Canon 1Ds vs Pentax 645Z

In this article, we will be contrasting the Canon 1Ds and Pentax 645Z, both Pro DSLR cameras by companies Canon and Pentax. There exists a considerable gap among the sensor resolutions of the 1Ds (11MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the 1Ds (Full frame) and 645Z (Medium format) possess different sensor measurements.

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The 1Ds was released 12 years earlier than the 645Z which is a fairly large difference as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of the cameras offer the identical body type (Large SLR).

Before getting through a detailed comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the 1Ds matches up against the 645Z with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Canon EOS-1Ds & Pentax 645Z. The complete galleries are viewable at Canon 1Ds Gallery & Pentax 645Z Gallery.

For those who are going to carry around your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Canon 1Ds enjoys outer measurements of 156mm x 158mm x 80mm (6.1" x 6.2" x 3.1") with a weight of 1585 grams (3.49 lbs) and the Pentax 645Z has proportions of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") and a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Compare the Canon 1Ds and Pentax 645Z in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen at that time. Following is the front view measurement comparison of the 1Ds compared to the 645Z.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 1Ds and 645Z is 50 and 49 respectively.

Typically, it's tough to visualize the difference in sensor sizes just by seeing specs. The image underneath might provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the 1Ds and 645Z.

As you can plainly see, both cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The 1Ds due to its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF harder and the Pentax 645Z will produce extra detail as a result of its extra 40 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged 1Ds will be behind when it comes to sensor innovation.