Canon 1D MIII vs Pentax 645Z

The following is a thorough review of the Canon 1D MIII versus Pentax 645Z, both Pro DSLR cameras by rivals Canon and Pentax. There exists a significant gap among the resolutions of the 1D MIII (10MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the 1D MIII (APS-H) and 645Z (Medium format) provide totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The 1D MIII was unveiled 8 years earlier than the 645Z which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Both cameras have the same body design (Large SLR).

Before getting straight to a detailed comparison, here is a concise synopsis of how the 1D MIII scores against the 645Z in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Canon EOS-1D Mark III and Pentax 645Z. The full galleries are available at Canon 1D MIII Gallery and Pentax 645Z Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera regularly, you'll have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Canon 1D MIII enjoys outside dimensions of 156mm x 157mm x 80mm (6.1" x 6.2" x 3.1") with a weight of 1335 grams (2.94 lbs) and the Pentax 645Z has dimensions of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") along with a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Check the Canon 1D MIII versus Pentax 645Z in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the 1D MIII compared to the 645Z.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the 1D MIII and 645Z is 51 and 49 respectively.

Sometimes, its hard to visualise the contrast in sensor dimensions purely by viewing specs. The image here might provide you a much better sense of the sensor sizes in the 1D MIII and 645Z.

All in all, both cameras have different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The 1D MIII using its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF more challenging and the Pentax 645Z will provide you with extra detail having an extra 41MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged 1D MIII will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.