Panasonic S3 vs Pentax 645Z

Lets take a deeper look at the Panasonic S3 versus Pentax 645Z, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the latter is a Pro DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a significant gap between the resolutions of the S3 (14MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the S3 (1/2.3") and 645Z (Medium format) offer different sensor sizes.

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The S3 was unveiled 4 years earlier than the 645Z and that is quite a sizable gap as far as technology is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic S3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before diving into a thorough comparison, here is a brief view of how the S3 scores against the 645Z with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-S3 and Pentax 645Z. The full galleries are viewable at Panasonic S3 Gallery and Pentax 645Z Gallery.

In case you're intending to lug around your camera, you'll have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic S3 has outside dimensions of 99mm x 59mm x 21mm (3.9" x 2.3" x 0.8") along with a weight of 117 grams (0.26 lbs) while the Pentax 645Z has measurements of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") having a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic S3 versus Pentax 645Z in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you have chosen during that time. Here is a front view overall size comparison of the S3 compared to the 645Z.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability score of the S3 and 645Z is 96 and 49 respectively.

Sometimes, it's hard to imagine the difference between sensor measurements merely by looking at specs. The visual below might provide you a stronger sense of the sensor sizes in the S3 and 645Z.

All in all, both of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The S3 with its tinier sensor is going to make getting bokeh more challenging and the Pentax 645Z will give you greater detail having an extra 37MP. Higher resolution will make it easier to crop shots a good deal more aggressively. The older S3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.