Olympus E-510 vs Pentax 645Z

Here, we are reviewing the Olympus E-510 and Pentax 645Z, one being a Advanced DSLR and the other is a Pro DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There exists a crucial gap among the image resolutions of the E-510 (10MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the E-510 (Four Thirds) and 645Z (Medium format) boast different sensor measurements.

Apple Innovates by Creating Next-Level Optical Stabilization for iPhone

The E-510 was brought out 7 years before the 645Z and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera technology is concerned. Each of these cameras feature different body design with the Olympus E-510 being a Mid-size SLR camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a thorough comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the E-510 grades vs the 645Z with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Olympus E-510 and Pentax 645Z. The entire galleries are provided at Olympus E-510 Gallery and Pentax 645Z Gallery.

For anyone who is looking to lug around your camera often, you'll need to take into account its weight and proportions. The Olympus E-510 offers physical measurements of 136mm x 92mm x 68mm (5.4" x 3.6" x 2.7") and a weight of 490 grams (1.08 lbs) whilst the Pentax 645Z has measurements of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") with a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Compare the Olympus E-510 and Pentax 645Z in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Following is a front view dimensions comparison of the E-510 compared to the 645Z.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the E-510 and 645Z is 69 and 49 respectively.

Sometimes, it is very difficult to picture the gap in sensor measurements only by viewing specs. The graphic underneath should give you a more clear sense of the sensor sizing in the E-510 and 645Z.

All in all, each of the cameras feature different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The E-510 featuring a smaller sensor is going to make achieving bokeh more difficult and the Pentax 645Z will result in greater detail having its extra 41MP. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images way more aggressively. The older E-510 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.