RANKING

Rank 20 out of 48 Summarized in this category Rankings based on: • Pros-to-cons ratio • Number of reviews • Category average

Pentax

645Z

Name: 645Z
Brand: Pentax

around $6999

All prices are estimates and may vary from actual prices.

245 Pros

75%
22 reviews (3h 22m)

81 Cons

The Pentax 645Z offers a compelling entry point into the world of medium format photography, boasting a 51.4MP CMOS sensor that delivers astonishing image quality with impressive detail, dynamic range, and highlight recovery. Experience the "medium format look" with beautiful bokeh and phenomenal sharpness, even at higher ISOs. A significant upgr...

Summary of pros and cons from human reviewers, put together by AI

81%

51 vs 12

Usability/Handling

88%

82 vs 11

Image Quality

67%

6 vs 3

Video Capabilities

65%

36 vs 19

Features

81%

13 vs 3

Autofocus System

Reviewer verdict

Across 22 YouTube reviews, the Pentax 645Z earns a Summa score of 4/5, ranking #20 among DSLRs. Reviewers most often praise its image quality, usability/handling, features, while the most common criticisms concern features, usability/handling.

The Pentax 645Z is repeatedly praised for its outstanding image quality, with reviewers (82 mentions) highlighting its large ~51MP medium-format CMOS sensor, exceptional dynamic range, fine detail, and pleasing bokeh that distinguish it from full‑frame work. Many reviewers (51 mentions) also emphasize strong handling and usability for a camera this size, noting DSLR-like operation, a comfortable deep grip, a bright viewfinder and an articulating screen that make it approachable in the field. Feature set and system advantages (36 mentions) such as live view, a broad lens selection (including affordable legacy glass), dual card slots and studio-friendly options are frequently cited, and value-for-money (26 mentions) is noted by multiple reviewers who call it an affordable entry to digital medium format. Additional recurring positives include solid weather‑sealed build (16 mentions), capable autofocus for its class (13 mentions), and generally usable performance and battery life for stills work.

Criticisms cluster around limitations in features and speed (19 mentions) — reviewers point out shutter and flash sync constraints, lack of interchangeable backs/modularity, and some compatibility issues with older lenses or adapters — and usability annoyances (12 mentions) such as a non‑touchscreen LCD, a 98% viewfinder, loud shutter, and some awkward menu/orientation choices. Several reviewers (12 mentions) describe the camera and lenses as large and heavy compared with alternatives, while image‑quality caveats (11 mentions) note high‑ISO extremes are questionable and some lenses or combinations can exhibit vignetting, flare or less modern rendering. A smaller set of reviewers call out modest continuous shooting and buffer performance (8 mentions), basic video capabilities (3 mentions), and occasional autofocus limitations (3 mentions).

Analysis based on 22 YouTube reviews (3h 22m of video) with 245 pros and 81 cons extracted.

Pros (245)

Image Quality (82)

