Panasonic ZS20 vs Pentax 645Z

The following is a complete review of the Panasonic ZS20 and Pentax 645Z, former is a Small Sensor Superzoom while the latter is a Pro DSLR by competitors Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a large gap among the image resolutions of the ZS20 (14MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the ZS20 (1/2.3") and 645Z (Medium format) feature different sensor sizing.

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The ZS20 was announced 23 months prior to the 645Z which makes the cameras a generation away from one another. The two cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS20 being a Compact camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before going straight into a comprehensive comparison, below is a simple highlight of how the ZS20 matches up versus the 645Z with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS20 & Pentax 645Z. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS20 Gallery & Pentax 645Z Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to travel with your camera, you'll have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS20 has physical dimensions of 105mm x 59mm x 28mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 206 grams (0.45 lbs) whilst the Pentax 645Z has specifications of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") with a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Examine the Panasonic ZS20 and Pentax 645Z in our newest Camera & Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will change depending on the lens you select at the time. Following is the front view sizing comparison of the ZS20 compared to the 645Z.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS20 and 645Z is 92 and 49 respectively.

Typically, it is very difficult to imagine the gap in sensor dimensions merely by viewing specs. The image underneath may offer you a better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS20 and 645Z.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras posses different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The ZS20 having a smaller sensor is going to make getting bokeh trickier and the Pentax 645Z will result in extra detail with its extra 37 Megapixels. Higher resolution will enable you to crop pictures somewhat more aggressively. The more aged ZS20 will be disadvantaged with regard to sensor innovation.