Panasonic GF5 vs Pentax 645Z

Following is a in-depth overview of the Panasonic GF5 versus Pentax 645Z, former is a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the latter is a Pro DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a large gap among the resolutions of the GF5 (12MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the GF5 (Four Thirds) and 645Z (Medium format) come with totally different sensor sizes.

Photography Glossary

The GF5 was released 24 months before the 645Z which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic GF5 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before delving in to a in depth comparison, below is a simple view of how the GF5 matches up against the 645Z with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF5 & Pentax 645Z. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic GF5 Gallery & Pentax 645Z Gallery.

If you're going to carry around your camera regularly, you will want to factor in its weight and measurements. The Panasonic GF5 has outer measurements of 108mm x 67mm x 37mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 267 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst the Pentax 645Z has proportions of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") accompanied by a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic GF5 versus Pentax 645Z in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you are employing during that time. Below is the front view sizing comparison of the GF5 and the 645Z.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GF5 and 645Z is 89 and 49 respectively.

More often than not, it is very tough to visualise the gap in sensor sizes only by researching specifications. The pic below should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the GF5 and 645Z.

To sum up, the 2 cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizes. The GF5 because of its smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Pentax 645Z will provide you with greater detail as a result of its extra 39 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more aged GF5 will be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.