Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS40 Digital Camera, 18.1MP, 30x Optical Zoom, 3" 920K-Dot LCD Display, USB, HDMI, Built-in Wi-Fi, Panorama, GPS - Silver

2017-04-28T20:00:00

I have been an avid photographer for many years, using several SLR's with tele lenses and medium format cameras. I was tired of carrying so much weight around so tried this ZS40 . I am blown away with the sharpness and detail. I have taken many excellent bird photographs with it and marvel at the sharpness--you can see every feather. Read the manual, practice and try different settings, use a tri or monopod for increased stability and you too will be amazed. I bought another one as a spare as I couldn't be without this camera.

Snowbird 1.

Originally posted at

2017-04-26T20:00:00

The camera takes good pictures and there are lots of options. I especially like the close-up flower feature for wild flowers. I was, however, disappointed in the zoom. When you first turn on the camera, you are zoomed out about 50%. THAT''S what makes them say you can zoom in so far. Actually, you canNOT zoom in far and still focus well.

J

Originally posted at

2016-10-31T18:54:37

I am a retired photographer and have always used Nikon camera equipment. Since I retired, I walk and ride a bicycle a lot and wanted a smaller lighter camera to carry with me. The DMC-ZS40 fullfills that desire completely. The photos are crisp and the 30X telephoto is better than I had expected, especially for catching photos of the wildlife I encounter from time to time.

Bob C.

2016-10-12T13:13:57

I needed a camera with GPS coordinates and this does everything I need, and lots more. Takes great photos. And it was on sale. Excellent service at Adorama!

KIVA H.

2016-10-10T08:59:59

The remote use with my iPhone is great. The pictures are awesome. I am very pleased with this purchase so far.

Lloyd T.

2016-09-27T13:34:24

This camera is wonderful. It does more than I'll ever use but is there if I need it. I bought it for the 30 zoom. You don't have to use binoculars it is so strong,

Linda R.

2016-09-23T10:25:52

for a 2nd time in 10 years my lumix died and I got a newer version of this amazing workhorse. the new one has so many features I haven't even tried but its so light weight it took some getting used to as long as they keep making these I will stick with it that lens almost insures every shot will be beautiful

Joyce B.

2016-09-12T09:07:24

The camera, lens, picture quality, and functionality is great for a P&S. I have not been impressed with the PC download software that will not allow me to dump to Photoshop. Appears that the only send function is Facebook or some other social media. Can't find any other software or drivers on the web. PHOTOfun software is not FUN.

William T.

2016-08-18T05:52:35

I am a structural engineer/home inspector and I take about 30000 photos a year. I want quick automatic photos. I totally abuse my cameras and they get rained on and dropped. I buy two cameras a year when one get to damaged. I have no complaints due to the abuse but like all products made in China, parts fall off before I can do my own damage.

gerald s.

2016-02-08T11:47:29

Not quite what I had hoped from this camera after reading reviews on various sites. It's light and easily fits in a pocket but the photo results are disappointing. As many reviews state, there is a mega zoom feature on this camera but the focus time is very slow. In fact, the focus time is very slow with close up photos as well. This is my third Panasonic Lumix- it will probably be my last.

Bill W.

2015-08-04T21:00:00

This camera has the best ZOOM of all the point and shoot cameras I have owned. Very compact and does a great job with the pics. Happy I got it.

jt

2015-04-30T21:00:00

optics surprisingly good, sensor also better than expected but not in ballpark with micro 4/3's. Stabilizer does a pretty good job, but still need either monopod or tripod for best image quality at extreme tele end. Viewfinder obvious bonus, although small and somewhat coarse, it's still needed in bright sun. Functionality is reasonably good for a small compact, build quality is better than average. Raw format is great although the 18mp image files are not very flexible in Lightroom 5. Don't pixel peep, images don't compare to a M4/3 image when enlarged, but is still capable of producing a very effective image over a extreme range all while being carried in your coat pocket. Worth the money in my opinion for the times when you can't carry bigger.

Douglas O.

2015-04-08T21:00:00

The photos are good and with GPS, panorama, scene modes, Wifi, 30x zoom, view finder, HD slo-mo and full manual settings; what's not to like? Just a fantastic pocket camera. Now, if only the video was downloaded with the photos instead of being buried DEEP in a separate folder; it is annoying that I can erase all (including video) with ONE stroke. This is a software issue that several of the P&S mfgrs have. FIX IT!!!

