• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 12.1 megapixels
  • 23.00mm - 810.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Nikon P500 advantages over Panasonic ZS40

  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.54 vs 1.26 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility

Panasonic ZS40 advantages over Nikon P500

  • 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
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 300 vs 220 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Manual focus
    Yes vs No
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.
  • Thinner
    34 mm vs 102 mm
    Thinner
  • Lighter weight
    240g vs 499g
    Lighter weight
  • More pixels
    18.1 vs 12.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Longer exposure
    30 vs 8 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 8.0 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

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
  • HDMI out
    Both provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Both provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Common Weaknesses

  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • 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

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Fujifilm S4000

Nikon P500
Fujifilm S4000
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • More dots on screen
  • $205
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Nikon P500 vs Fujifilm S4000

Panasonic ZS40
Fujifilm S4000
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $205
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life

Compare Panasonic ZS40 vs Fujifilm S4000

Compared to Olympus SP-820UZ

Nikon P500
Olympus SP-820UZ
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More pixels

Compare Nikon P500 vs Olympus SP-820UZ

Panasonic ZS40
Olympus SP-820UZ
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $299
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic ZS40 vs Olympus SP-820UZ

Compared to Canon SX700 HS

Nikon P500
Canon SX700 HS
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • Manual focus

Compare Nikon P500 vs 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

Compared to Canon SX520 HS

Nikon P500
Canon SX520 HS
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • Bigger pixels
  • $345
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus

Compare Nikon P500 vs Canon SX520 HS

Panasonic ZS40
Canon SX520 HS
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $345
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic ZS40 vs Canon SX520 HS

Compared to Panasonic ZS60

Nikon P500
Panasonic ZS60
  • $400
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Shoot 4K video

Compare Nikon P500 vs 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

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