Panasonic ZS45 vs Pentax 645Z

Let's examine more in depth at the Panasonic ZS45 and Pentax 645Z, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Pro DSLR by brands Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a sizeable gap among the image resolutions of the ZS45 (16MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the ZS45 (1/2.3") and 645Z (Medium format) come with different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS45 was manufactured 9 months after the 645Z which means that they are of a similar generation. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS45 being a Compact camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before going in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a concise overview of how the ZS45 matches up vs the 645Z with regard to portability, imaging, features and an overall score.

The following is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS45 and Pentax 645Z. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS45 Gallery and Pentax 645Z Gallery.

If you are planning to carry around your camera often, you'll have to factor its weight and size. The Panasonic ZS45 features external measurements of 108mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.3" x 2.4" x 1.3") with a weight of 249 grams (0.55 lbs) while the Pentax 645Z has specifications of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") accompanied by a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS45 and Pentax 645Z in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change dependant on the lens you use at the time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the ZS45 compared to the 645Z.

Taking into account dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the ZS45 and 645Z is 91 and 49 respectively.

More often than not, it is tough to picture the difference in sensor sizes merely by viewing technical specs. The picture below should give you a better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS45 and 645Z.

As you have seen, both of these cameras offer different megapixel count and different sensor sizes. The ZS45 because of its smaller sensor is going to make shooting bokeh harder and the Pentax 645Z will provide you with extra detail due to its extra 35MP. Higher resolution can also allow you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The more modern ZS45 should have an advantage in sensor technology.