Canon G5 X vs Pentax 645Z

The Canon PowerShot G5 X and the Pentax 645Z are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in October 2015 and April 2014. The G5X is a fixed lens compact, while the 645Z is a DSLR. The cameras are based on an one-inch (G5X) and a medium format (645Z) sensor. The Canon has a resolution of 20 megapixels, whereas the Pentax provides 51.1 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Canon G5 X		Pentax 645Z
Fixed lens compact camera		Digital single lens reflex
24-100mm f/1.8-2.8		Pentax 645 mount lenses
20 MP, 1" Sensor		51.1 MP, Medium Format Sensor
1080/60p Video		1080/60i Video
ISO 125-12,800 (125 - 25,600)		ISO 100-204,800
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)		Optical viewfinder
3.0 LCD, 1040k dots		3.2 LCD, 1037k dots
Swivel touchscreen		Tilting screen (not touch-sensitive)
5.9 shutter flaps per second		3 shutter flaps per second
not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
210 shots per battery charge		650 shots per battery charge
112 x 76 x 44 mm, 353 g		156 x 117 x 123 mm, 1550 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon PowerShot G5 X and the Pentax 645Z? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon G5 X and the Pentax 645Z. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Pentax 645Z is considerably larger (114 percent) than the Canon G5 X. It is noteworthy in this context that the 645Z is splash and dust-proof, while the G5X does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the G5X has a lens built in, whereas the 645Z is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.

Concerning battery life, the G5X gets 210 shots out of its NB-13L battery, while the 645Z can take 650 images on a single charge of its D-LI90 power pack. The power pack in the G5X can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon G5 X	112 mm	76 mm	44 mm	353 g	210	n	Oct 2015	799
2.		Pentax 645Z	156 mm	117 mm	123 mm	1550 g	650	Y	Apr 2014	8,499
3.		Canon G5 X Mark II	111 mm	61 mm	46 mm	340 g	230	n	Jul 2019	899
4.		Canon G7 X Mark III	105 mm	61 mm	41 mm	304 g	235	n	Jul 2019	749
5.		Canon G7 X Mark II	106 mm	61 mm	42 mm	319 g	265	n	Feb 2016	699
6.		Canon 5DS	152 mm	116 mm	76 mm	930 g	700	Y	Feb 2015	3,699
7.		Canon 5DS R	152 mm	116 mm	76 mm	930 g	700	Y	Feb 2015	3,699
8.		Canon G9 X	98 mm	58 mm	31 mm	209 g	220	n	Oct 2015	529
9.		Canon M3	111 mm	68 mm	44 mm	366 g	250	n	Feb 2015	679
10.		Canon G7 X	103 mm	60 mm	40 mm	304 g	210	n	Sep 2014	699
11.		Hasselblad X1D	150 mm	98 mm	71 mm	725 g	..	Y	Jun 2016	8,995
12.		Leica SL	147 mm	104 mm	39 mm	847 g	400	Y	Oct 2015	7,450
13.		Panasonic LX10	106 mm	60 mm	42 mm	310 g	260	n	Sep 2016	699
14.		Panasonic FZ1000	137 mm	99 mm	131 mm	831 g	360	n	Jun 2014	899
15.		Pentax 645D	156 mm	117 mm	119 mm	1480 g	800	Y	Mar 2010	9,995
16.		Sony RX100 IV	102 mm	58 mm	41 mm	298 g	280	n	Jun 2015	999
17.		Sony RX100 III	102 mm	58 mm	41 mm	290 g	320	n	May 2014	799
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The G5X was launched at a lower price than the 645Z, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon G5 X features an one-inch sensor and the Pentax 645Z a medium format sensor. The sensor area in the 645Z is 1139 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.7 and 0.79. The sensor in the G5X has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the 645Z offers a 4:3 aspect.

With 51.1MP, the 645Z offers a higher resolution than the G5X (20MP), but the 645Z nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.30μm versus 2.41μm for the G5X) due to its larger sensor. However, the G5X is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 5 months) than the 645Z, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the 645Z has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Pentax 645Z implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the 645Z for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.3 x 31 inches or 104.9 x 78.6 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33 x 24.8 inches or 83.9 x 62.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.5 x 20.6 inches or 69.9 x 52.4 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon G5 X are 27.4 x 18.2 inches or 69.5 x 46.3 cm for good quality, 21.9 x 14.6 inches or 55.6 x 37.1 cm for very good quality, and 18.2 x 12.2 inches or 46.3 x 30.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon PowerShot G5 X has a native sensitivity range from ISO 125 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 125-25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Pentax 645Z are ISO 100 to ISO 204800 (no boost).

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Canon G5 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
2.		Pentax 645Z	Medium Format	51.1	8256	6192	1080/60i	26.0	14.7	4505	101
3.		Canon G5 X Mark II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
4.		Canon G7 X Mark III	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
5.		Canon G7 X Mark II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
6.		Canon 5DS	Full Frame	50.3	8688	5792	1080/30p	24.7	12.4	2381	87
7.		Canon 5DS R	Full Frame	50.3	8688	5792	1080/30p	24.6	12.4	2308	86
8.		Canon G9 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.5	12.3	495	63
9.		Canon M3	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/30p	22.8	11.8	1169	72
10.		Canon G7 X	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	23.0	12.7	556	71
11.		Hasselblad X1D	Medium Format	51.3	8272	6200	1080/25p	26.2	14.8	4489	102
12.		Leica SL	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	4K/30p	25.0	13.4	1821	88
13.		Panasonic LX10	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	..	..	..	..
14.		Panasonic FZ1000	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	22.1	11.7	517	64
15.		Pentax 645D	Medium Format	39.5	7264	5440	none	24.6	12.6	1262	82
16.		Sony RX100 IV	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	4K/30p	22.8	12.6	591	70
17.		Sony RX100 III	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	22.4	12.3	495	67

