Pentax 645Z vs Sony HX5

Below is a complete overview of the Pentax 645Z versus Sony HX5, former being a Pro DSLR while the other is a Small Sensor Compact by manufacturers Pentax and Sony. There is a considerable difference between the sensor resolutions of the 645Z (51MP) and HX5 (10MP) and the 645Z (Medium format) and HX5 (1/2.4") have different sensor measurements.

Photography Glossary

The 645Z was introduced 3 years later than the HX5 and that is quite a large difference 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 Sony HX5 being a Compact camera.

Before we go straight to a in depth comparison, here is a concise summation of how the 645Z scores against the HX5 when it comes to portability, imaging, features and an overall grade.

Here is a sample of the gallery pics for Pentax 645Z & Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5. The whole galleries are viewable at Pentax 645Z Gallery & Sony HX5 Gallery.

For anyone who is aiming to lug around your camera, you are going to need to consider its weight and dimensions. The Pentax 645Z has got outside 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 Sony HX5 has dimensions of 102mm x 58mm x 29mm (4.0" x 2.3" x 1.1") and a weight of 200 grams (0.44 lbs).

See the Pentax 645Z versus Sony HX5 in our brand new Camera plus Lens Size Comparison Tool.

Take into consideration, the weight of an ILC will differ dependant on the lens you are utilizing at that moment. Here is a front view proportions comparison of the 645Z against the HX5.

Using size and weight, the portability score of the 645Z and HX5 is 49 and 92 respectively.

Often, it's hard to visualize the contrast between sensor measurements only by checking a spec sheet. The graphic underneath should give you a clearer sense of the sensor sizing in the 645Z and HX5.

Clearly, the two cameras have different megapixel count and different sensor measurements. The 645Z with its larger sensor is going to make achieving shallower depth of field easier and the Pentax 645Z will resolve more detail using its extra 41MP. Greater resolution can also allow you to crop photos a bit more aggressively. The more recent 645Z should have an advantage in sensor tech.