Panasonic GF8 vs Pentax 645Z

Here is a in depth overview of the Panasonic GF8 versus Pentax 645Z, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Pro DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a crucial difference among the sensor resolutions of the GF8 (16MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the GF8 (Four Thirds) and 645Z (Medium format) possess totally different sensor size.

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The GF8 was launched 23 months later than the 645Z making the cameras a generation apart from each other. Each of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GF8 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a full comparison, below is a short summation of how the GF8 scores against the 645Z in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GF8 and Pentax 645Z. The complete galleries are provided at Panasonic GF8 Gallery and Pentax 645Z Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to carry your camera, you should factor its weight and volume. The Panasonic GF8 provides outside measurements of 107mm x 65mm x 33mm (4.2" x 2.6" x 1.3") having a weight of 266 grams (0.59 lbs) whilst 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).

Contrast the Panasonic GF8 versus Pentax 645Z in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using at that time. Underneath is the front view scale comparison of the GF8 compared to the 645Z.

Using size and weight, the portability grade of the GF8 and 645Z is 90 and 49 respectively.

Often, it is very hard to see the contrast in sensor sizing simply by looking through technical specs. The visual underneath may give you a much better sense of the sensor sizing in the GF8 and 645Z.

As you can tell, the 2 cameras enjoy different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The GF8 because of its smaller sensor will make getting shallow DOF tougher and the Pentax 645Z will render greater detail utilizing its extra 35MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop photos far more aggressively. The more modern GF8 will have an edge with regard to sensor tech.