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the G5X provides a higher frame rate than the 645Z. It can shoot video footage at 1080/60p, while the Pentax is limited to 1080/60i.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the G5X has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), while the 645Z has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon G5 X and Pentax 645Z along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Canon G5 X	2360	n	3.0 / 1040	swivel	Y	1/2000s	5.9	Y	Y
2.		Pentax 645Z	optical	Y	3.2 / 1037	tilting	n	1/4000s	3.0	n	n
3.		Canon G5 X Mark II	2360	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	30	Y	Y
4.		Canon G7 X Mark III	none	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	30	Y	Y
5.		Canon G7 X Mark II	none	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	8.0	Y	Y
6.		Canon 5DS	optical	Y	3.2 / 1040	fixed	n	1/8000s	5.0	n	n
7.		Canon 5DS R	optical	Y	3.2 / 1040	fixed	n	1/8000s	5.0	n	n
8.		Canon G9 X	none	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	6.0	Y	Y
9.		Canon M3	optional	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	4.2	Y	n
10.		Canon G7 X	none	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/2000s	6.5	Y	Y
11.		Hasselblad X1D	2360	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	Y	1/2000s	2.3	n	n
12.		Leica SL	4400	Y	3.0 / 1040	fixed	Y	1/8000s	11.0	n	n
13.		Panasonic LX10	none	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	10.0	Y	Y
14.		Panasonic FZ1000	2359	n	3.0 / 921	swivel	n	1/4000s	12.0	Y	Y
15.		Pentax 645D	optical	Y	3.0 / 921	fixed	n	1/4000s	1.1	n	n
16.		Sony RX100 IV	2359	n	3.0 / 1228	tilting	n	1/2000s	16.0	Y	Y
17.		Sony RX100 III	1440	n	3.0 / 1229	tilting	n	1/2000s	10.0	Y	Y

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The G5X has one, while the 645Z does not. While the built-in flash of the G5X is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The Canon G5 X and the Pentax 645Z both have an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the G5X and the 645Z write their files to SDXC cards. The 645Z features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the G5X only has one slot. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon PowerShot G5 X and Pentax 645Z and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Mic / Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Canon G5 X	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
2.		Pentax 645Z	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	3.0	-	-	-
3.		Canon G5 X Mark II	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
4.		Canon G7 X Mark III	-	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
5.		Canon G7 X Mark II	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
6.		Canon 5DS	Y	mono / mono	Y	-	mini	3.0	-	-	-
7.		Canon 5DS R	Y	mono / mono	Y	-	mini	3.0	-	-	-
8.		Canon G9 X	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
9.		Canon M3	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
10.		Canon G7 X	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
11.		Hasselblad X1D	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	mini	3.0	Y	-	-
12.		Leica SL	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	full	3.0	Y	-	-
13.		Panasonic LX10	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	-	-
14.		Panasonic FZ1000	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
15.		Pentax 645D	Y	stereo / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Sony RX100 IV	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
17.		Sony RX100 III	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-

It is notable that the G5X offers wifi support, while the 645Z does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Pentax 645Z (unlike the G5X) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The 645Z is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Pentax. In contrast, the G5X has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the G5X was succeeded by the Canon G5 X Mark II. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Canon and Pentax websites.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Canon G5 X better than the Pentax 645Z or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Arguments in favor of the Canon PowerShot G5 X:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/60i).
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5.9 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Ready to shoot: Comes with a built-in lens, while the 645Z requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (112x76mm vs 156x117mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the 645Z).
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
• Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
• More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 1 year and 5 months after the 645Z).

Advantages of the Pentax 645Z:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (51.1 vs 20MP), which boosts linear resolution by 57%.
• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
• Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
• Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• More flexible: Makes it possible to change lenses and thus to use specialty optics.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (650 versus 210) out of a single battery charge.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
• Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
• Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in April 2014).

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the 645Z comes out slightly ahead of the G5X (18 : 17 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon G5 X and the Pentax 645Z place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Travel-Zoom Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the G5X or the 645Z perform in practice. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DCW   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Canon G5 X	5/5	+ +	..	78/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	799
2.		Pentax 645Z	5/5	..	..	..	4.5/5	5/5	Apr 2014	8,499
3.		Canon G5 X Mark II	4/5	+	4/5	82/100	..	4/5	Jul 2019	899
4.		Canon G7 X Mark III	..	+ +	4/5	81/100	4/5	..	Jul 2019	749
5.		Canon G7 X Mark II	4.5/5	+ +	..	81/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2016	699
6.		Canon 5DS	..	+	..	83/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	3,699
7.		Canon 5DS R	5/5	+	..	83/100	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	3,699
8.		Canon G9 X	3.5/5	+ +	..	..	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	529
9.		Canon M3	4/5	o	..	75/100	4.5/5	4/5	Feb 2015	679
10.		Canon G7 X	4/5	+ +	..	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2014	699
11.		Hasselblad X1D	..	o	..	81/100	..	4/5	Jun 2016	8,995
12.		Leica SL	4/5	..	4/5	84/100	4.5/5	4/5	Oct 2015	7,450
13.		Panasonic LX10	..	+ +	..	81/100	4/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	699
14.		Panasonic FZ1000	4/5	+ +	..	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2014	899
15.		Pentax 645D	5/5	..	..	..	..	..	Mar 2010	9,995
16.		Sony RX100 IV	4.5/5	+ +	..	85/100	4/5	4.5/5	Jun 2015	999
17.		Sony RX100 III	5/5	+ +	..	82/100	4.5/5	5/5	May 2014	799
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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Specifications: Canon G5 X vs Pentax 645Z

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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