Panasonic GF3 vs Pentax 645D

Lets look closer at the Panasonic GF3 vs Pentax 645D, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Pro DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a considerable difference between the resolutions of the GF3 (12MP) and 645D (40MP) and the GF3 (Four Thirds) and 645D (Medium format) feature different sensor size.

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The GF3 was revealed 18 months later than the 645D which makes the cameras a generation apart from each other. Both the cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GF3 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax 645D being a Large SLR camera.

Before going in to a in-depth comparison, below is a brief synopsis of how the GF3 grades vs the 645D with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF3 & Pentax 645D. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic GF3 Gallery & Pentax 645D Gallery.

For those who are going to carry your camera frequently, you have to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GF3 has got physical dimensions of 108mm x 67mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 264 grams (0.58 lbs) whilst the Pentax 645D has proportions of 156mm x 117mm x 119mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.7") and a weight of 1480 grams (3.26 lbs).

Check the Panasonic GF3 vs Pentax 645D in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you have at that time. Below is the front view physical size comparison of the GF3 versus the 645D.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability rating of the GF3 and 645D is 90 and 50 respectively.

In many cases, its tough to imagine the difference between sensor sizing just by reading through specifications. The photograph underneath will give you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the GF3 and 645D.

Plainly, both the cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The GF3 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallow DOF harder and the Pentax 645D will give you extra detail because of its extra 28MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures a little more aggressively. The more recent GF3 provides an edge in sensor technology.