big upgrade on this guy is the new sensor up from a 40 map CCD sensor it's now a 51.4 mapix cosos sensor ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 0:33
highlight recovery is very good ▶ 5 reasons why to get the Pentax 645Z in 2019 feat. Guam Mode @ 15:58
image quality coming off the 645 is astonishing ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 2:31
obvious resolution uh advances ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 10:44
the move to seos technology allows for higher isos ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 0:50
great choice when trying to decide between shooting 35 millimeter or a larger 120 format while giving as much image quality as you'll ever need for most purposes ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 1:15
increased the maximum ISO setting from 1,600 to the ridiculous 24,800 ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 0:56
the files are looking really good I'm really impressed this has been a big falling point for medium format cameras even here at 1,600 and then 3200 there isn't too much noticeable loss ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 6:13
you do get that Medium format look ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 11:01
this medium format sensor is really good you can see the details ▶ 5 reasons why to get the Pentax 645Z in 2019 feat. Guam Mode @ 15:51
bigger sensors allow us to have better dynamic range ▶ Pentax 645Z Field Test @ 1:54
images are going to look phenomenal they're crisp there's no vignetting ▶ Pentax 645 in 2024 (My Honest Review) @ 5:51
the image quality off the sensor is it is just beautiful ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 10:59
shot at ISO 200 very little to no noise ▶ 5 reasons why to get the Pentax 645Z in 2019 feat. Guam Mode @ 16:38
sharp uh it makes your images look very nice and clean ▶ Pentax 645 in 2024 (My Honest Review) @ 4:30
great highlight recovery and dynamic range in the sensor ▶ 5 reasons why to get the Pentax 645Z in 2019 feat. Guam Mode @ 17:16
really nice dark blacks ▶ Pentax 645Z Field Test @ 2:03
bigger sensor is going to allow you to have more limited depth of field ▶ Pentax 645Z Field Test @ 1:41
1,600 all the way up to really 12,800 is where we're really starting to see a noticeable amount of noise ▶ Pentax 645Z Field Test @ 3:40
image is so big and bright thanks to that large large sensor ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 3:48
the files are incredible there's tons of dynamic range ▶ First Impression Review: Pentax 645Z @ 0:56
Chromatic aberration is very well controlled ▶ A Budget Lens Game Changer: Fuji GFX 50R + Pentax 645 75mm @ 4:10
medium format camera with more than 50 megapixels ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 0:16
100 ISO is just awesome ▶ Pentax 645Z Field Test @ 3:31
41 megapixels ▶ Pentax Talk 645D 645Z 2020 should I buy? medium format camer @ 1:57
very comfortable to use the files look incredible and there's so much dynamic range ▶ First Impression Review: Pentax 645Z @ 3:26
neverbe seen image quality ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 0:22
cmos sensor ▶ Pentax Talk 645D 645Z 2020 should I buy? medium format camer @ 1:14
you get the depth of field of a medium format camera ▶ First Impression Review: Pentax 645Z @ 0:59
no anti-aliasing filter ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 0:52
the 645d is a ccd sensor ▶ Pentax Talk 645D 645Z 2020 should I buy? medium format camer @ 1:34
Detail is fantastic, as is micro contrast. Overall resolution is impressive ▶ A Budget Lens Game Changer: Fuji GFX 50R + Pentax 645 75mm @ 4:33
dynamic range ▶ Pentax 645Z: The Five Year Review @ 6:11
image quality I've been playing with the raw files from this camera versus the GFX series of cameras and it seems to me that a higher ISO the 645Z is cleaner and the shadow recovery is actually better ▶ 5 reasons why to get the Pentax 645Z in 2019 feat. Guam Mode @ 5:46
the files are enormous it's 51 megapixels ▶ First Impression Review: Pentax 645Z @ 0:44
you get the the more shallow depth of field with with the medium format ▶ Pentax Talk 645D 645Z 2020 should I buy? medium format camer @ 3:34
sensor is designed to support up to ISO 200,000 ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 2:07
Bokeh is a strength of this lens - very good, nice gentle fall off, no cat's eye or onion ring bokeh ▶ A Budget Lens Game Changer: Fuji GFX 50R + Pentax 645 75mm @ 3:27
400's great 800's great ▶ Pentax 645Z Field Test @ 3:34
using an ISO range of 100 to 200 for 100 to 200 and for 800 and high SN ratio provides low noise photos ▶ 3 Best Medium Format Cameras Reviews @ 3:33
Excellent flare control, very gentle in handling direct sun shots ▶ A Budget Lens Game Changer: Fuji GFX 50R + Pentax 645 75mm @ 4:05
4:3 image ratio, more top bottom view, looks better for portraits and commercial photography ▶ Pentax 645Z: The Five Year Review @ 5:48
Stunning colors, gentle tonal transitions, modern color rendition ▶ A Budget Lens Game Changer: Fuji GFX 50R + Pentax 645 75mm @ 5:06
