Panasonic ZR1 vs Pentax 645D

Below, we are looking at the Panasonic ZR1 versus Pentax 645D, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Pro DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap among the resolutions of the ZR1 (12MP) and 645D (40MP) and the ZR1 (1/2.3") and 645D (Medium format) use totally different sensor sizes.

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The ZR1 was launched 7 months prior to the 645D and they are of a similar generation. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZR1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax 645D being a Large SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a thorough comparison, below is a brief summary of how the ZR1 scores vs the 645D with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 and Pentax 645D. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZR1 Gallery and Pentax 645D Gallery.

For anybody who is looking to travel with your camera often, you will have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZR1 comes with external measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") having a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) and the Pentax 645D has specifications of 156mm x 117mm x 119mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.7") along with a weight of 1480 grams (3.26 lbs).

Analyze the Panasonic ZR1 versus Pentax 645D in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary based on the lens you use during that time. Following is the front view dimension comparison of the ZR1 versus the 645D.

Looking at dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZR1 and 645D is 94 and 50 respectively.

Sometimes, it is hard to envision the gap in sensor dimensions merely by checking out specs. The picture underneath might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZR1 and 645D.

As you can plainly see, both cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The ZR1 due to its smaller sensor will make getting shallower DOF tougher and the Pentax 645D will produce extra detail utilizing its extra 28 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics somewhat more aggressively. The more aged ZR1 will be disadvantaged when it comes to sensor technology.