Pentax 645Z
Announced April 15, 2014
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The Pentax 645Z brings high-resolution medium-format imaging to a wider audience by offering a 51.4MP sensor in a weather-sealed, DSLR-like body that is significantly more affordable than its peers. Although the camera delivers stunning image quality and intuitive handling, it remains a physically large system with limitations in flash sync speed and autofocus performance.
Weighted from 20 reviewer scores
Pros
- Exceptional image quality and high resolution
- Rugged, weather-sealed build with comfortable ergonomics
- Versatile features including tilting LCD and dual tripod mounts
- Reliable high ISO performance
- Accessible pricing for a medium-format system
Cons
- Large, heavy physical footprint
- Slow flash sync speed limiting studio utility
- Mediocre video quality and functionality
- Autofocus points clustered in the center of the frame
- Lack of modern leaf shutter lens options
- Launch price $8,499 (USD)
- Sensor 51.4MP Medium Format CMOS
- Video 1080p 60p
What the Reviewers Say
All 20 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
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No question about it: This is a much more complete camera, and yet it’s actually priced lower than was its predecessor at launch.
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As you can see from this review, the Pentax 645Z served me very well during my month-long time with it.
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The Pentax 645Z brings high-quality medium-format imagery within reach of a whole new group of photographers. Its overall feel is similar enough to the smaller-format DSLRs that most shooters know for them to face only a slight learning curve after switching.
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One of the best things about the 645Z is that it slowed me down. I stopped to think about what I was doing.
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If you guys are looking for a versatile medium format, I think the 645Z is the best you can get right now, especially for the price, and if you want a full-frame SLR, well that's a great choice too. Guys, the gap is closing.
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The Pentax 645Z offers the best value for money for a 50 megapixel medium format camera available, and is one of the most affordable high resolution cameras available offering such a high resolution.
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Coming across very much like a DSLR in medium-format clothing, the Pentax 645Z combines intuitive handling with impeccable image quality in a body that's actually fairly portable compared to its peers.
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The Pentax 645Z is a solidly built camera, and weatherproofed, yet it’s pleasant to use hand-held.
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The Pentax 645Z offers the incredible resolution and large sensor of a medium format system at a price that's a third that of the competition.
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The main aim of using a medium format camera is to produce higher quality images than is possible with a small format camera and the Pentax 645Z certainly delivers in this respect.
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The Sony-made 51 megapixel sensor is clearly the star of this heavy, expensive body. If you absolutely must have more pixels than a Nikon D810, the Pentax 645Z is your only option under $10,000.
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Pentax 645Z Review – The Pentax 645Z is the most affordable medium-format camera on the market, and with a 51.4MP sensor and lack of an anti-alias filter it should be capable of resolving some stunning detail.
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Given the 645Z’s specs, the use of the same CMOS sensor as other medium- format cameras and its amazingly low price, it’s a strong competitor and an excellent point of entry into the medium-format world.
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I have to say, if you want to go beyond 35mm resolution without going in the $20, $30,000 price ranges, then this is your option, and I do think it's a really, really nice option.
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Okay, so that was the Pentax 645Z. It's an amazing camera; the just the low light ability of it alone for such a for medium format camera is really out of this world.
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I think digital medium format, and especially the Pentax 645Z is the best “bang for the buck†system out there.
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This is definitely a game-changing camera and it should prompt a new gear battle in the digital medium format arena.
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The Pentax 645Z offers the best value for money for a 50 megapixel medium format camera available, and is one of the most affordable high resolution cameras available offering such a high resolution.
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This earns it a ‘highly recommended’ rating from me, with one caveat: if you shoot primarily flash/ studio work, this is probably not your camera because of the slow 1/125 flash sync.
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Ricoh has succeeded in producing a camera that delivers superb image quality while incorporating an ergonomic design that makes it straightforward to operate, with features that appeal to a range of professional photographers of widely differing specialties.
