Panasonic FH22 vs Pentax 645Z

Here, we are reviewing the Panasonic FH22 versus Pentax 645Z, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Pro DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a crucial difference among the resolutions of the FH22 (14MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the FH22 (1/2.3") and 645Z (Medium format) offer totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The FH22 was brought out 5 years before the 645Z and that is a fairly serious gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic FH22 being a Compact camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before going into a comprehensive comparison, here is a short introduction of how the FH22 scores vs the 645Z in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH22 and Pentax 645Z. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic FH22 Gallery and Pentax 645Z Gallery.

If you are going to lug around your camera often, you'll need to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic FH22 has got physical dimensions of 100mm x 57mm x 27mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.1") along with a weight of 170 grams (0.37 lbs) while 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).

See the Panasonic FH22 versus Pentax 645Z in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change based on the lens you are employing during that time. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the FH22 against the 645Z.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the FH22 and 645Z is 94 and 49 respectively.

Often, it is very tough to see the contrast in sensor measurements only by going through a spec sheet. The graphic here might give you a greater sense of the sensor dimensions in the FH22 and 645Z.

As you can see, each of these cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The FH22 due to its smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field tougher and the Pentax 645Z will provide more detail having its extra 37MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images a good deal more aggressively. The older FH22 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.