It features a 51.4 MP forty three point eight by thirty two point eight millimeter CMOS sensor designed without a filter to maximize sharpness and details ▶ 3 Best Medium Format Cameras Reviews @ 3:13
medium format sensor, huge, more room to crop, better quality than 35 millimeter or aps-c, smoother focus fall off ▶ Pentax 645Z: The Five Year Review @ 5:07
color science...for me when I look at the files that I've taken in identical situations identical lens I like the colors out of the d a little bit better especially the Reds ▶ My Thoughts on the Pentax 645D and 645Z @ 4:07
Resolution in the same ballpark as modern GFX lenses. ▶ A Budget Lens Game Changer: Fuji GFX 50R + Pentax 645 75mm @ 4:40
the high ISO was remarkable in this thing ▶ First Impression Review: Pentax 645Z @ 4:41
the high ISO was incredible uh I felt comfortable at 1600 like very comfortable at 1600 and definitely still usable at 3200 or even 6400 ▶ First Impression Review: Pentax 645Z @ 4:26
print big images at over 1.5 meters each ▶ Landscape Photography l Whats in my Camera Bag @ 1:32
51.4 megapixels ▶ Landscape Photography l Whats in my Camera Bag @ 1:25
2.8 lens on medium format looks like a 1.4 lens on a 35 mm full frame, so you get some really soft, shallow depth of field ▶ Pentax 645z Medium Format | Joel Grimes - What's in Your Bag @ 2:38
a much loved camera among photographers who require a lot sensor for their work ▶ Upcoming Medium Format Camera From Pentax! @ 0:58
With a 51.4 megapixel sensor and advanced image processing technology, the 645Z delivers stunning image quality with exceptional detail and dynamic range. ▶ 5 Awesome Medium Format Cameras! @ 3:56
even today the 50 megapixel camera is more than capable of producing outstanding images ▶ Upcoming Medium Format Camera From Pentax! @ 2:54
51 megapixels ▶ Pentax 645z Medium Format | Joel Grimes - What's in Your Bag @ 1:26
massive 33 by 44 miles sensor ▶ Landscape Photography l Whats in my Camera Bag @ 1:25
a much-loved camera among photographers who require a lot sensor for their work ▶ Pentax Releasing ANOTHER Medium Format Camera?! @ 0:55
images are so gorgeous on this camera ▶ Pentax 645 Medium Format Camera - First Impressions @ 5:43
known for its excellent image quality ▶ Upcoming Medium Format Camera From Pentax! @ 4:12
adds one stop of light ▶ Shoot Medium Format Images On a Full Frame Camera @ 3:07
55 has a brighter image because of the focal reducer, adds one stop of brightness, equivalent aperture of about f2 ▶ Shoot Medium Format Images On a Full Frame Camera @ 13:21
even today the 50 megapixel camera is more than capable of producing outstanding images ▶ Pentax Releasing ANOTHER Medium Format Camera?! @ 2:50
depth ▶ Cheapest Medium Format You Can Get in 2019 - Pentax 645Z @ 2:41
known for its excellent image quality ▶ Pentax Releasing ANOTHER Medium Format Camera?! @ 4:06
bokeh does not change, foreground the background compression or anything like that does not change the only thing that changes is the angle of view and the brightness ▶ Shoot Medium Format Images On a Full Frame Camera @ 13:37
shooting in medium format itself is a blessing ▶ Cheapest Medium Format You Can Get in 2019 - Pentax 645Z @ 2:18
4 by 3 ratio in a high resolution big sensor ▶ Cheapest Medium Format You Can Get in 2019 - Pentax 645Z @ 2:48
another dslr medium format camera that's a beast with a 51.4 megapixel sensor ▶ Best Medium Format Camera 2021 on a Budget | Medium Format C @ 7:00
the feeling double up from a full frame to a medium format ▶ Cheapest Medium Format You Can Get in 2019 - Pentax 645Z @ 4:08
Medium format is known as a high-resolution machine, high megapixel ▶ Cheapest Medium Format You Can Get in 2019 - Pentax 645Z @ 2:21
the depth feeling ▶ Cheapest Medium Format You Can Get in 2019 - Pentax 645Z @ 3:51
The photo taken out of this camera just gonna make your photos stand out from all the full-frame user ▶ Cheapest Medium Format You Can Get in 2019 - Pentax 645Z @ 4:47
the detail, the color, the resolution, the micro contrast, the color bit, and the fall off of your bokeh ▶ Cheapest Medium Format You Can Get in 2019 - Pentax 645Z @ 4:25
the pentax image sensor prime3 processor and native iso of 100 200 4800 make low light shooting on the pentax 645z effortless ▶ Best Medium Format Camera 2021 on a Budget | Medium Format C @ 7:18
15 stops of dynamic range ▶ Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil B @ 3:12
at least equals full-frame digital Leica ▶ Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil B @ 3:43
double the size of full frame ▶ Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil B @ 4:44
has the Sony sensor, same as higher end $40,000 cameras ▶ Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil B @ 1:47
bajillion megapixels ▶ Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil B @ 0:21
image quality the dynamic range is insane ▶ Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil B @ 0:41
50 megapixels ▶ Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil B @ 7:10

