Panasonic ZS3 vs Pentax 645Z

In this write-up, we are comparing the Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax 645Z, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Pro DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a huge gap between the sensor resolutions of the ZS3 (10MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the ZS3 (1/2.3") and 645Z (Medium format) come with totally different sensor sizing.

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The ZS3 was unveiled 5 years earlier than the 645Z which is quite a significant gap as far as technology is concerned. Both of these cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS3 being a Compact camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before getting straight into a full comparison, below is a brief introduction of how the ZS3 matches up vs the 645Z with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

Below is a sample of the gallery pics for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS3 and Pentax 645Z. The full galleries are available at Panasonic ZS3 Gallery and Pentax 645Z Gallery.

For anybody who is aiming to carry around your camera often, you're going to have to take into account its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS3 comes with external dimensions of 103mm x 60mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") along with a weight of 229 grams (0.50 lbs) while the Pentax 645Z has measurements of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") and a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS3 and Pentax 645Z in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Bear in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you use during that time. Here is the front view overall size comparison of the ZS3 vs the 645Z.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS3 and 645Z is 91 and 49 respectively.

Sometimes, it's difficult to visualise the contrast between sensor sizes merely by going over specs. The picture here will help give you a far better sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS3 and 645Z.

As you can plainly see, the 2 cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The ZS3 having a tinier sensor will make achieving shallow DOF more challenging and the Pentax 645Z will offer you greater detail having an extra 41MP. Greater resolution will enable you to crop photos a little more aggressively. The more aged ZS3 is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.