Panasonic ZS5 vs Pentax 645D

Here is a complete overview of the Panasonic ZS5 and Pentax 645D, one being a Small Sensor Superzoom and the other is a Pro DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a huge difference among the resolutions of the ZS5 (12MP) and 645D (40MP) and the ZS5 (1/2.3") and 645D (Medium format) enjoy different sensor dimensions.

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The ZS5 was launched 4 months later than the 645D which means that they are both of a similar generation. Both cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS5 being a Compact camera and the Pentax 645D being a Large SLR camera.

Before delving straight into a full comparison, below is a quick overview of how the ZS5 grades vs the 645D with regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall rating.

This is a sample of the gallery pictures for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS5 and Pentax 645D. The complete galleries are available at Panasonic ZS5 Gallery and Pentax 645D Gallery.

In case you're aiming to carry your camera, you need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS5 enjoys external measurements of 103mm x 60mm x 32mm (4.1" x 2.4" x 1.3") accompanied by a weight of 214 grams (0.47 lbs) whilst the Pentax 645D has dimensions of 156mm x 117mm x 119mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.7") and a weight of 1480 grams (3.26 lbs).

Check the Panasonic ZS5 and Pentax 645D in the all new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Keep in mind, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will change depending on the lens you are utilising at that time. Here is the front view physical size comparison of the ZS5 and the 645D.

Considering size and weight, the portability rating of the ZS5 and 645D is 92 and 50 respectively.

Usually, it can be hard to picture the contrast in sensor sizing simply by seeing specs. The photograph here might provide you a better sense of the sensor sizing in the ZS5 and 645D.

All in all, both of those cameras posses different resolutions and different sensor sizing. The ZS5 due to its smaller sensor is going to make shooting shallower depth of field more difficult and the Pentax 645D will show extra detail utilizing its extra 28 Megapixels. Greater resolution will also let you crop pics somewhat more aggressively.