Pentax 645Z camera: specifications and reviews

Medium format cameras have achieved a truly exciting resolution, which was the result of a complex compromise with other functionalities. Pentax 645Z was able to offer a functionality unique to medium-format cameras. Waterproof housing, screening, video capture, not to mention an extremely wide range of sensitivity, 27-point phase AF system and high performance. And, of course, he has incredible detail and a very large bright viewfinder. Maybe it's time to say goodbye to full-frame?

Pentax 645Z, Pentax 645D: comparison

In early 2010, Pentax released 645D, a medium-sized digital SLR camera, developed over the previous five years. Perhaps it was too long, but, nevertheless, time was spent knowingly. The 645D model surpassed the competitors of Nikon, Canon and Sony with a sensor area of 2/3 of a larger full frame, a unique appearance and a shallower depth of field. At the same time, the camera has become much more affordable than analogues from other medium-format manufacturers, such as Phase One and Hasselblad, while remaining strong enough to be used in the field.

The reason that Pentax, for the first time after its purchase of Ricoh, was able to offer a camera at a more attractive price than others, is quite simple. Most of the development of the 645D can be used in the mass production of APS-C DSLRs, while Phase One and Hasselblad are not traded by consumer SLR cameras - design costs fall exclusively on their mid-range products.

While Pentax has always lacked (and still lacks) a full-frame digital SLR camera, the 645D has become desirable for enthusiasts and original enough to attract pros, for which resolution and format are more important than capturing at high speed. And by 2010 standards, the resolution was really big. 645D hit an unprecedented detail, an inseparable eye.

Like the medium-format film cameras, in whose footsteps it went, the 645D was not designed for the mass market. Its market niche since the time of the film devices has decreased even more, but, nevertheless, this model was important for the company, like its successor Pentax 645Z.

The camera has much in common with the flagship APS-C Ricoh, and thanks to 4 years of development since the launch of the 645D, there was no shortage of new features.

Sensor and processor

The most important feature was the brand-new 51-megapixel CMOS-matrix paired with PRIME III image processor, first appeared in K-3. 645Z also inherits its 27-point autofocus SAFOX 11 and 86,000-pixel color measurement system.

The new Pentax 645Z image sensor has an extremely wide (by average camera size) sensitivity range, reaching ISO 204,800. Screening and shooting Full HD videos were also missing from their predecessors. Performance has taken a big step forward, at least compared to other mid-size cameras. This is not yet a sports camera, but its speed is almost 3 times faster than the 645D. And post-processing time has decreased by more than half.

Lens Correction

Like its predecessor, the Pentax 645Z Lenses correction function corrects distortions and side chromatic aberration. In addition, it has become possible to correct peripheral illumination and diffraction. The function works with lenses DA645, D FA645 and FA645, but not with A645 or adapted 67 lenses.

New opportunities

The camera boasts a larger, tiltable LCD panel with a higher resolution, all the more useful, given the availability of a new screen-viewing function. The lifetime of the shutter was doubled to 100,000 shots. Therefore, photos taken by Pentax 645Z are cheaper than those of the predecessor.

The manufacturer has equipped its camera, like the K-3, with a high-speed USB 3.0 port and a UHS-I-compatible Secure Digital memory card slot and a Pentax Flucard card slot that allows remote wireless management, including on-screen sighting. There is a possibility to shoot 4K-video, however, without sound. But Full HD-video is accompanied by a stereo sound recorded by an on-board microphone or external, with automatic or manual adjustment.

Externally, the camera is quite squat, especially its depth. It is very likely that the camera will attract attention when shooting, so it is not suitable for those who want to stay unnoticed. But shooting landscapes, nature, objects will create absolutely amazing pictures. And although the size of the camera exceeds the typical dimensions of professional DSLR cameras, its weight corresponds to devices with a smaller sensor, such as the Canon EOS 1D X. By average standards, the model is relatively compact and light.