Usability/Handling (51)

bigger and higher resolution screen which is now articulated ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 1:11
using it Outdoors handheld with my Cactus triggers it just worked a treat ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 1:52
the hand holding is improved overall ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 9:30
how practical it really was ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 1:50
grip and ergonomics make it one of the most comfortable cameras ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 2:11
a range of other usability features like automatic exposure various metering and focus modes exposure lock and compensation and film Edge data in printing ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 0:47
big jump up from a small format while being about as portable as a large DSLR kit with the standard 75 millimeter lens ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 3:55
Focus confirmation beep ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 9:01
really is handh holdable ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 11:43
handholding with this on location really isn't a problem ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 2:00
focus confirmation beep which will still work when using manual focus lenses ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 2:21
not too hard to Lug around ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 1:34
usability the Pentax 645Z buttons outside the camera is very accessible ▶ 5 reasons why to get the Pentax 645Z in 2019 feat. Guam Mode @ 12:18
bright viewfinder Focus confirmation system and smooth Focus Rings make manual focusing easier even when shooting at wider apertures ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 6:01
brightness ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 9:01
a joy to use and is very approachable for beginners ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 3:26
it's got a good balance ▶ Pentax 645Z Field Test @ 0:38
really nice bright viewfinder ▶ Pentax 645Z Field Test @ 1:23
very user friendly ▶ Pentax 645 in 2024 (My Honest Review) @ 2:36
articulating monitor on the back great for our high and low angle shooting ▶ Pentax 645Z Field Test @ 1:01
great layout and ergonomics ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 3:26
great compromise compared to something like the six seven ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 3:37
it's got some really good heft to it ▶ Pentax 645Z Field Test @ 0:32
rewinds the film for you ▶ Pentax 645 in 2024 (My Honest Review) @ 3:05
really nice deep set grip ▶ Pentax 645Z Field Test @ 0:52
it has this incredibly deep grip ▶ First Impression Review: Pentax 645Z @ 1:36
quieter than the a7r ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 6:40
articulating screen in two directions ▶ First Impression Review: Pentax 645Z @ 2:46
the interface is really well thought out Pentax has put all sorts of physical dials all over the place ▶ First Impression Review: Pentax 645Z @ 1:11
awesome viewfinder ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 3:36
articulating 3.2 in screen ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 3:06
it feels like shooting with a DSLR it is not clunky it's heavy but it's very simple to operate and very quick to operate ▶ First Impression Review: Pentax 645Z @ 0:26
slow, makes you more deliberate when taking a photo, responsive to my finger pressing the shutter once ▶ Pentax 645Z: The Five Year Review @ 7:18
it is so good in your hands ▶ Pentax 645 Medium Format Camera - First Impressions @ 3:47
very easy to use ▶ Pentax 645 Medium Format Camera - First Impressions @ 4:47
usability for the camera is spot on ▶ Pentax 645 Medium Format Camera - First Impressions @ 5:38
The tilting screen also makes for convenient shots when you shoot at harsh angles. ▶ 5 Awesome Medium Format Cameras! @ 4:38
this camera makes me want to shoot it ▶ Pentax 645 Medium Format Camera - First Impressions @ 5:54
compared to the m versions this feels so much better ergonomics so good ▶ Pentax 645 Medium Format Camera - First Impressions @ 4:11
feel like there's gonna be no stress ▶ Pentax 645 Medium Format Camera - First Impressions @ 6:03
It uses a chunky design that looks great and provides a stable grip when shooting. ▶ 5 Awesome Medium Format Cameras! @ 3:52
doesn't weigh a lot ▶ Pentax 645 Medium Format Camera - First Impressions @ 7:23
Additionally, the camera has a variety of customizable controls and a large, tilting touchscreen, making it easy to adjust your settings and frame your shots. ▶ 5 Awesome Medium Format Cameras! @ 4:28
the rest of the menu is so clear everything makes sense you could go through the menus easily ▶ Pentax 645 Medium Format Camera - First Impressions @ 4:53
very comfortable ▶ Pentax 645 Medium Format Camera - First Impressions @ 4:40
loading the camera is really really really good ▶ Pentax 645 Medium Format Camera - First Impressions @ 4:58
handles essentially like a DSLR ▶ Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil B @ 0:57
comfortable in the hand ▶ Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil B @ 0:41
quick keys for autofocus area, exposure lock, raw file settings ▶ Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil B @ 2:32
super handy to use ▶ Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil B @ 0:58
surprising for such a big camera it handles pretty well ▶ Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil B @ 0:38

