Olympus E-1 vs Pentax 645D

Lets take a deeper look at the Olympus E-1 and Pentax 645D, both Pro DSLR digital cameras by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There is a large difference between the image resolutions of the E-1 (5MP) and 645D (40MP) and the E-1 (Four Thirds) and 645D (Medium format) have totally different sensor sizing.

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The E-1 was unveiled 7 years earlier than the 645D and that is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Each of the cameras feature the same body design (Large SLR).

Before delving right into a in depth comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the E-1 scores vs the 645D with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus E-1 & Pentax 645D. The full galleries are provided at Olympus E-1 Gallery & Pentax 645D Gallery.

If you are intending to carry your camera regularly, you have to factor in its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-1 has got physical dimensions of 141mm x 104mm x 81mm (5.6" x 4.1" x 3.2") having a weight of 735 grams (1.62 lbs) while the Pentax 645D has proportions of 156mm x 117mm x 119mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.7") along with a weight of 1480 grams (3.26 lbs).

Check the Olympus E-1 and Pentax 645D in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is a front view proportions comparison of the E-1 and the 645D.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the E-1 and 645D is 59 and 50 respectively.

Generally, it can be difficult to visualise the difference between sensor sizing purely by going over a spec sheet. The photograph underneath may provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizes in the E-1 and 645D.

Clearly, the 2 cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-1 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF harder and the Pentax 645D will offer you more detail having an extra 35 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop shots way more aggressively. The older E-1 is going to be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.