Panasonic SZ5 vs Pentax 645Z

Here, we are comparing the Panasonic SZ5 and Pentax 645Z, one being a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Pro DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap between the image resolutions of the SZ5 (14MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the SZ5 (1/2.3") and 645Z (Medium format) provide different sensor dimensions.

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The SZ5 was released 21 months before the 645Z making them a generation apart from one another. Both the cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic SZ5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before getting into a more detailed comparison, here is a quick introduction of how the SZ5 grades vs the 645Z in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Below is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-SZ5 and Pentax 645Z. The complete galleries are viewable at Panasonic SZ5 Gallery and Pentax 645Z Gallery.

If you're aiming to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to think about its weight and measurements. The Panasonic SZ5 comes with outer measurements 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 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).

Contrast the Panasonic SZ5 and Pentax 645Z in the latest Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you have at that moment. Underneath is a front view physical size comparison of the SZ5 versus the 645Z.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability grade of the SZ5 and 645Z is 95 and 49 respectively.

Sometimes, it's tough to picture the contrast between sensor measurements only by going over a spec sheet. The photograph underneath will help offer you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the SZ5 and 645Z.

As you can see, each of these cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The SZ5 due to its tinier sensor is going to make getting shallower depth of field tougher and the Pentax 645Z will deliver greater detail as a result of its extra 37MP. Greater resolution will help you crop pics a good deal more aggressively. The older SZ5 is going to be behind in sensor technology.