Features (36)

great combination of Versatility image quality and portability ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 1:00
intuitive multiple exposure control ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 2:36
excellent metering including a built-in spot meter ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 6:27
works nicely with some Leaf shutter lenses available for this system if you need a higher sync speed ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 6:59
film Edge data in printing which will imprint some critical information including the shot aperture and shutter speed used at the bottom of each frame on the negative strip ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 2:51
adapt the Pentax 67 lenses to this camera ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 6:11
there's a wide range of lenses to choose from ▶ 5 reasons why to get the Pentax 645Z in 2019 feat. Guam Mode @ 18:02
16 shots per roll of 120 film ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 3:35
Dual tripod mounts a self-timer and a mirror dampening system to reduce ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 6:32
built-in light meter uh which is actually very accurate ▶ Pentax 645 in 2024 (My Honest Review) @ 1:38
vertical and horizontal mounting spots for tripods ▶ Pentax 645Z Field Test @ 1:12
compatible with all Pentax a lenses ▶ Pentax 645 in 2024 (My Honest Review) @ 4:19
the older lenses are for the full format medium format or the full frame medium format and the sensor on this is actually a medium format sensor so this sensor is about 1.7 times bigger than full-frame so when you put on an old film Pentax lenses made for the full-frame medium format they are she just capturing the image from the sweet spot of the lens so you're actually capturing the cropped image from inside ▶ 5 reasons why to get the Pentax 645Z in 2019 feat. Guam Mode @ 7:02
a lot of zoom lenses as well ▶ 5 reasons why to get the Pentax 645Z in 2019 feat. Guam Mode @ 6:33
double SD slots ▶ Pentax 645Z Field Test @ 4:47
good lens selection ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 13:08
dual SD card slots ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 5:11
I love that it shoots in dng as its raw format ▶ First Impression Review: Pentax 645Z @ 5:27
Center crop of an already very good lens due to being designed for a larger film plane ▶ A Budget Lens Game Changer: Fuji GFX 50R + Pentax 645 75mm @ 4:23
electronic leaf shutter, clutch when you're on set and need to be incognito, loud shutter tells the subject that it's okay to move and change position ▶ Pentax 645Z: The Five Year Review @ 6:46
live view ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 4:16
the HDR features in here felt like they were really done right ▶ First Impression Review: Pentax 645Z @ 5:37
It supports fourteen bit RAW files and the ability to save it in either PDF or dmg ▶ 3 Best Medium Format Cameras Reviews @ 3:24
Its dual memory card slots allow for simultaneous recording, as well as the ability to use a variety of memory card formats. ▶ 5 Awesome Medium Format Cameras! @ 4:52
it has auto advance ▶ Pentax 645 Medium Format Camera - First Impressions @ 6:15
Leica M mirrorless mount has one of the longer flange distances of a lot of mirrorless camera mounts and this allows you to be able to adapt this onto l mount, rf mount, Sony, Nikon ▶ Shoot Medium Format Images On a Full Frame Camera @ 3:48
extremely larger, gives you an extreme amount of extra field of view to work with at the same focal length ▶ Shoot Medium Format Images On a Full Frame Camera @ 11:54
more angle of view with this rig than with the current digital medium format cameras such as the gfx and this 645z or the x1d ▶ Shoot Medium Format Images On a Full Frame Camera @ 10:40
4:3 sensor with the anamorphic lens is a true anamorphic 2.39 to 1 ▶ Cheapest Medium Format You Can Get in 2019 - Pentax 645Z @ 3:44
a pair of standard sd slots ▶ Best Medium Format Camera 2021 on a Budget | Medium Format C @ 7:25
pop out LCD screen for waist level shooting ▶ Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil B @ 2:11
more shots than 10 shots per roll of film ▶ Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil B @ 4:23
live view ▶ Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil B @ 2:25
tripod mount so you can do it portrait or landscape ▶ Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil B @ 1:33
use it as a studio camera ▶ Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil B @ 1:25
lenses with autofocus ▶ Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil B @ 3:40

Value for Money (26)

