Panasonic F5 vs Pentax 645Z

Here is a extended assessment of the Panasonic F5 vs Pentax 645Z, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Pro DSLR by companies Panasonic and Pentax. There is a significant difference between the sensor resolutions of the F5 (14MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the F5 (1/2.3") and 645Z (Medium format) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The F5 was introduced 15 months prior to the 645Z making them a generation apart from each other. The two cameras have different body design with the Panasonic F5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a full comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the F5 matches up versus the 645Z for portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-F5 and Pentax 645Z. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic F5 Gallery and Pentax 645Z Gallery.

When you are going to carry your camera, you will need to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic F5 features exterior dimensions of 97mm x 58mm x 22mm (3.8" x 2.3" x 0.9") and a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) while the Pentax 645Z has specifications of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") having a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic F5 vs Pentax 645Z in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are using at the time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the F5 versus the 645Z.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the F5 and 645Z is 96 and 49 respectively.

Often, it is very hard to visualise the difference between sensor sizing only by reading through technical specs. The visual underneath will help offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the F5 and 645Z.

As you can tell, both of those cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The F5 using its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF harder and the Pentax 645Z will give you more detail using its extra 37 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop images more aggressively. The older F5 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.