Panasonic FX580 vs Pentax 645D

On this page, we will be contrasting the Panasonic FX580 versus Pentax 645D, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Pro DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the sensor resolutions of the FX580 (12MP) and 645D (40MP) and the FX580 (1/2.3") and 645D (Medium format) provide different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The FX580 was revealed 13 months earlier than the 645D which makes them a generation apart from each other. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic FX580 being a Compact camera and the Pentax 645D being a Large SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a detailed comparison, here is a brief summation of how the FX580 scores versus the 645D in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-FX580 and Pentax 645D. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic FX580 Gallery and Pentax 645D Gallery.

If you are aiming to carry your camera regularly, you'll need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic FX580 provides external dimensions of 95mm x 57mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") having a weight of 167 grams (0.37 lbs) and the Pentax 645D has dimensions of 156mm x 117mm x 119mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.7") accompanied by a weight of 1480 grams (3.26 lbs).

See the Panasonic FX580 versus Pentax 645D in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are using at that time. Here is a front view over all size comparison of the FX580 compared to the 645D.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the FX580 and 645D is 95 and 50 respectively.

Generally, its difficult to picture the difference between sensor sizing simply by reviewing specifications. The photograph underneath will help give you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the FX580 and 645D.

To sum up, the two cameras have different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The FX580 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Pentax 645D will deliver more detail because of its extra 28MP. Higher resolution can also let you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The older FX580 is going to be behind with regard to sensor technology.