the main advantage of the Pentax 645Z system is the lenses they are very affordable to get on eBay or online forums ▶ 5 reasons why to get the Pentax 645Z in 2019 feat. Guam Mode @ 17:57
in terms of medium format this is actually a real entry level Price ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 9:04
best value digital medium format system overall ▶ 5 reasons why to get the Pentax 645Z in 2019 feat. Guam Mode @ 10:43
got this for about $400 which is a really really good price for medium format ▶ Pentax 645 in 2024 (My Honest Review) @ 1:06
very very great ▶ Pentax 645 in 2024 (My Honest Review) @ 1:10
some lenses come in at $500 used and some of them come in at around five to eight hundred dollars used ▶ 5 reasons why to get the Pentax 645Z in 2019 feat. Guam Mode @ 6:56
lenses there's a lot of affordable lenses for the 645Z system ▶ 5 reasons why to get the Pentax 645Z in 2019 feat. Guam Mode @ 6:28
the 645d for around two thousand dollars used ▶ Pentax Talk 645D 645Z 2020 should I buy? medium format camer @ 1:17
when you get into the 645Z system you do have a lot of lenses to choose from and the lenses are really affordable ▶ 5 reasons why to get the Pentax 645Z in 2019 feat. Guam Mode @ 6:46
the 645z for around twenty eight hundred dollars possibly twenty five hundred dollars used ▶ Pentax Talk 645D 645Z 2020 should I buy? medium format camer @ 1:00
all these lenses you could buy for under 100 under 200 dollars most of them are under 100 ▶ Pentax Talk 645D 645Z 2020 should I buy? medium format camer @ 2:26
affordable for a medium format ▶ First Impression Review: Pentax 645Z @ 3:36
price is great ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 13:03
Affordable price, a hidden gem ▶ A Budget Lens Game Changer: Fuji GFX 50R + Pentax 645 75mm @ 6:59
The best medium format camera in the business is the Pentax 645 Z ▶ 3 Best Medium Format Cameras Reviews @ 3:06
price it's cheaper than the 645 Z ▶ My Thoughts on the Pentax 645D and 645Z @ 3:03
prices above are a good deal ▶ Upcoming Medium Format Camera From Pentax! @ 3:08
known for its value and its price tag is considered to be quite reasonable especially given its capabilities ▶ Upcoming Medium Format Camera From Pentax! @ 2:47
cheapest way into digital medium format photography ▶ Shoot Medium Format Images On a Full Frame Camera @ 0:13
Pentax is known for is its commitment to its customers ▶ Pentax Releasing ANOTHER Medium Format Camera?! @ 3:06
known for its value and its price tag is considered to be quite reasonable ▶ Pentax Releasing ANOTHER Medium Format Camera?! @ 2:41
cheapest and the most affordable one among all the digital medium format ▶ Cheapest Medium Format You Can Get in 2019 - Pentax 645Z @ 1:16
prices above are a good deal ▶ Pentax Releasing ANOTHER Medium Format Camera?! @ 3:02
significantly cheaper than actually buying a separate medium format camera ▶ Shoot Medium Format Images On a Full Frame Camera @ 16:02
less than $10,000 range with a lens ▶ Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil B @ 1:56
affordable medium format for digital ▶ Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil B @ 4:04

Build Quality (16)

second tripod thread on the side of the camera for mounting vertically on a tripod or perhaps mounting other accessories ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 2:40
very solid quality build for the price point ▶ Pentax 645 in 2024 (My Honest Review) @ 1:00
weather sealed body ▶ Pentax 645Z Field Test @ 2:56
weatherproofed ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 4:57
One of the smallest lenses for any medium format system ▶ A Budget Lens Game Changer: Fuji GFX 50R + Pentax 645 75mm @ 6:45
magnesium alloy so it can pretty much take whatever you throw at it ▶ Pentax 645Z Field Test @ 3:01
possible to shoot in harsh weather conditions without worrying about damage to the camera. ▶ 5 Awesome Medium Format Cameras! @ 4:23
A stand-out quality of the 645Z is its camera body. ▶ 5 Awesome Medium Format Cameras! @ 3:48
weather seal design which allows users to take the camera outside even in harsh weather conditions ▶ Upcoming Medium Format Camera From Pentax! @ 2:41
the first weather sealed medium format camera to Market that supported taking the studio Outdoors ▶ Upcoming Medium Format Camera From Pentax! @ 3:01
a lot smaller than 645 film but not by much ▶ Shoot Medium Format Images On a Full Frame Camera @ 11:28
annoying tripod foot comes off ▶ Shoot Medium Format Images On a Full Frame Camera @ 18:37
the first weather-sealed medium format camera to Market that supported taking the studio Outdoors ▶ Pentax Releasing ANOTHER Medium Format Camera?! @ 2:55
Praises for its weather seal design which allows users to take the camera outside even in harsh weather conditions ▶ Pentax Releasing ANOTHER Medium Format Camera?! @ 2:35
weather sealed body ▶ Best Medium Format Camera 2021 on a Budget | Medium Format C @ 7:23
not much bigger than a 5D Mark III ▶ Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil B @ 4:47

Autofocus System (13)

