Panasonic SZ10 vs Pentax 645Z

Its time to look more closely at the Panasonic SZ10 and Pentax 645Z, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the other is a Pro DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There is a noticeable difference between the image resolutions of the SZ10 (16MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the SZ10 (1/2.3") and 645Z (Medium format) provide different sensor size.

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The SZ10 was launched 9 months after the 645Z and they are of a similar age. Both the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic SZ10 being a Compact camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before delving into a full comparison, here is a quick summation of how the SZ10 matches up vs the 645Z in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ10 & Pentax 645Z. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic SZ10 Gallery & Pentax 645Z Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to travel with your camera often, you need to take into account its weight and measurements. The Panasonic SZ10 has external dimensions of 99mm x 60mm x 30mm (3.9" x 2.4" x 1.2") along with a weight of 177 grams (0.39 lbs) whilst the Pentax 645Z has proportions of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") and a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic SZ10 and Pentax 645Z in our completely new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you have chosen during that time. Below is a front view size comparison of the SZ10 against the 645Z.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the SZ10 and 645Z is 93 and 49 respectively.

Generally, it can be tough to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions merely by reviewing specs. The picture underneath will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ10 and 645Z.

All in all, both of those cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The SZ10 because of its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Pentax 645Z will offer greater detail utilizing its extra 35MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop pics more aggressively. The more recent SZ10 provides an edge with regard to sensor tech.