Medium format cameras have reached the truean exciting solution that was the result of a complex compromise with other functionalities. Pentax 645Z was able to offer functionality unique to medium-format cameras. Waterproof housing, on-screen sighting, video capture, not to mention extremely wide sensitivity range, 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 the beginning of 2010company Pentax has released 645D, a digital SLR-camera of medium format, developed during 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 itsthe purchase of Ricoh, was able to offer a camera at a more attractive price than others, rather simple. Most of the development of the 645D can be used in mass production of APS-C DSLRs, while Phase One and Hasselblad do not sell consumer SLRs - design costs fall exclusively on their mid-range products.
While Pentax has always been lacking (and so farthere is not enough) full-frame digital SLR camera, the 645D became desirable for enthusiasts and original enough to attract pros, for which resolution and format were more important than capturing with high speed. And by 2010 standards, the resolution was really great. 645D struck an unprecedented detail, an inseparable eye.
Like film cameras of medium format, according tothe footsteps of which she walked, the 645D was not intended for the mass market. Its market niche since the time of 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 completelya new 51-megapixel CMOS-matrix paired with the image processor PRIME III, first appeared in K-3. The 645Z also inherits its 27-point SAFOX 11 auto focus and 86,000-pixel color measurement system.
The new image sensor Pentax 645Z hasExtremely wide (by the standards of medium format cameras) 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 the post-processing time has decreased by more than half.
Lens Correction
Like its predecessor, the Pentax 645ZLenses correction allows you to correct distortions and lateral chromatic aberration. In addition, it has become possible to correct peripheral illumination and diffraction. The function works with the lenses DA645, D FA645 and FA645, but not with the A645 or adapted 67 lenses.
New opportunities
The camera boasts a larger, tiltableLCD panel with a higher resolution, 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 equipped his camera, like K-3,a high-speed USB 3.0 port and a UHS-I-compatible slot for a Secure Digital memory card and a Pentax Flucard slot for 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 on-board microphone or external, with automatic or manual adjustment.
Externally, the camera is rather squat, especiallyits depth is great. 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 645Zvery similar to its predecessor. The most notable difference is a 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 Pentax 645Z is not much differentfrom 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 D4S, and is 1.55 kg in assembled condition.
But this is a small fee for increased by 2/3, bycompared with a 35-mm full-frame sensor. On the positive side, there is enough 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 availability of 76 seals, the structure is weatherproof 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
When viewed from above, you can find several differencesbetween 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 was previously under the display, disappeared, and their 4 functions passed to the navigation buttons. They are used to adjust the position of the AF point, as in the Pentax K-3.
The column of buttons to the right of the LCD became squarecluster in the right rear of the camera. One of them, the Delete button, has acquired the function of recording video. And since the selection of the autofocus point is now located elsewhere, the disk to the right of the viewfinder, which was previously used for this, now serves as the Still / Movie control dial.
Side panels
Левая сторона корпуса 645Z лишилась композитного video output, instead of which a new 3.5 mm stereo microphone connector appeared. The rest of the ports are located under one rubber plug. USB connector is now USB 3.0 SuperSpeed, changed the location of ports. There are also 2 Secure Digital Card slots, one of which is compatible with UHS-I.
Проводной терминал ДК, ранее находившийся под cover on the back, now located in the handle. This is a logical step, given the lack of space elsewhere. If you shoot using the remote control, you will not need to hold the camera.
Image quality
На Pentax 645Z фото получаются отличными, с absolutely breathtaking detail, especially with basic 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, color reproduction at default settings is sometimes inaccurate, but very unlikely so that the user of a professional camera leaves the factory settings.
Pentax 645Z: reviews of photographers
Пользователи положительно оценивают огромное resolution and detail of the camera, its high sensitivity, the presence of a durable, water-resistant case and a large, bright viewfinder. Photographers note the good and fast autofocus operation in low light conditions, device performance, long battery life and the ability to shoot Full HD-video.
Criticism causes cumbersome designcompared to APS-C or full-frame digital SLR cameras, the tendency to image defects, the concentration of autofocus points near the center of the frame and the insufficient supply of suitable moisture-proof and digital-optimized lenses. And an unusual view attracts the attention of passersby.
The 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 suggests that thisthe camera is not for everyone — many will be satisfied with a smaller APS-C matrix or a full-frame camera — but its insatiable thirst for details 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, striking in its quality and accessibility.
