Pentax 645Z
Pentax · DSLR · 51.4 MP · Medium Format · Full HD video
Score Breakdown
Scores combine our editorial testing with published lab data.
Independent Lab Scores
General | |
|---|---|
| Brand | Pentax |
| Model | 645Z |
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. | 2014 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. | April 15, 2014 |
| Camera type |  DSLR |
| Camera size | 156 x 117 x 123 mm |
| Camera weight | 1550 g |
Optics79/100 | |
About the OpticsPentax 645Z Overview and OpticsThe Pentax 645Z receives a score of 79/100 for optics. This camera features a 51.4-megapixel CMOS sensor with a medium format size and a Pentax 645AF2 lens mount. The Prime III processor enables a shooting speed of 3 frames per second. Despite lacking image stabilization, the 645Z has a notable DXOMARK sensor score of 101 and an aspect ratio of 4:3. In today’s market, the Pentax 645Z holds its own due to its high-resolution medium format sensor. This feature allows it to capture more detail and dynamic range than smaller sensors found in other cameras. The 645AF2 lens mount provides compatibility with a variety of high-quality Pentax lenses, ensuring flexibility and adaptability for different shooting scenarios. The Pentax 645Z’s impressive specifications make it a strong contender in the medium format camera market. Its combination of high-resolution sensor and versatile lens mount contributes to its competitive edge and overall performance. | |
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. | 51.4 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. | 8256 x 6192 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. | 32.8 x 43.8 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |  Medium Format |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. | 3 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. | Pentax 645AF2 |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. | Prime III |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |  4:3 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. | 2048003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. | 2048003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. | 270300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. | No |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A |
Video70/100 | |
About the VideoThe Pentax 645Z holds a video score of 70 out of 100. Its maximum video resolution reaches Full HD with dimensions of 1920 x 1080, and it supports a maximum video frame rate of 60fps. The camera also includes built-in time-lapse functionality, adding to its capabilities. In the current market, the Pentax 645Z’s video specifications are not the most advanced. Many cameras now offer 4K video resolution or even higher, which surpasses the 645Z’s Full HD capabilities. However, the 60fps frame rate and time-lapse functionality still provide versatility and creative potential for users. Despite not being the most cutting-edge option for video, the Pentax 645Z remains a reliable choice for those seeking a medium format camera with decent video capabilities. Its video specifications may not be top-tier, but they still offer ample opportunities for capturing quality footage. | |
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |  Yes |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |  Full HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. | 60 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |  Yes |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. | MOV, AVI |
Features59/100 | |
About the FeaturesThe Pentax 645Z receives a feature score of 59/100. The camera’s screen measures 3.2 inches with a resolution of 1,037,000 dots. While it does not possess a touchscreen, it does have a flip screen for versatile viewing angles. The 645Z lacks GPS functionality but includes WIFI for easy sharing and remote control capabilities. However, it does not offer Bluetooth connectivity. Comparing these specifications to other cameras in today’s market, the Pentax 645Z falls short in some aspects. Many modern cameras now include touchscreens, GPS, and Bluetooth, which the 645Z lacks. Despite these shortcomings, the camera still holds its ground with its flip screen and WIFI capabilities. The Pentax 645Z’s features may not be the most advanced on the market, but its flip screen and WIFI functionality still make it a relevant choice for some photographers. | |
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. | No |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |  Yes |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. | No |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |  Yes |
| Screen type | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. | No |
| Screen size | 3.2" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. | 10370001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |  Yes |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |  Yes |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |  Yes |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. | No |
Storage & Battery65/100 | |
About the Storage & BatteryThe Pentax 645Z receives a storage and battery score of 65 out of 100. This camera comes with two memory card slots that accept SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, providing versatility in storage options. However, the battery life is only 650 shots, which may not be sufficient for extended shooting sessions. The camera uses a D-LI90 battery type, and unfortunately, there is no USB charging option available. Comparing these specifications to other cameras in today’s market, the Pentax 645Z falls a bit short in battery life and charging options. Many modern cameras now offer USB charging, making it easier for users to charge on-the-go. The storage options are on par with the current market, but improvements in battery life and charging capabilities would make the Pentax 645Z more competitive. | |
| Memory card | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| Dual memory card slots |  Yes |
| Battery type | D-LI90 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. | 650 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | No |