Panasonic FS42 vs Pentax 645Z

Below is a comprehensive review of the Panasonic FS42 versus Pentax 645Z, one being a Ultracompact and the latter is a Pro DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a big gap between the sensor resolutions of the FS42 (10MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the FS42 (1/2.5") and 645Z (Medium format) come with different sensor dimensions.

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The FS42 was brought out 6 years prior to the 645Z and that is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic FS42 being a Ultracompact camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before delving through a thorough comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the FS42 grades versus the 645Z with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FS42 and Pentax 645Z. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic FS42 Gallery and Pentax 645Z Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to lug around your camera, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic FS42 provides exterior measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 22mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 132 grams (0.29 lbs) while the Pentax 645Z has sizing of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") and a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic FS42 versus Pentax 645Z in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. Underneath is the front view physical size comparison of the FS42 against the 645Z.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the FS42 and 645Z is 95 and 49 respectively.

Sometimes, it is tough to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements only by checking technical specs. The graphic underneath will provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the FS42 and 645Z.

As you have seen, both the cameras have got different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The FS42 because of its tinier sensor is going to make achieving bokeh harder and the Pentax 645Z will resolve greater detail having its extra 41 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures much more aggressively. The older FS42 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.