Panasonic GH3 vs Pentax 645Z

The following is a extended analysis of the Panasonic GH3 versus Pentax 645Z, former is a Advanced Mirrorless while the other is a Pro DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a sizable gap between the sensor resolutions of the GH3 (16MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the GH3 (Four Thirds) and 645Z (Medium format) feature totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The GH3 was brought out 19 months prior to the 645Z making the cameras a generation away from one another. The two cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic GH3 being a SLR-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before diving straight into a in depth comparison, below is a quick summation of how the GH3 grades versus the 645Z in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GH3 & Pentax 645Z. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic GH3 Gallery & Pentax 645Z Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to travel with your camera frequently, you will have to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GH3 enjoys physical measurements of 133mm x 93mm x 82mm (5.2" x 3.7" x 3.2") having a weight of 550 grams (1.21 lbs) and the Pentax 645Z has dimensions of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") and a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic GH3 versus Pentax 645Z in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change dependant on the lens you are utilising at that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the GH3 compared to the 645Z.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GH3 and 645Z is 66 and 49 respectively.

More often than not, it's tough to visualise the gap between sensor dimensions purely by going over technical specs. The image here might offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the GH3 and 645Z.

As you can tell, both cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The GH3 featuring a tinier sensor will make achieving bokeh tougher and the Pentax 645Z will offer you greater detail having its extra 35MP. Greater resolution can also make it easier to crop images a little more aggressively. The more aged GH3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor tech.