Panasonic ZS100 vs Pentax 645D

Here, we will be reviewing the Panasonic ZS100 versus Pentax 645D, former is a Large Sensor Compact while the latter is a Pro DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There is a large difference between the sensor resolutions of the ZS100 (20MP) and 645D (40MP) and the ZS100 (1") and 645D (Medium format) offer different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS100 was unveiled 5 years after the 645D which is quite a serious difference as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras feature different body design with the Panasonic ZS100 being a Large Sensor Compact camera and the Pentax 645D being a Large SLR camera.

Before diving into a detailed comparison, here is a brief introduction of how the ZS100 scores versus the 645D in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS100 & Pentax 645D. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS100 Gallery & Pentax 645D Gallery.

If you're planning to travel with your camera regularly, you are going to need to consider its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS100 features outside measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 44mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.7") with a weight of 312 grams (0.69 lbs) whilst the Pentax 645D has measurements of 156mm x 117mm x 119mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.7") along with a weight of 1480 grams (3.26 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS100 versus Pentax 645D in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you have attached during that time. The following is a front view scale comparison of the ZS100 versus the 645D.

Considering size and weight, the portability score of the ZS100 and 645D is 87 and 50 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions only by looking at technical specs. The pic below will help provide you a far better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS100 and 645D.

As you have seen, both the cameras come with different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The ZS100 having a tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallower DOF more difficult and the Pentax 645D will give extra detail having an extra 20 Megapixels. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop pictures a good deal more aggressively. The younger ZS100 provides a benefit with regard to sensor tech.