amazon Pentax 645Z reviews
Professional structure and style
In terms of design, the Pentax 645Z features a medium-format camera with tunnel body, square chamber structure, large and deep grip, full mechanical control system. Around the body there are up to 30 controls, including wheels, latches, keys … are arranged reasonably, harmoniously and optimally manipulated. This system can make the new machine owners feel a little embarrassment but once familiar with the position and function of the buttons will work quickly and efficiently.
The Pentax 645Z measures 15.5 x 11.7 x 12.2 cm and weighs 1.55 kg (including battery and body). In fact when using the user will have to attach large and heavy lenses compatible with this medium-format, so determine the idea of a camera system weighing about 2kg if you intend to work with This 645Z. Generally, bulky and heavy is the challenge that users will face if they own medium-format cameras. The 645Z camera system with limited shutter speed and heavy structure will be very difficult to meet the requirements for photo shoots, dynamic shooting or creative environments that need much movement.
An important advantage of the Pentax 645Z is the 3.2″ LCD with two retractable latches, compared to some other medium-format lenses, which is an advantage for using the 645Z in many shooting angles. It can be hung on the neck, adjustable and snapped from the ventral position, convenient and wear-resistant with large amounts of machine and lens. Flip openly and easily vulnerable.
The scope of use is also extended when the Pentax 645Z is weather resistant, suitable for outdoor shooting of landscapes, architectural … and high-specced image types.
Quality of operation
One of the significant improvements that Ricoh brings to the Pentax 645Z is the CMOS sensor rather than the CCD sensor, and the resolution is also increased from 40 to 51MP. This is the world’s first CMOS medium-format sensor with dimensions of 43.8 x 32.8mm, manufactured by Sony, providing features that first appeared on medium-format cameras, such as Live View, High speed video, or ISO up to 204,800. The sensor’s size of 43.8 x 32.8mm is 1.7 times greater than the full-frame size (24 x 36mm), which creates a wider range of dynamic range and larger images. , Smooth and less noise (when shooting in the same technical conditions and context before the lens). It’s no coincidence that this sensor is also equipped on Phase-1 and Phase-H of the Hewlett-Packard medium-format camera models – two of the top brands in the big camera manufacturers.
With the Prime III image processor, the camera is able to capture 3fps continuously with a maximum shutter speed of 1/4000s. In terms of features, the machine can capture 14-bit uncompressed images in three formats including PEF, DNG and TIFF. In addition, the 645Z allows up to 60fps of full HD video, and also supports 4K time-lapse video.
Of course, only the sensor alone is not enough to talk about the performance of the Pentax 645Z. Those who play medium-format machines would be surprised to know that the machine owns a focus system with 27 points (compared to 11 points of 645D), of which there are 25 point cross. As a result, the Pentax 645Z’s focus is no less than some full-frame DSLRs. That’s not to mention Ricoh’s facial recognition feature, which is useful for most commercial cameras, especially when working with subjects or models. In addition, the Focus Picking Focus feature is also very effective when manual focus.
where can you get a Pentax 645Z online
Pentax 645Z 51MP SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD- Body (Black) (International Model): Buy it now
Pentax 645Z 51MP SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD- Body (Black): Buy it now
Pentax 645Z Medium Format DSLR Camera plus Pentax-D FA 645 55mm f/2.8 AL[IF] SDM AW Lens Kit: Buy it now
Pentax 645Z SLR Camera with smc FA 645 150mm f/2.8 IF Lens: Buy it now
Accompanying the Pentax 645Z, Ricoh releases a software package called IMAGE Transmitter 2 to support studio work. When connecting the camera to a computer via USB, the software will allow real-time data access on the camera, helping photographers to preview, select and edit images accurately and quickly. The interface of IMAGE Transmitter 2 is simple and easy to use. Unfortunately, the 645Z does not yet have built-in wi-fi for extended distances and flexible connectivity and control.
The 645Z features the Dust Alert feature. When selecting this feature, a warning on the presence of dirt and dust will appear on the LCD monitor. Based on that, users will know whether or not to enable Dust Remove II.
With all of these features and advantages, the result is that the image quality obtained from the Pentax 645Z is well deserved. The 645Z has a very wide range of dynamic range, smoothly shifting brightness, even near-dark areas and dark areas, which show a lot of detail, smooth image water, even when set to ISO 6400. Picture is still clean, less noise.
General comment
The Pentax 645Z in particular and the medium-format digital camera series are generally machines with many features not intended for the needs of the majority of photographers. However, this line of cameras is dedicated to some areas such as commercial advertising, large format printing or high-end imaging, requiring image quality that even full-frame cameras do not enough to satisfy.
Considering both economically and technically possible, one can recognize that the Pentax 645Z is a digital SLR camera that stands on a full-frame machine in terms of image size and image quality. The cost to pay for this effect is also higher. However, when compared to other medium-format, the price of 645Z cheaper 3-4 times. As such, the Pentax 645Z is definitely the most affordable option for photographers who want to shoot up a full-frame class of medium-format cameras. This product design and pricing model demonstrates Ricoh’s “off-the-shelf” development strategy, giving it its own strength while not having the intention of producing a full-frame full-size product line. The fierce competition in the global market.