Panasonic SZ3 vs Pentax 645Z

Lets look a little more closely at the Panasonic SZ3 versus Pentax 645Z, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Pro DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a considerable gap between the image resolutions of the SZ3 (16MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the SZ3 (1/2.3") and 645Z (Medium format) offer totally different sensor sizes.

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The SZ3 was announced 15 months before the 645Z making them a generation away from one another. Each of these cameras have different body design with the Panasonic SZ3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before we go straight to a complete comparison, here is a brief highlight of how the SZ3 matches up versus the 645Z when considering portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Following is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ3 & Pentax 645Z. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ3 Gallery & Pentax 645Z Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to carry around your camera, you will need to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic SZ3 offers outer measurements of 95mm x 56mm x 22mm (3.7" x 2.2" x 0.9") along with a weight of 126 grams (0.28 lbs) and the Pentax 645Z has specifications of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") having a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Take a look at the Panasonic SZ3 versus Pentax 645Z in our brand new Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will vary based on the lens you have chosen at that moment. Here is a front view sizing comparison of the SZ3 vs the 645Z.

Considering dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ3 and 645Z is 96 and 49 respectively.

Quite often, it's tough to see the gap between sensor sizes only by checking specifications. The pic below should provide you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ3 and 645Z.

Plainly, both cameras provide different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The SZ3 having a tinier sensor will make getting bokeh trickier and the Pentax 645Z will give greater detail with its extra 35MP. Greater resolution can also let you crop images more aggressively. The more aged SZ3 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor technology.