Panasonic FP1 vs Pentax 645Z

Its time to take a more detailed look at the Panasonic FP1 versus Pentax 645Z, one is a Ultracompact and the other is a Pro DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap between the image resolutions of the FP1 (12MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the FP1 (1/2.3") and 645Z (Medium format) possess totally different sensor size.

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The FP1 was announced 5 years earlier than the 645Z which is quite a large gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FP1 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before diving in to a in depth comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the FP1 scores versus the 645Z with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FP1 and Pentax 645Z. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic FP1 Gallery and Pentax 645Z Gallery.

In case you're intending to travel with your camera often, you should think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic FP1 provides exterior measurements of 99mm x 59mm x 19mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.7") having a weight of 151 grams (0.33 lbs) whilst the Pentax 645Z has sizing of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") having a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic FP1 versus Pentax 645Z in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you use at that moment. Here is the front view dimensions comparison of the FP1 against the 645Z.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the FP1 and 645Z is 95 and 49 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to envision the difference between sensor dimensions only by checking specifications. The image below will help give you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the FP1 and 645Z.

To sum up, the 2 cameras have got different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The FP1 with its tinier sensor will make shooting shallower DOF trickier and the Pentax 645Z will resolve more detail with its extra 39 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also enable you to crop photos much more aggressively. The more aged FP1 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.