Panasonic ZR1 vs Pentax 645Z

Below, we are comparing the Panasonic ZR1 vs Pentax 645Z, former is a Small Sensor Compact while the other is a Pro DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a substantial difference between the resolutions of the ZR1 (12MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the ZR1 (1/2.3") and 645Z (Medium format) possess totally different sensor dimensions.

Japan-exclusive Leica Leitz Phone 3 features big sensor and new modes

The ZR1 was manufactured 5 years prior to the 645Z which is quite a big difference as far as tech is concerned. Both of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZR1 being a Compact camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a complete comparison, below is a simple overview of how the ZR1 grades against the 645Z in terms of portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

This is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR1 & Pentax 645Z. The entire galleries are available at Panasonic ZR1 Gallery & Pentax 645Z Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to factor its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZR1 comes with physical dimensions of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") with a weight of 158 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Pentax 645Z has measurements of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") having a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Contrast the Panasonic ZR1 vs Pentax 645Z in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an ILC will differ depending on the lens you are using at that time. Following is the front view dimensions comparison of the ZR1 against the 645Z.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the ZR1 and 645Z is 94 and 49 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to visualise the gap between sensor sizes just by reading through technical specs. The pic underneath will offer you a more clear sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZR1 and 645Z.

As you can tell, both of the cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor sizes. The ZR1 due to its tinier sensor will make achieving shallow depth of field tougher and the Pentax 645Z will give you more detail due to its extra 39MP. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop photos somewhat more aggressively. The more aged ZR1 is going to be disadvantaged in sensor innovation.