TERRY A.

2015-04-01T21:00:00

I have not had a chance to use this product much but it seems to be a much improved version of the SZ20 which I have used. I like the viewfinder. The LCD screen seems much brighter and I presume that sunlight will affect it less.

DENNIS K.

2015-03-23T20:00:00

I was looking for a pocket sized travel 30x zoom camera. The competitive field is fairly small here, but a camera that is not small enough to fit into my pocket will not go with me, and will not get used. Although I really like the features, I was shopping as much by dimensions as anything - this camera has a slight advantage over the competition by being slightly smaller. I use a neoprene case which fits the camera tightly, and it does fit into a pants pocket (khakis or cargo, not bluejeans.) The ease of transfer of pics to my tablet via wifi is a real plus, and I really like the silver/black color combination.

catfud

Originally posted at

2015-03-23T20:00:00

I was first introduced to the Lumix line of point-and-shoot cameras several models back. Ever since then, I have been so impressed with the features, the durability and (at least for me) the great customer service of Panasonic! For a small point and shoot camera, this latest model is packed with an incredible array of features and the quality of the images that I am able to get typically match my much larger professional Canon equipment. Because of what I photograph, I am especially impressed with the macro capabilities of the Lumix line, this camera included. The ability to shoot raw and the incorporation of high-speed video are just icing on the cake! The many shooting modes are also extremely fun and I think they encourage a little "out of the box" exploration of the art of photography. This is my small, go to camera when I don't want to lug around tons of gear, and I have recommended this camera to several friends and peers.

Anonymous

Originally posted at

2015-03-22T20:00:00

Got this camera for our first trip to New York City. Hoping to get some great night shots of the city. All my testing and playing with the camera in California indicates it will work out great.

Jack

Originally posted at

2015-03-22T20:00:00

I purchased this camera for it's long list of features, great Leica zoom lens, ease of use, and portability. I have not been disappointed. I have quickly mastered the basic features and have been trying out many of the more advanced and esoteric features available. People who have seen me pull out what appears to be a basic point and shoot camera have been very surprised by the quality of the pictures taken.

Dave

Originally posted at

2015-01-21T19:00:00

This my 3rd ZS. I also own a ZS 3 and a ZS 7. I bought the ZS 3 for its small size and 12x zoom which not only had a decently long telephoto (300 mm equivalent) but a 25 mm wide which is rare on a point and shoot. Then i went to a ZS 7 because it had a full PSAM exposure system. I spent the big bucks last summer (my only complaint about this camera) in order to get the ZS 40 with its EVF. The 30 x zoom makes this camera useable for virtually any situation. I also have a GX 7 system camera. I love the fact that I have the features of my GX 7 in my pocket. Make no mistake, ZS series cameras do easily fit in most pockets. With the new ZS 50 out, the ZS 40 has dropped in price and is a much better deal. I'll probably buy a ZS 50 and pass the ZS 40 on to my wife. I like the addition of an eye sensor on the EVF and time lapse on the new ZS 50.

J W.

Originally posted at

2014-12-18T19:00:00

I bought this to upgrade from my ancient Sony Cybershot for a trip to Peru. I had high expectations of this camera after reading reviews. I spent a lot of time in moving vehicles on my trip and was pleasantly surprised by the camera's performance from moving car/train. I took pictures with window rolled up and down and saw no difference. Even when zoomed in and in motion, the pictures were clear. Everyone who held the camera to take pics for me commented on how nice the camera is, for a point and shoot. No one had trouble using it.

wannabe

Originally posted at

2014-11-26T19:00:00

Great camera, does so much in such a small package. Loaded with features. Fits in shirt pocket. Luv the wi-fi option. Takes great pics.

Anonymous

Originally posted at

2014-11-24T19:00:00

I bought the camera for my wife to take to Europe. She went with a group and everyone was impressed with the picture quality and the zoom capabilities. The camera fit nicely into a purse and was easy and light enough to travel around during sight seeing. I have recommended the camera to several others and I know a couple people have purchased this camera from my recommendation and after looking at the pictures.

