Panasonic LX3 vs Pentax 645Z

Its time to look a bit more in depth at the Panasonic LX3 vs Pentax 645Z, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the latter is a Pro DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a large difference among the image resolutions of the LX3 (10MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the LX3 (1/1.63") and 645Z (Medium format) boast totally different sensor size.

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The LX3 was brought out 6 years prior to the 645Z and that is a fairly serious difference as far as camera tech is concerned. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic LX3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before diving into a in-depth comparison, here is a quick highlight of how the LX3 grades against the 645Z in relation to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX3 & Pentax 645Z. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic LX3 Gallery & Pentax 645Z Gallery.

In case you're looking to lug around your camera, you need to take into account its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic LX3 offers physical measurements of 109mm x 60mm x 27mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.1") with a weight of 265 grams (0.58 lbs) while the Pentax 645Z has dimensions of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") with a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic LX3 vs Pentax 645Z in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember that, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have attached at that time. The following is a front view size comparison of the LX3 against the 645Z.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the LX3 and 645Z is 91 and 49 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to see the gap in sensor measurements just by checking out specifications. The photograph here might offer you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the LX3 and 645Z.

Plainly, both of these cameras feature different resolutions and different sensor measurements. The LX3 due to its smaller sensor will make getting shallow depth of field tougher and the Pentax 645Z will show greater detail having its extra 41MP. Higher resolution will help you crop shots way more aggressively. The older LX3 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor tech.