Panasonic LX5 vs Pentax 645Z

On this page, we will be looking at the Panasonic LX5 versus Pentax 645Z, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Pro DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a huge difference among the image resolutions of the LX5 (10MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the LX5 (1/1.63") and 645Z (Medium format) have different sensor dimensions.

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The LX5 was revealed 3 years before the 645Z which is a fairly significant gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic LX5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before diving straight to a complete comparison, here is a quick overview of how the LX5 grades versus the 645Z in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX5 and Pentax 645Z. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic LX5 Gallery and Pentax 645Z Gallery.

In case you're going to carry around your camera often, you'll need to factor its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic LX5 features exterior measurements of 110mm x 65mm x 43mm (4.3" x 2.6" x 1.7") along with a weight of 271 grams (0.60 lbs) whilst 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).

Compare the Panasonic LX5 versus Pentax 645Z in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the LX5 compared to the 645Z.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the LX5 and 645Z is 88 and 49 respectively.

Often, it is hard to visualize the contrast in sensor sizes just by researching a spec sheet. The picture below will help provide you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the LX5 and 645Z.

As you can see, both cameras have different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The LX5 using its smaller sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field harder and the Pentax 645Z will result in greater detail because of its extra 41MP. Higher resolution will also enable you to crop shots a bit more aggressively. The more aged LX5 will be behind with regard to sensor innovation.