Libo

Originally posted at

2014-10-23T20:00:00

I have had this camera for seven months and love much of what it can do. The good: Wonderful image Wonderful zoom to macro Advance camera controls Compact Wi-Fi Rear screen and viewfinder I mostly love everything about it except... The Bad: Menu options change a lot per setting and are still very confusing. SCN Starry Sky does not work very well. It feels like it was not tailored to camera but thrown in to SCN package. No RAW as Panasonic does not support RAW for my computer manufacturer. Camera is used carefully and stored in a case but somehow has dust inside the lens assembly. No way to clean the inside so I must have it serviced. I'm having to jump hoops to get service as it is not listed as a regular service item… I'm having to call or email to find service/help.

Macuser

Originally posted at

2014-09-10T20:00:00

I have purchased 3 of the zs line of cameras. I left behind the bigger bulkier cameras a long time ago. I haven't looked back. I went to the ZS40 for the digital viewfinder, long overdue for these types of camera..

Mick

Originally posted at

2014-08-11T21:00:00

I needed a smaller camera when I didn't want to carry my dSLR and lenses. This is a great camera that works well on program setting along with other programmable features. Has an aperture adjustment that allows some control over program's depth of field choice. However, the auto format was usually exactly what the photo situation required. LCD screen is bright enough under almost all conditions. I used the small view finder in very, very bright conditions. Nice option. Very satisfied.

furiae

2014-07-31T20:00:00

Totaly agree with other reviews. Would add sturdy body and speed of recording both photographs as well as video has greatly improved compared to predecessors. Having worked previously with the big Nikon photo camara's and Sony or Canon video camera's I have completely reverted to this type of hit and run multi puropse camera's. And you can just slip it into your pocket without bringing the big camera bags hanging around your hip or neck. Pricing compared to technology innovation is compelling as well. Spend 450 dollars now and I am sure in next two years innovation will provide again more value for money. That makes the decision to upgrade realy easy. Finally during a canoe trip this summer I tipped over and camara went dead. Offcourse the datacard kept on working and is now in the ZS40 and allthough a loss imagine if this would have happend with both my Nikon with lenses and my Sony VC.... Highly recommend the ZS40 a no-brain no-regret buy!

Birdseye

Originally posted at

2014-06-16T21:00:00

Not what I was expecting. Lots of features. Great zoom. Soft focus. Takes shots when NOT in focus. Slow to focus. Pictures have a slight yellow tint. I thought this would be a good family vacation camera and a step up from my Leica D produced by Panasonic. Boy was I wrong. I wish the Leica had a stronger zoom then it would be great.

D G.

2014-06-11T21:00:00

The camera has an amazing amount of features packed into a very small package. I love the huge zoom range. The documentation is now very good. I cannot find any description about formatting a memory card. The flash is placed under the shutter button resulting in it getting covered up by fingers when shooting.

RICHARD L.

2014-06-01T20:00:00

After years of carrying a heavy full frame DSLR during my travels, I decided to try a point and shoot even tho my serious friends always derided them. I recently completed an 18 day trip to France and the UK. As it was my first experience with a point and shoot I also took my DSLR, along with it's he avy lenses - a 13 pound bag full. After comparing pictures for 3 days, the "big" camera stayed in the hotel and I took over 700 flawless pictures with the ZS-40. The quality was equal to my "Big" camera but the convenience was tremendous. I did not find one thing I couldn't do with the ZS-40 that my DSLR could do and the zoom was terrific. The ZS-40 has become my camera of choice and I look forward to what I can with it/

Beemer

Originally posted at

2014-05-26T21:00:00

Bought this camera for a trip to the Balkan countries and paired it with my DSLR with a wide angle lens, so I never had to change lenses. As a pro, I found this camera to pack a lot of features into a small, light body. I used it on all the modes and found myself pleasantly surprised at the images! Sunset mode to HDR to panorama, the 18 MP jpeg images are brilliant with the Leica lens! Another woman on my trip had a new Sony camera, which also did a fantastic job, but she found herself wishing she had the 720mm zoom capabilities that the ZS40 has. You will like the quick on/off, the excellent 720mm zoom and the "no lag time' capture! Experiment with the Creative controls and see that you can alter you image after the capture. That alone saved me time manipulating the images when I got home. To get the most out of the camera, I suggest you spend some time with the owner's manual and practice using the different modes before you need to use it for something important. Then you'll be ready to get creative when you need too. The one thing I didn't like was the flash. In low light, the flash is weighted heavier to the left side of the image, especially at the distance of 4ft. Make sure you're at least a few more feet away from your subject.

Peggy M.