Panasonic GF1 vs Pentax 645Z

Here is a comprehensive review of the Panasonic GF1 versus Pentax 645Z, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Pro DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a sizable gap between the image resolutions of the GF1 (12MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the GF1 (Four Thirds) and 645Z (Medium format) provide different sensor size.

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The GF1 was revealed 5 years before the 645Z and that is quite a significant difference as far as technology is concerned. Both of the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic GF1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before getting right into a thorough comparison, here is a brief synopsis of how the GF1 matches up against the 645Z when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF1 & Pentax 645Z. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic GF1 Gallery & Pentax 645Z Gallery.

In case you're going to carry your camera, you are going to need to factor in its weight and volume. The Panasonic GF1 has got external dimensions of 119mm x 71mm x 36mm (4.7" x 2.8" x 1.4") along with a weight of 385 grams (0.85 lbs) and the Pentax 645Z has sizing of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") along with a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic GF1 versus Pentax 645Z in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are working with at the time. Underneath is a front view dimension comparison of the GF1 versus the 645Z.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GF1 and 645Z is 85 and 49 respectively.

Sometimes, it can be hard to picture the difference between sensor sizing only by reading specs. The photograph below might offer you a more clear sense of the sensor sizes in the GF1 and 645Z.

All in all, both the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The GF1 with its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field harder and the Pentax 645Z will deliver extra detail because of its extra 39MP. Higher resolution will enable you to crop photographs a good deal more aggressively. The older GF1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.