Pentax 645Z vs Pentax ist DS2

Its time to look more closely at the Pentax 645Z versus Pentax ist DS2, one being a Pro DSLR and the latter is a Advanced DSLR and both of them are sold by Pentax. There is a sizeable difference between the resolutions of the 645Z (51MP) and ist DS2 (6MP) and the 645Z (Medium format) and ist DS2 (APS-C) boast totally different sensor size.

Photography Glossary

The 645Z was introduced 8 years later than the ist DS2 and that is quite a large gap as far as tech is concerned. Both of the cameras have different body design with the Pentax 645Z being a Large SLR camera and the Pentax ist DS2 being a Mid-size SLR camera.

Before delving into a more detailed comparison, here is a concise summation of how the 645Z scores vs the ist DS2 in the way of portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

This is a preview of the gallery images for Pentax 645Z and Pentax ist DS2. The whole galleries are available at Pentax 645Z Gallery and Pentax ist DS2 Gallery.

In case you're planning to lug around your camera often, you will need to factor its weight and volume. The Pentax 645Z comes with physical measurements of 156mm x 117mm x 123mm (6.1" x 4.6" x 4.8") along with a weight of 1550 grams (3.42 lbs) while the Pentax ist DS2 has sizing of 125mm x 93mm x 66mm (4.9" x 3.7" x 2.6") with a weight of 605 grams (1.33 lbs).

Take a look at the Pentax 645Z versus Pentax ist DS2 in the new Camera with Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into account, the weight of an Interchangeable Lens Camera will differ dependant on the lens you are utilising at that moment. Underneath is a front view overall size comparison of the 645Z vs the ist DS2.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the 645Z and ist DS2 is 49 and 68 respectively.

Usually, it's tough to see the gap between sensor measurements just by checking specs. The visual below may give you a stronger sense of the sensor measurements in the 645Z and ist DS2.

As you can plainly see, each of the cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The 645Z having a bigger sensor will make shooting shallow depth of field less difficult and the Pentax 645Z will resolve greater detail using its extra 45 Megapixels. Higher resolution will also help you crop pictures a bit more aggressively. The more modern 645Z is going to have a benefit in sensor innovation.