• 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 600.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 16.0 megapixels
  • 22.00mm - 580.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Panasonic DMC-FZ40 advantages over Pentax X-5

  • RAW file ability
    Yes vs No
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    1.8 fps vs 1.1 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)

Pentax X-5 advantages over Panasonic DMC-FZ40

  • Less expensive
    $280 vs $400 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • In-camera panoramas
    Yes vs No
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Tiltable vs Fixed
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • Wider angle lens
    22 mm vs 25 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 5 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

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
  • 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

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

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Buy the Panasonic DMC-FZ40

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Buy the Pentax X-5
Pentax X-5
All X-5 Deals

Review Excerpt

  • Impressive 26x optical zoom lens delivers crisp images, even when at full tele; Comfortable, ergonomic camera build feels higher-end than its low price point suggests; Lots of effective, automated features make picture-taking a fun experience for the beginner.

  • DSLR-style camera body might attract enthusiasts who will be disappointed in the X-5's consumer focus; Frustratingly slow to use all around; AA batteries can fall out when retrieving the SD card; Some design quirks are off-putting.

  • Read our Pentax X-5 Express Review

The Competition

Compared to Nikon P90

Panasonic DMC-FZ40
Nikon P90
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Panasonic DMC-FZ40 vs Nikon P90

Pentax X-5
Nikon P90
  • $187
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Longer exposure

Compare Pentax X-5 vs Nikon P90

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FZ100

Panasonic DMC-FZ40
Panasonic DMC-FZ100
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $500
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Tiltable Screen
  • Hot shoe

Compare Panasonic DMC-FZ40 vs Panasonic DMC-FZ100

Pentax X-5
Panasonic DMC-FZ100
  • $187
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $500
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Fast startup

Compare Pentax X-5 vs Panasonic DMC-FZ100

Compared to Panasonic FZ47

Panasonic DMC-FZ40
Panasonic FZ47
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Shoots 1080p video
  • Faster JPEG shooting

Compare Panasonic DMC-FZ40 vs Panasonic FZ47

Pentax X-5
Panasonic FZ47
  • $187
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Bigger pixels
  • Fast startup

Compare Pentax X-5 vs Panasonic FZ47

Compared to Fujifilm S4200

Panasonic DMC-FZ40
Fujifilm S4200
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Manual focus
  • $192
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive

Compare Panasonic DMC-FZ40 vs Fujifilm S4200

Pentax X-5
Fujifilm S4200
  • $187
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-camera panoramas
  • Tiltable Screen
  • $192
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer exposure

Compare Pentax X-5 vs Fujifilm S4200

Compared to Fujifilm S6800

Panasonic DMC-FZ40
Fujifilm S6800
  • $400
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • RAW file ability
  • $169
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Panasonic DMC-FZ40 vs Fujifilm S6800

Pentax X-5
Fujifilm S6800
  • $187
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • In-camera panoramas
  • $169
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Longer exposure

Compare Pentax X-5 vs Fujifilm S6800

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