

Compared to Samsung MV900F

Samsung ST72
Samsung MV900F
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Touchscreen
Panasonic ZS40
Samsung MV900F
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Focus peaking
  • $350
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Touchscreen

Compared to Canon SX700 HS

Samsung ST72
Canon SX700 HS
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Larger lens aperture
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
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

Samsung ST72
Canon SX710 HS
  • $179
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Larger lens aperture
  • Thinner
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
Panasonic ZS40
Canon SX710 HS
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Faster shutter
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