27 Focus points up from 11 ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 0:59
autofocus capability ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 0:46
25 Cross type focusing points and three low light focusing points which should let it Focus down to -3 AV ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 1:09
pretty good autofocus system which is rare in these big medium format cameras ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 1:03
The essay fox2 autofocus module utilizes 27 autofocus points including 25 cross-type sensors and 3 AF sensors dedicated for low-light focusing ▶ 3 Best Medium Format Cameras Reviews @ 3:53
Moonlight focusing ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 1:19
Focus speaking ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 4:32
when you're shooting in live preview mode autofocus is actually just about as good ▶ First Impression Review: Pentax 645Z @ 2:36
very responsive autofocus ▶ First Impression Review: Pentax 645Z @ 2:15
The camera's autofocus is fast and accurate, making it easy to capture sharp images, even in challenging lighting conditions or when you're shooting a moving subject. ▶ 5 Awesome Medium Format Cameras! @ 4:08
known for its autofocus capabilities since its fast and accurate autofocus system can track moving subjects with ease ▶ Upcoming Medium Format Camera From Pentax! @ 4:00
an excellent camera for sports and Wildlife photography ▶ Pentax Releasing ANOTHER Medium Format Camera?! @ 4:03
known for its auto focus capabilities since its fast and accurate autofocus system can track moving subjects with ease ▶ Pentax Releasing ANOTHER Medium Format Camera?! @ 3:54

Performance (8)

the frames per second is up from 1.1 to now three ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 1:03
The increased frames per second 3 frames per second ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 9:15
huge Improvement in playback performance and overall speed ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 9:55
The new real-time scene analysis system features in 86,000 pixel RGB light metering sensor for enhanced accuracy of exposure white balance and auto focusing ▶ 3 Best Medium Format Cameras Reviews @ 4:05
the prime 3 image processor allows a maximum of 3 FPS continuous shooting ▶ 3 Best Medium Format Cameras Reviews @ 3:45
amazing camera ▶ Pentax 645z Medium Format | Joel Grimes - What's in Your Bag @ 1:28
excellent camera for sports and Wildlife photography ▶ Upcoming Medium Format Camera From Pentax! @ 4:07
gives me room to be creative and it's very quick ▶ Pentax 645 Medium Format Camera - First Impressions @ 6:13

Video Capabilities (6)

does have basic video settings ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 1:08
1080p video ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 4:25
full HD 1080 60 i30 P 24 P video capture is supported in the H point 264 format with a dedicated button for instant switch over from stills to video ▶ 3 Best Medium Format Cameras Reviews @ 4:16
mic Jack ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 4:37
The 645Z can also shoot high-quality video, making it a versatile tool for photographers who work in still and moving image mediums. ▶ 5 Awesome Medium Format Cameras! @ 4:42
shoots High HD video ▶ Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil B @ 2:25

Battery Life (5)

runs off easily accessible double a batteries ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 2:32
I remember doing two full photo sessions on one single battery and he still had enough battery left over ▶ 5 reasons why to get the Pentax 645Z in 2019 feat. Guam Mode @ 8:59
battery life this has an OVF, which is an optical viewfinder, it's not like the Fujifilm GFX series of cameras which have an EVF, electronic viewfinder, which sucks on one battery ▶ 5 reasons why to get the Pentax 645Z in 2019 feat. Guam Mode @ 8:32
shot over 100 photos with Misha and the battery life hasn't even gone down at all, it's still full bars and 100% ▶ 5 reasons why to get the Pentax 645Z in 2019 feat. Guam Mode @ 8:45
the rechargeable battery delivers 12 30 shots while powering the bright 3.2 inches 1.03 million tilting tftlcd ▶ Best Medium Format Camera 2021 on a Budget | Medium Format C @ 7:27

Connectivity (2)

connectivity Improvement such as the inclusion of HDMI output and USB 3 ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 1:15
USB 3 Connection ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 2:32

Cons (81)

Features (19)

