• 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 384.00mm (35mm eq.)
  • 1/2.3 inch 28.1mm2
  • 18.1 megapixels
  • 24.00mm - 720.00mm (35mm eq.)

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Differences

Sony DSC-HX9V advantages over Panasonic ZS40

  • Less expensive
    $350 vs $450 (MSRP)
    Save money for lenses or accessories
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    10 vs 6 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Panasonic ZS40 advantages over Sony DSC-HX9V

  • 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 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
  • More telephoto lens reach
    720 mm vs 384 mm
    Capture objects farther away
  • Slow-motion videos
    Yes vs No
    Shoot slow-motion videos
  • 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
  • Built-in GPS
    Both provide
    Geotag your photos
  • 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

  • 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
  • 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

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Buy the Sony DSC-HX9V

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Buy the Panasonic ZS40
Panasonic ZS40

Review Excerpt

  • Excellent optical quality; High resolution; High-resolution Panorama mode; Good video quality; Good grip; Fast autofocus.

  • Sluggish user interface and Full HD video mode; Heavy noise suppression; GPS is sometimes slow to sync.

  • Read our Sony DSC-HX9V Express Review

The Competition

Compared to Panasonic ZS8

Sony DSC-HX9V
Panasonic ZS8
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Fast startup

Compare Sony DSC-HX9V vs Panasonic ZS8

Panasonic ZS40
Panasonic ZS8
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $259
  • 1/2.33 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Longer exposure

Compare Panasonic ZS40 vs Panasonic ZS8

Compared to Sony HX10V

Sony DSC-HX9V
Sony HX10V
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Higher extended ISO

Compare Sony DSC-HX9V vs Sony HX10V

Panasonic ZS40
Sony HX10V
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $375
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Panasonic ZS40 vs Sony HX10V

Compared to Sony H90

Sony DSC-HX9V
Sony H90
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Manual focus
  • $223
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Sony DSC-HX9V vs Sony H90

Panasonic ZS40
Sony H90
  • $380
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder
  • $223
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compare Panasonic ZS40 vs Sony H90

Compared to Canon SX700 HS

Sony DSC-HX9V
Canon SX700 HS
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
  • NFC

Compare Sony DSC-HX9V 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 Panasonic ZS60

Sony DSC-HX9V
Panasonic ZS60
  • $329
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Built-in GPS
  • $448
  • 1/2.3 inch
  • Focus peaking
  • Eye-level viewfinder

Compare Sony DSC-HX9V 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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