• 1/1.7 inch 43.3mm2
  • 12.0 megapixels
  • 37.00mm - 111.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.33 inch 28.2mm2
  • 14.1 megapixels
  • 25.00mm - 200.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Pentax A40 advantages over Panasonic DMC-ZR3

  • Larger sensor
    1/1.7 inch vs 1/2.33 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 1.90 vs 1.42 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Larger lens aperture
    f/2.8 vs f/3.3
    Take photos in low-light or isolate your subject

Panasonic DMC-ZR3 advantages over Pentax A40

  • More telephoto lens reach
    200 mm vs 111 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 330 vs 240 shots
    Capture more photos
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More pixels
    14.1 vs 12.0 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Wider angle lens
    25 mm vs 37 mm
    Capture more of the scene
  • Longer exposure
    60 vs 4 sec
    Long exposures for night shots
  • Higher extended ISO
    6400 vs 3200 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • 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.

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Neither provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • RAW file ability
    Neither provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • 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

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Pentax S12

Pentax A40
Pentax S12
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch

Compare Pentax A40 vs Pentax S12

Panasonic DMC-ZR3
Pentax S12
  • $236
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $280
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic DMC-ZR3 vs Pentax S12

Compared to Samsung SL310

Pentax A40
Samsung SL310
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Manual focus
  • $230
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Wider angle lens

Compare Pentax A40 vs Samsung SL310

Panasonic DMC-ZR3
Samsung SL310
  • $236
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Manual focus
  • $230
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive

Compare Panasonic DMC-ZR3 vs Samsung SL310

Compared to Samsung TL34HD

Pentax A40
Samsung TL34HD
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Manual focus
  • $330
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen

Compare Pentax A40 vs Samsung TL34HD

Panasonic DMC-ZR3
Samsung TL34HD
  • $236
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • $330
  • 1/1.72 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compare Panasonic DMC-ZR3 vs Samsung TL34HD

Compared to Panasonic DMC-FH20

Pentax A40
Panasonic DMC-FH20
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $180
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compare Pentax A40 vs Panasonic DMC-FH20

Panasonic DMC-ZR3
Panasonic DMC-FH20
  • $236
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • HDMI out
  • Less shutter lag
  • $180
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Panasonic DMC-ZR3 vs Panasonic DMC-FH20

Compared to Samsung CL80

Pentax A40
Samsung CL80
  • $300
  • 1/1.7 inch
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $248
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Pentax A40 vs Samsung CL80

Panasonic DMC-ZR3
Samsung CL80
  • $236
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Manual focus
  • Wider angle lens
  • $248
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • RAW file ability
  • Built-in Wi-Fi

Compare Panasonic DMC-ZR3 vs Samsung CL80

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