Panasonic FH5 vs Pentax 645D

In this write-up, we will be looking at the Panasonic FH5 versus Pentax 645D, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Pro DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap between the image resolutions of the FH5 (16MP) and 645D (40MP) and the FH5 (1/2.3") and 645D (Medium format) feature totally different sensor dimensions.

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The FH5 was introduced 11 months later than the 645D and they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic FH5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax 645D being a Large SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a step-by-step comparison, below is a simple synopsis of how the FH5 scores versus the 645D when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH5 and Pentax 645D. The whole galleries are available at Panasonic FH5 Gallery and Pentax 645D Gallery.

For anybody who is intending to lug around your camera, you should think about its weight and proportions. The Panasonic FH5 has external measurements of 94mm x 54mm x 19mm (3.7" x 2.1" x 0.7") and a weight of 121 grams (0.27 lbs) whilst the Pentax 645D has measurements of 156mm x 117mm x 119mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.7") having a weight of 1480 grams (3.26 lbs).

See the Panasonic FH5 versus Pentax 645D in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Don't forget, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you have at the time. The following is the front view dimension comparison of the FH5 compared to the 645D.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FH5 and 645D is 96 and 50 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to visualise the gap between sensor measurements just by reviewing specifications. The photograph here might give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the FH5 and 645D.

To sum up, both of those cameras enjoy different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The FH5 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Pentax 645D will offer you greater detail using its extra 24 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The younger FH5 is going to have an advantage with regard to sensor technology.