Panasonic ZS8 vs Pentax 645Z

The following is a complete overview of the Panasonic ZS8 versus Pentax 645Z, one is a Small Sensor Superzoom and the latter is a Pro DSLR by rivals Panasonic and Pentax. There is a crucial difference between the sensor resolutions of the ZS8 (14MP) and 645Z (51MP) and the ZS8 (1/2.3") and 645Z (Medium format) come with different sensor sizing.

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The ZS8 was brought out 3 years earlier than the 645Z which is quite a serious gap as far as tech is concerned. Both cameras offer different body type with the Panasonic ZS8 being a Compact camera and the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera.

Before going through a full comparison, below is a simple introduction of how the ZS8 scores against the 645Z in regards to portability, imaging, features and an overall mark.

Here is a preview of the gallery images for Panasonic Lumix DMC-ZS8 and Pentax 645Z. The entire galleries are provided at Panasonic ZS8 Gallery and Pentax 645Z Gallery.

For those who are aiming to travel with your camera regularly, you will have to factor in its weight and proportions. The Panasonic ZS8 comes with physical dimensions of 105mm x 58mm x 33mm (4.1" x 2.3" x 1.3") and a weight of 210 grams (0.46 lbs) and the Pentax 645Z has measurements of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") having a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs).

Compare the Panasonic ZS8 versus Pentax 645Z in the all new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Always remember, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will vary dependant on the lens you select at that time. Below is the front view dimension comparison of the ZS8 vs the 645Z.

Factoring in size and weight, the portability score of the ZS8 and 645Z is 92 and 49 respectively.

Usually, it's difficult to picture the contrast between sensor dimensions purely by reading through specifications. The picture underneath will help give you a stronger sense of the sensor dimensions in the ZS8 and 645Z.

Plainly, both of these cameras enjoy different megapixel count and different sensor dimensions. The ZS8 featuring a tinier sensor is going to make shooting shallow depth of field more challenging and the Pentax 645Z will give you more detail having its extra 37 Megapixels. Higher resolution will allow you to crop pictures far more aggressively. The more aged ZS8 is going to be behind when it comes to sensor tech.