View of the front view

Looking at the front, the Pentax 645Z is very similar to its predecessor. The most notable difference is the brand new silver badge on the viewfinder prism, which was black. But if you look under the outer shell, then the case will be completely different. The depth increased by 4 mm and the weight by 71 g. The camera is not small, but it is not too large, as one might think, looking at the photo.

The height and width of the Pentax 645Z differs little from the typical full-frame D800 Canon EOS 5D Mark III or Nikon cameras. The device is slightly narrower and shorter than the professional cameras Canon EOS 1D X or Nikon D4S, largely due to the lack of a portrait handle.

645Z loses in comparison in depth and weight. A medium-sized sensor, so needed in other areas, requires a much larger module to accommodate the mirror. This additional depth is 25-35 mm. Weight is about a quarter more than that of D4S, and is 1.55 kg in assembled condition.

But this is a small fee for an enlarged 2/3, compared to a 35-mm full-frame sensor. On the positive side, there is sufficient space for external controls specially designed for use in gloves. The frost-resistant design of the housing also does not prevent shooting under extreme conditions. In addition, thanks to the 76 seals, the design is weather and dust resistant.

Questions about the professional performance of the case does not arise. It is made of cast aluminum, the outer shell is made of magnesium alloy, without a hint of polycarbonate.

View from above

Looking at the top you can find several differences between the Pentax 645Z and 645D. Three new user modes have appeared on the control disk, facilitating access to the previously created settings groups. The line of buttons on the left side has also been redone. SD replaced AF and blocking, and the order for moving forward bracketing was changed. Also there is a new stereo microphone, two holes of which are located on the sides of the viewfinder, and a speaker - a little further from the right side of the case.

Rear part

Changes on the rear panel of the 645Z are associated with the new LCD monitor. The display became larger by 3.2 inches diagonally and acquired a tilt mechanism for viewing above the head, at the waist level or low at the ground.

A number of buttons, which were previously under the display, disappeared, and their 4 functions went to the navigation buttons. They are also used to adjust the position of the AF point, as in Pentax K-3.

The column of buttons to the right of the LCD became a square cluster in the right rear of the camera. One of them, the Delete button, has acquired the function of recording video. And since the AF point selection is now located elsewhere, the drive to the right of the viewfinder, which was previously used for this, now serves as the Still / Movie control disc.

Side panels

The left side of the case 645Z lost the composite video output, instead of which there was a new 3.5 mm stereo microphone connector. The remaining ports are located under one rubber stopper. The USB connector has now become USB 3.0 SuperSpeed, and the location of the ports has changed. There are also 2 Secure Digital Card slots here, one of which is compatible with UHS-I.

Wired terminal DC, which was previously under the cover on the rear panel, now is located in the handle. This is a logical step, given the lack of space elsewhere. If you shoot using the remote control, you do not need to hold the camera.

Image quality

On Pentax 645Z, the photos are excellent, with absolutely exciting detail, especially with the base sensitivity. The wider range of the latter is very convenient, allowing you to make 11 x 14-inch prints up to ISO 6400 and 4 x 6 "prints up to ISO 51 200. As is usually the case with Pentax cameras, the default color rendition is sometimes inaccurate, but very unlikely So that the user of the professional camera leaves the factory settings.

Pentax 645Z: photographers reviews

Users appreciate the huge resolution and detailing of the camera, its high photosensitivity, the presence of a durable waterproof case and a large, bright viewfinder. Photographers note the good and fast operation of autofocus in low light conditions, device performance, long battery life and the ability to capture Full HD video.

Complaints cause a cumbersome design compared to APS-C or full-frame digital SLR cameras, a tendency for image defects, a concentration of AF points near the center of the frame, and inadequate supply of suitable moisture-proof and optically optimized lenses. And an unusual look attracts the attention of passers-by.

A camera without a lens is available from June 2014 at a price of 625-646 thousand rubles.

The size and price of the Pentax 645Z indicate that this camera is not for everyone - many are satisfied with a smaller APS-C-matrix or full-frame camera - but its insatiable thirst for detail has allowed it to stand out. Those who regularly print photos of very large sizes and need maximum detail should stop at 645Z - a medium format camera that is amazing with its quality and availability.