Panasonic ZS50 vs Pentax 645D

Let's examine more closely at the Panasonic ZS50 and Pentax 645D, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Pro DSLR by manufacturers Panasonic and Pentax. There exists a big gap between the image resolutions of the ZS50 (12MP) and 645D (40MP) and the ZS50 (1/2.3") and 645D (Medium format) possess different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The ZS50 was introduced 4 years after the 645D which is quite a big gap as far as technology is concerned. Each of these cameras come with different body type with the Panasonic ZS50 being a Compact camera and the Pentax 645D being a Large SLR camera.

Before we go straight into a complete comparison, below is a simple summary of how the ZS50 grades vs the 645D with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Below is a preview of the gallery photos for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS50 and Pentax 645D. The whole galleries are viewable at Panasonic ZS50 Gallery and Pentax 645D Gallery.

For anyone who is planning to travel with your camera often, you should think about its weight and dimensions. The Panasonic ZS50 comes with exterior measurements of 111mm x 65mm x 34mm (4.4" x 2.6" x 1.3") along with a weight of 243 grams (0.54 lbs) and the Pentax 645D has dimensions of 156mm x 117mm x 119mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.7") having a weight of 1480 grams (3.26 lbs).

Check out the Panasonic ZS50 and Pentax 645D in the new Camera and Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you are using during that time. Following is the front view measurements comparison of the ZS50 compared to the 645D.

Using dimensions and weight, the portability score of the ZS50 and 645D is 90 and 50 respectively.

Typically, it's difficult to visualize the gap between sensor dimensions merely by going over specifications. The image here may provide you a far better sense of the sensor measurements in the ZS50 and 645D.

Plainly, the 2 cameras posses different megapixels and different sensor dimensions. The ZS50 using its tinier sensor is going to make achieving shallow depth of field trickier and the Pentax 645D will deliver more detail using its extra 28MP. Higher resolution will also help you crop shots somewhat more aggressively. The more modern ZS50 provides a benefit in sensor tech.