• APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 14.6 megapixels
  •  
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Samsung NX100 advantages over Panasonic ZS40

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs 1/2.3 inch
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 5.16 vs 1.26 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Better color depth
    22.6 vs 19.0 bits
    Capture richer, more accurate colors
  • Higher effective ISO
    563 vs 117 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 420 vs 300 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Hot shoe
    Hot shoe vs None
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Bulb vs No bulb
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures
  • Faster shutter
    1/4000 vs 1/2000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light

Panasonic ZS40 advantages over Samsung NX100

  • Less expensive
    $450 vs $600 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • 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
  • Built-in GPS
    GPS vs None
    Geotag your photos
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • More dots on screen
    920k vs 614k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    18.1 vs 14.6 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Shoots 60p video
    Yes vs No
    A faster framerate can give you more editing options
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    10.0 fps vs 2.9 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Rear display
    Both provide
    Review photos on the back of the camera
  • RAW file ability
    Both provide
    Gives you more flexibility to develop your photos later
  • 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

  • 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
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Sony NEX-5

Samsung NX100
Sony NEX-5
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-camera panoramas
Panasonic ZS40
Sony NEX-5
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Focus peaking
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony NEX-5N

Samsung NX100
Sony NEX-5N
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • In-camera panoramas
Panasonic ZS40
Sony NEX-5N
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Less expensive
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Sony NEX-6

Samsung NX100
Sony NEX-6
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Focus peaking
Panasonic ZS40
Sony NEX-6
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $549
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels

Compared to Canon SX700 HS

Samsung NX100
Canon SX700 HS
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
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 Panasonic ZS60

Samsung NX100
Panasonic ZS60
  • $799
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
Panasonic ZS40
Panasonic ZS60
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Shoot 4K video
  • Touchscreen
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