• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • APS-C 370.5mm2
  • 24.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 50,000

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Differences

Panasonic ZS40 advantages over Leica CL

  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 300 vs 220 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Thinner
    34 mm vs 45 mm
    Thinner
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Leica CL advantages over Panasonic ZS40

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 3.92 vs 1.26 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Shoot 4K video
    4K (UHD) vs 1080p
    Make sure you have a fast computer
  • Touchscreen
    Touch vs No touch
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • Newer
    7 years vs 11 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.74x vs 0.46x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    24.2 vs 18.1 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    140 vs 6 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/25000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    50000 vs 6400 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • 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 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
  • Manual focus
    Both provide
    AF is for the weak. Real photographers focus manually.

Common Weaknesses

  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • 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 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

Leica CL
Canon SX700 HS
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • NFC

Compare Leica CL vs Canon SX700 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

Leica CL
Sony WX500
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
  • $348
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Leica CL 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

Leica CL
Panasonic ZS60
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Leica CL vs Panasonic ZS60

Compared to Sony A6500

Panasonic ZS40
Sony A6500
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • Built-in GPS
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic ZS40 vs Sony A6500

Leica CL
Sony A6500
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • Top deck display
  • Lacks anti-aliasing filter
  • $1198
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Leica CL vs Sony A6500

Compared to Fujifilm X-Pro3

Panasonic ZS40
Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Slower slow-motion
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $1799
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic ZS40 vs Fujifilm X-Pro3

Leica CL
Fujifilm X-Pro3
  • $3195
  • APS-C
  • In-camera panoramas
  • More viewfinder magnification
  • $1799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Tiltable Screen

Compare Leica CL vs Fujifilm X-Pro3

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