Panasonic ZR3 vs Pentax 645Z

On this page, we are comparing the Panasonic ZR3 versus Pentax 645Z, one is a Small Sensor Compact and the other is a Pro DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a significant difference among the image resolutions of the ZR3 (14MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the ZR3 (1/2.3") and 645Z (Medium format) boast totally different sensor sizing.

Photography Glossary

The ZR3 was launched 5 years earlier than the 645Z which is a fairly sizable gap as far as camera tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Panasonic ZR3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before getting straight to a in depth comparison, here is a brief summary of how the ZR3 scores against the 645Z in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Following is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZR3 and Pentax 645Z. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZR3 Gallery and Pentax 645Z Gallery.

In case you're going to travel with your camera regularly, you'll need to factor in its weight and size. The Panasonic ZR3 has outside measurements of 98mm x 55mm x 26mm (3.9" x 2.2" x 1.0") accompanied by a weight of 159 grams (0.35 lbs) whilst the Pentax 645Z has specifications of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") along with a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZR3 versus Pentax 645Z in the latest Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are working with at that moment. Below is a front view physical size comparison of the ZR3 versus the 645Z.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the ZR3 and 645Z is 94 and 49 respectively.

Generally, it's difficult to see the contrast in sensor dimensions simply by viewing specifications. The picture below may give you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZR3 and 645Z.

To sum up, both cameras provide different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The ZR3 featuring a smaller sensor will make achieving shallower depth of field trickier and the Pentax 645Z will provide you with extra detail utilizing its extra 37 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also make it easier to crop images more aggressively. The more aged ZR3 will be behind when it comes to sensor tech.