Pentax 645D vs Sony NEX-5N

In this write-up, we will be analyzing the Pentax 645D and Sony NEX-5N, former being a Pro DSLR while the latter is a Entry-Level Mirrorless by rivals Pentax and Sony. There exists a considerable gap between the image resolutions of the 645D (40MP) and NEX-5N (16MP) and the 645D (Medium format) and NEX-5N (APS-C) use totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The 645D was revealed 19 months prior to the NEX-5N which makes the cameras a generation apart from one another. Each of the cameras offer different body type with the Pentax 645D being a Large SLR camera and the Sony NEX-5N being a Rangefinder-style mirrorless camera.

Before we go in to a comprehensive comparison, below is a brief summation of how the 645D grades vs the NEX-5N with respect to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery photos for Pentax 645D & Sony Alpha NEX-5N. The full galleries are viewable at Pentax 645D Gallery & Sony NEX-5N Gallery.

For anyone who is intending to lug around your camera often, you're going to have to factor its weight and proportions. The Pentax 645D features external measurements of 156mm x 117mm x 119mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.7") with a weight of 1480 grams (3.26 lbs) whilst the Sony NEX-5N has measurements of 111mm x 59mm x 38mm (4.4" x 2.3" x 1.5") having a weight of 269 grams (0.59 lbs).

Check out the Pentax 645D and Sony NEX-5N in our completely new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Do not forget, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you have during that time. Underneath is the front view proportions comparison of the 645D compared to the NEX-5N.

Taking into consideration dimensions and weight, the portability rating of the 645D and NEX-5N is 50 and 89 respectively.

Normally, it's hard to visualise the contrast between sensor measurements purely by reviewing technical specs. The graphic here will help offer you a greater sense of the sensor sizing in the 645D and NEX-5N.

As you have seen, both the cameras offer different megapixels and different sensor measurements. The 645D having a bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field simpler and the Pentax 645D will offer you extra detail because of its extra 24MP. Higher resolution can also enable you to crop photographs a little more aggressively. The older 645D is going to be disadvantaged with regard to sensor tech.