Panasonic SZ5 vs Pentax 645D

Here is a complete review of the Panasonic SZ5 and Pentax 645D, former being a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Pro DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a considerable difference among the resolutions of the SZ5 (14MP) and 645D (40MP) and the SZ5 (1/2.3") and 645D (Medium format) posses different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The SZ5 was brought out 2 years later than the 645D and that is a fairly large difference as far as camera tech is concerned. The two cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax 645D being a Large SLR camera.

Before going straight to a comprehensive comparison, here is a concise view of how the SZ5 matches up vs the 645D when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

The following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 & Pentax 645D. The entire galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ5 Gallery & Pentax 645D Gallery.

If you're intending to carry your camera often, you'll need to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic SZ5 enjoys exterior dimensions of 104mm x 58mm x 21mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 0.8") with a weight of 136 grams (0.30 lbs) while the Pentax 645D has measurements of 156mm x 117mm x 119mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.7") with a weight of 1480 grams (3.26 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic SZ5 and Pentax 645D in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Remember, the weight of an ILC will change based on the lens you have at the time. Here is a front view scale comparison of the SZ5 and the 645D.

Taking into consideration size and weight, the portability score of the SZ5 and 645D is 95 and 50 respectively.

Oftentimes, it is hard to imagine the difference in sensor sizing purely by researching specifications. The visual underneath might give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the SZ5 and 645D.

To sum up, each of the cameras come with different megapixels and different sensor sizing. The SZ5 because of its smaller sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field tougher and the Pentax 645D will result in greater detail having its extra 26 Megapixels. Greater resolution will make it easier to crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The more modern SZ5 should have an edge with regard to sensor technology.