The Pentax 645Z: features and reviews

Medium format cameras have achieved a truly spectacular resolution, which was the result of a complex compromise with other features. Pentax 645Z is able to offer functionality that is unique to the medium format cameras. Waterproof housing, sight screen, video capture, not to mention extremely wide sensitivity range, 27-point phase detection 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 him?

Pentax 645Z, Pentax 645D comparison

In early 2010 the company released the Pentax 645D, digital SLR camera medium format, developed over the previous five years. Perhaps it was too long, but, nevertheless, the time was well spent. Model 645D outperformed competitors Nikon, Canon and Sony sensor area 2/3 larger full frame unique in appearance and have less depth of field. At the same time, the chamber has become much more accessible analogues of other manufacturers of medium format such as Hasselblad and Phase One, while remaining durable enough to be used in the field.

The Reason that Pentax, for the first time after its purchase by Ricoh was able to offer the camera at a more attractive price than others, pretty simple. Most of the research 645D can be used in the mass production of APS-C DSLRs, while Phase One and Hasselblad SLR consumer cameras do not sell – costs for design lies solely on their products medium format.

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While Pentax has always lacked (and still lacks) a full-frame DSLR camera, 645D was desirable for enthusiasts and original enough to attract the professionals, to which resolution and format were more important than the grip at high speed. But by the standards of 2010, the resolution was really great. 645D was struck by the unprecedented detail that is invisible to the eye.

Similar to film cameras of medium format, in the footsteps of where she was going, 645D is not intended for the mass market. Its market niche since film camera reduced still further, but, nevertheless, this model was important for the company as her successor to the Pentax 645Z.

The Camera has a lot in common with the flagship APS-C DSLRs Ricoh, and the 4 years of development since the launch of the 645D, the lack of new features was not.

The Sensor and processor

The Most important feature was a completely new 51-megapixel CMOS sensor paired with the image processor PRIME III, which first appeared in K-3. 645Z also inherits her 27-point SAFOX 11 autofocus and an 86,000-pixel metering system color.

New image sensor the Pentax 645Z has an extremely extensive (by the standards of the medium format cameras) sensitivity range, reaching ISO 204,800. On-screen sight and shoots Full HD video also was absent from the predecessors. Performance took a big step forward, at least compared to other medium format cameras. This is not a sports camera, but its speed is almost 3 times more speed 645D. And post-processing fell by more than half.

Lens Correction

Like its predecessor, the Pentax 645Z Lenses function correction allows you to correct distortion and lateral chromatic aberration. In addition, there is a possibility of correction of peripheral illumination and diffraction. Feature works with lenses DA645, D FA645 and FA645, but not with the A645 or 67 lenses adapted.

What's New

The Camera can boast of a larger, tilting LCD panel with higher resolution, the more useful, given the availability of new features on-screen sight. The lifetime shutter has been doubled to 100,000 shots. Therefore, photos taken Pentax 645Z, cheaper than images predecessor.

The Manufacturer has equipped your camera, like the K-3 high-speed USB 3.0 ports and a UHS-I compatible card slot Secure Digital memory and card slot Pentax Flucard, which allow remote wireless control, including the on-screen sight. Have the ability to shoot 4K video, albeit without sound. But Full HD videos accompanied with stereo sound recorded by the on-Board microphone or external, automatic or manual adjustment.

Externally, the camera is quite stocky, especially his depth. It is highly likely that the camera will attract attention when shooting so it is not suitable for those wishing to remain undetected. But photographing landscapes, nature, objects will allow to create absolutely amazing photographs. And although the camera's size exceeds the typical size of a professional DSLR, its weight corresponds to devices with a smaller sensor such as the Canon EOS 1D X. By the standards of a medium format model is relatively compact and lightweight.

Front View

When viewed from the front, the Pentax 645Z is very similar to its predecessor. The most noticeable difference is a brand-new silver badge on the prism viewfinder, which was black. But if you look under the outer shell, the shell will be completely different. Depth increased by 4 mm, weight-71 g. the Camera is not small, but not too big as you would think, looking at the photo.

The Height and width of the Pentax645Z is a little different from a typical full-frame cameras D800 Canon EOS 5D Mark III or Nikon. The device is slightly narrower and shorter than professional cameras Canon EOS 1D X or Nikon D4S, in large part due to the lack of a portrait of a handle.

The 645Z is lost in comparison with depth and weight. Sensor medium format, as required in other areas, requires a much larger module to accommodate the mirror. This additional depth is 25-35 mm. Weight about a quarter more than the D4S, and is 1.55 kg in the assembled state.

But it's a small price to pay for increased by 2/3, compared to 35 mm full frame sensor. The positive side is the availability of sufficient space for external controls, specially designed for use with gloves. Cold-resistant body design also does not preclude shooting in extreme conditions. In addition, due to the presence of the seals 76, the design is resistant to weathering and dust.

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

Top View

Seen from above, you can find few differences between the Pentax 645Z and 645D. Disk management added 3 new custom modes to facilitate access to pre-created groups settings. Buttons line the left side was also redone. SD replaced and AF lock as well as modified the order to move forward bracketing. Also have a new stereo microphone, two holes which are located on the sides of the viewfinder, and the speaker – a little further on the right side of the body.

Back

Changes on the rear of the 645Z is associated with a new LCD monitor. The display has increased by 3.2 inches diagonally and has acquired a tilt mechanism for viewing over your head, at waist level or lower that of the earth.

A Series of buttons, which used to be located under the display, disappeared, and their 4 functions moved to the navigation buttons. They are also used to adjust the position of the point AF, as in the Pentax K-3.

The Column of buttons to the right of the complex was a square cluster in the right rear of the camera. One of them, the "Delete" button, found the video recording function. As well as the choice of AF point is now located elsewhere, drive to the right of the viewfinder that was previously used for this purpose, now serves as a disk management Still/Movie.

Sidebar

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

Conductive terminal of the DC that were previously under the lid at the rear, now located in the handle. This is a logical step, given the lack of space elsewhere. If you shoot using the remote control, keep camera is not required.

Image Quality

Pentax 645Z photos are excellent, with absolutely breathtaking detail, especially at base sensitivity. A 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 color rendition at default settings, sometimes inaccurate, but it is very unlikely that the user is a professional camera left the factory settings.

Pentax 645Z: reviews photographers

Users appreciate the huge resolution and detail camera, its high sensitivity, the presence of durable water resistant casing and a large, bright viewfinder. Photographers celebrate the good and fast AF in low-light conditions, the device performance, great battery life and the ability to shoot Full HD video.

Criticism is the cumbersome design compared to APS-C or full-frame digital SLR cameras, susceptibility to image defects, the concentration of AF points near the center of the frame and insufficient supply of suitable water resistant and is optimized for digital lenses. And the unusual sight drew the attention of passers-by.

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

Size and price of the Pentax 645Z say that this camera is not for everyone – many will be satisfied with smaller APS-C sensor or full frame camera – but his insatiable thirst for detail allowed him to stand out. Those who regularly print the photo very large and needs a full detail is a must stop on 645Z-the medium format camera, affecting its quality and availability.