Olympus SP-565UZ vs Pentax 645Z

In this article, we will be reviewing the Olympus SP-565UZ and Pentax 645Z, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Pro DSLR by competitors Olympus and Pentax. There is a sizable difference among the image resolutions of the SP-565UZ (10MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the SP-565UZ (1/2.3") and 645Z (Medium format) possess different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The SP-565UZ was unveiled 6 years before the 645Z which is a fairly significant difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Olympus SP-565UZ being a Compact camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before diving through a in depth comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the SP-565UZ scores versus the 645Z with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Olympus SP-565UZ & Pentax 645Z. The full galleries are provided at Olympus SP-565UZ Gallery & Pentax 645Z Gallery.

If you are planning to travel with your camera frequently, you will want to factor its weight and size. The Olympus SP-565UZ comes with outer dimensions of 116mm x 84mm x 81mm (4.6" x 3.3" x 3.2") along with a weight of 413 grams (0.91 lbs) while the Pentax 645Z has specifications of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") with a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Look at the Olympus SP-565UZ and Pentax 645Z in our newest Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an ILC will vary dependant on the lens you use during that time. Underneath is the front view size comparison of the SP-565UZ vs the 645Z.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SP-565UZ and 645Z is 72 and 49 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is difficult to picture the contrast in sensor dimensions merely by checking out technical specs. The picture below will give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SP-565UZ and 645Z.

As you can tell, both cameras offer different resolutions and different sensor dimensions. The SP-565UZ with its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Pentax 645Z will provide more detail having an extra 41 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also make it easier to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more aged SP-565UZ will be behind in sensor technology.