Olympus E-420 vs Pentax 645Z

Below, we are contrasting the Olympus E-420 and Pentax 645Z, one being a Entry-Level DSLR and the other is a Pro DSLR by rivals Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference among the image resolutions of the E-420 (10MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the E-420 (Four Thirds) and 645Z (Medium format) use totally different sensor size.

Pentax 17 Pre-Orders Outperform Expectations by a Landslide

The E-420 was revealed 6 years before the 645Z and that is a fairly large gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Olympus E-420 being a Compact SLR camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a full comparison, below is a short summation of how the E-420 grades versus the 645Z in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Olympus E-420 and Pentax 645Z. The full galleries are viewable at Olympus E-420 Gallery and Pentax 645Z Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry your camera often, you are going to need to consider its weight and measurements. The Olympus E-420 offers exterior dimensions of 130mm x 91mm x 53mm (5.1" x 3.6" x 2.1") along with a weight of 426 grams (0.94 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).

Take a look at the Olympus E-420 and Pentax 645Z in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are utilising at the time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the E-420 vs the 645Z.

Taking into account size and weight, the portability rating of the E-420 and 645Z is 77 and 49 respectively.

Oftentimes, it's difficult to visualise the difference in sensor sizing just by viewing specifications. The graphic underneath may give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the E-420 and 645Z.

To sum up, each of the cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The E-420 with its smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Pentax 645Z will render more detail because of its extra 41MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images somewhat more aggressively. The older E-420 will be disadvantaged in sensor tech.