The 645Z Medium Format DSLR Camera (Body Only) from Pentax features a 43.8 x 32.8 mm CMOS sensor with 51.4 effective megapixels. The sensor is designed without an anti-aliasing filter to maximize sharpness and details. RAW files can be recorded at 14-bit and saved using either the proprietary PEF format or Adobe's DNG format.
An ISO range from 100-204,800 and high S/N ratio provides low noise, low light capability, and the Prime III image processor lends itself to fast image capture with a maximum of 3 fps continuous shooting. The SAFOX II autofocus module utilizes 27 autofocus points including 25 cross-type sensors and 3 AF sensors dedicated for low light focusing. The new Real Time Scene Analysis System features an 86,000 pixel RGB light-metering sensor for enhanced accuracy of exposure, white balance, and auto-focusing.
Full HD 1080 60i/30p/24p video capture is supported in the H.264 format with a dedicated button for instant switchover from stills to video. An external microphone jack enables high quality audio recording with manual sound level control and monitoring. An HDMI port outputs HD images to HDTVs and a USB 3.0 jack enables fast image transfer to your computer. Interval recording for time-lapse videos is supported with an output of UHD 4K resolution.
A 3.2", 1037k-dot, tilting, air-gapless, LCD monitor enables live view composition and playback viewing from a various angles and a trapezoid-shaped glass prism viewfinder with Kepler telescope-type eyepiece unit provides traditional eye-level composition. The design of the viewfinder also helps to achieve the relatively compact size of this medium format camera. The 645Z is extremely durable with an aluminum alloy chassis, magnesium alloy shell, and 76 specific weather seals to keep out moisture and dust. It is a camera designed for field as well as studio and can operate in temperatures from 14-104°F.
The camera body also features a deep set ergonomic grip, ideal for hand-held shooting, easy-to-access buttons, and a top-plate, sub-LCD screen that is angled up for easier visibility of camera information. A hot shoe mount is supported, and in addition to the tripod socket on the camera's base, a second tripod socket is located on the side of the camera for convenient and stable tripod shooting in the vertical position. Two SD slots are provided for versatile image storage and both Flucards and Eye-Fi cards are compatible for wireless image transfer. A free plug-in is available for seamless tethered shooting support in conjunction with Adobe Photoshop Lightroom, along with the USB 3.0 output for fast performance.
The 645Z is compatible with the new FA autofocus lenses as well as older 645 lenses and with Pentax 67 medium format lenses when used with an adapter.
The 645Z offers a 43.8 x 32.8 mm 51.4MP CMOS sensor, which is ideal for ultra-high resolution imaging, large printing applications, and cropping flexibility. Compared to a CCD sensor, a CMOS sensor provides higher ISO sensitivity, expanded uses for live view, faster continuous shooting, and improved movie recording capabilities.
The optical, low-pass, anti-aliasing filter found in most CMOS sensors has been removed from the 645Z design to maximize image sharpness and fine details.
RAW files can be recorded at 14-bit and saved using either the proprietary PEF format or Adobe's DNG format for greater post-production control and flexibility.
The 645Z offers a fast frame rate of 3.0 fps, quick image processing to rapidly review images, and swift image transfer with USB 3.0 computer connection.
A sensitivity range from ISO 100 to 204800 along with enhanced noise reduction capabilities enables effective low-light capture.
The 645Z supports full HD movie capture in the H.264 format at 60i, 30p and 24p, including the ability to switch from still image to video recording with the flip of a dedicated switch. Equipped with a built-in stereo microphone and a terminal for external microphone connection, the user can also adjust the audio recording level manually and visually monitor sound levels during recording.
In-camera time lapse sequences can also be recorded using the built-in intervalometer, allowing up to 2000 shots to be recorded with 2 second to 24 hour delays, and output as 4K (3840 x 2160) files.
A 3.2", 1,037k-dot, air-gapless, LCD monitor is available and features a tilting design (-35° down and +125° upward) to benefit use from high or low viewing positions. An electronic level gauge can be utilized with either the viewfinder or LCD monitor during shooting, and when working in live view, a variety of grid overlays and manual focus peaking can be used for greater focusing accuracy.
A large, trapezoidal-shaped, glass pentaprism with Kepler telescope-type eyepiece enables bright and clear eye-level finding with 98% frame coverage.
The SAFOX II autofocus module maximizes 27 AF sensors and a vast light sensitivity range of -3EV to +18EV. The new focus module includes 25 cross sensors and three AF sensors dedicated to low light focusing.
The new Real Time Scene Analysis System features an 86,000 pixel RGB light-metering sensor and improved algorithms that further enhance accuracy of exposure, white balance, and auto-focusing.
A Multi-Pattern Auto WB system can be used to intelligently adjust white balance settings when mixed lighting is prevalent. For example, if both flash and ambient lighting are utilized, different white balance settings are used within the different regions of an image to more accurately portray overall color balance.
Offering a compact build for a medium format camera, the 645Z provides an ergonomic grip, large buttons, and 76 specific weather-seals to protect the camera from moisture, sand, and dust. It is capable of shooting in temperatures ranging from 14-104°F, and its aluminum alloy chassis and magnesium alloy body are durable for years of service in studio or on location.
Dual slot SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card support ensures fast and reliable storage for high resolution image files, simultaneously saving in multiple formats, assigning images to different cards based on their original format, or easily holding one memory card in reserve. In addition to standard SD cards, the 645Z is compatible with Eye-Fi and Flucards for wireless image transfer and with the Pentax Flucard remote camera control from a compatible smart devise.