Panasonic GX1 vs Pentax 645D

On this page, we are reviewing the Panasonic GX1 vs Pentax 645D, former being a Entry-Level Mirrorless while the other is a Pro DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a noticeable gap between the sensor resolutions of the GX1 (16MP) and 645D (40MP) and the GX1 (Four Thirds) and 645D (Medium format) offer totally different sensor dimensions.

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The GX1 was announced 24 months later than the 645D making them a generation apart from one another. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GX1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax 645D being a Large SLR camera.

Before delving straight to a full comparison, here is a simple synopsis of how the GX1 scores versus the 645D in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 & Pentax 645D. The whole galleries are provided at Panasonic GX1 Gallery & Pentax 645D Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera often, you are going to need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic GX1 enjoys outside dimensions of 116mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") accompanied by a weight of 318 grams (0.70 lbs) whilst the Pentax 645D has dimensions of 156mm x 117mm x 119mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.7") with a weight of 1480 grams (3.26 lbs).

Look at the Panasonic GX1 vs Pentax 645D in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have at that time. The following is a front view dimensions comparison of the GX1 versus the 645D.

Factoring in dimensions and weight, the portability score of the GX1 and 645D is 87 and 50 respectively.

Sometimes, it is difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizing just by checking a spec sheet. The photograph here will provide you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the GX1 and 645D.

Clearly, both of these cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor sizing. The GX1 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF trickier and the Pentax 645D will give you extra detail with its extra 24MP. Greater resolution can also help you crop pics more aggressively. The more recent GX1 is going to have a benefit with regard to sensor tech.