Panasonic GX1 vs Pentax 645Z

On this page, we are reviewing the Panasonic GX1 vs Pentax 645Z, one being a Entry-Level Mirrorless and the other is a Pro DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the GX1 (16MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the GX1 (Four Thirds) and 645Z (Medium format) offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The GX1 was revealed 3 years earlier than the 645Z and that is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic GX1 being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before diving straight to a in-depth comparison, here is a brief overview of how the GX1 matches up against the 645Z in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-GX1 and Pentax 645Z. The full galleries are provided at Panasonic GX1 Gallery and Pentax 645Z Gallery.

If you are aiming to lug around your camera often, you should think about its weight and volume. The Panasonic GX1 comes with exterior measurements of 116mm x 68mm x 39mm (4.6" x 2.7" x 1.5") with a weight of 318 grams (0.70 lbs) and the Pentax 645Z has sizing of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") accompanied by a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic GX1 vs Pentax 645Z in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select during that time. The following is a front view over all size comparison of the GX1 compared to the 645Z.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the GX1 and 645Z is 87 and 49 respectively.

Generally, its tough to visualise the difference in sensor measurements only by going through specifications. The visual here will help offer you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the GX1 and 645Z.

Plainly, the 2 cameras provide different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The GX1 using its smaller sensor will make getting shallower depth of field harder and the Pentax 645Z will show greater detail because of its extra 35 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also help you crop images more aggressively. The older GX1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor innovation.