the shutter speed maxes out at/ 14,000 of a second ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 7:30
dual SD cards ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 8:05
The Flash sink speed this will only let you sync it up to 1 125th of a second ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 7:40
there wasn't a space in there for compact flash cards ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 8:10
it's really basic into in terms of what it has ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 3:28
lack of interchangeable backs or modularity meaning You Can't Change film mid-roll ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 8:03
none of these lenses are anywhere near that fast, don't have that same light Gathering ability ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 10:25
manual focus ▶ Pentax Talk 645D 645Z 2020 should I buy? medium format camer @ 2:21
that's really where the end of the 645d benefits uh kind of lie ▶ My Thoughts on the Pentax 645D and 645Z @ 4:42
flash sync speed 125th of a second ▶ Pentax 645Z: The Five Year Review @ 4:08
Memory cards are not included when you purchase the camera. ▶ 5 Awesome Medium Format Cameras! @ 5:04
older 645 fa lenses may not be compatible with the new sensor ▶ Upcoming Medium Format Camera From Pentax! @ 2:11
manual focus only, no electric contacts on this adapter ▶ Shoot Medium Format Images On a Full Frame Camera @ 1:55
older 645fl lenses may not be compatible with the new sensor ▶ Pentax Releasing ANOTHER Medium Format Camera?! @ 2:07
there's no interchangeable back ▶ Pentax 645 Medium Format Camera - First Impressions @ 1:55
issues with the maximum shutter that you're able to use because of the size of the shutter, price of lenses, frames per second ▶ Shoot Medium Format Images On a Full Frame Camera @ 17:18
Pentax 645z does almost nothing but take really high quality pictures ▶ Shoot Medium Format Images On a Full Frame Camera @ 16:40
a lot of play, doesn't really fit that good ▶ Shoot Medium Format Images On a Full Frame Camera @ 4:38
lost the tripod foot ▶ Shoot Medium Format Images On a Full Frame Camera @ 18:43

Usability/Handling (12)

the viewfinder is only 98% ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 7:17
could be different for people with smaller stature or hands ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 2:16
not ideal for street photography ▶ Pentax 645 in 2024 (My Honest Review) @ 3:24
loud and somewhat obnoxious shutter sound ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 7:47
default focusing screen although it's nice and bright it lacks additional focusing AIDS in the screen itself ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 8:28
takes a toll on you especially if you're shooting all day ▶ Pentax 645 in 2024 (My Honest Review) @ 3:32
louder than just about any other DSLR ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 7:19
not a touchscreen ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 3:09
I'd love to to see them add a touchscreen to it ▶ Pentax 645Z Field Test @ 4:31
i'm not that familiar with the menu, it's not that clear ▶ Pentax 645 Medium Format Camera - First Impressions @ 2:57
there is something weird with the back, the orientation of how the back is ▶ Pentax 645 Medium Format Camera - First Impressions @ 5:06
LCD screen doesn't go down much ▶ Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil B @ 2:18

Build Quality (12)

bulky, heavy, kind of feels like a small brick ▶ Pentax 645 in 2024 (My Honest Review) @ 3:20
the 645d is rated at 50,000 clicks ▶ My Thoughts on the Pentax 645D and 645Z @ 6:11
large and heavy ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 1:45
Weight is good by medium format standards but nothing special ▶ A Budget Lens Game Changer: Fuji GFX 50R + Pentax 645 75mm @ 6:49
camera's kind of bulky ▶ Pentax Talk 645D 645Z 2020 should I buy? medium format camer @ 4:25
it's heavy ▶ First Impression Review: Pentax 645Z @ 0:32
heavy, big camera and lenses, not a traveler's camera ▶ Pentax 645Z: The Five Year Review @ 3:06
weight it's a relatively heavy camera which may not be ideal for photographers who need to carry their equipment with the team for long periods ▶ Upcoming Medium Format Camera From Pentax! @ 3:44
quite big ▶ Landscape Photography l Whats in my Camera Bag @ 1:40
quite heavy ▶ Landscape Photography l Whats in my Camera Bag @ 1:45
the 645z is getting on in years and the design is not a redeeming feature, especially compared to the gorgeous gfx 50s or hasselblad x1 d250c odd looks ▶ Best Medium Format Camera 2021 on a Budget | Medium Format C @ 7:05
its weight it's a relatively heavy camera which may not be ideal for photographers who need to carry their equipment with the team for long periods ▶ Pentax Releasing ANOTHER Medium Format Camera?! @ 3:39

Image Quality (11)

200,000 is you know maybe borderline unusable ▶ Pentax 645Z Field Test @ 4:12
the image really pretty much falls apart at uh 100,000 ▶ Pentax 645Z Field Test @ 3:44
Character is a step back from modern optics (though not as far back as some vintage lenses) ▶ A Budget Lens Game Changer: Fuji GFX 50R + Pentax 645 75mm @ 6:29
won't have have the same ability to blur the background ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 10:30
Some veiling flare with bright light sources just out of frame (easily corrected in post) ▶ A Budget Lens Game Changer: Fuji GFX 50R + Pentax 645 75mm @ 4:13
none of these are especially sharp ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 10:09
Doesn't resolve quite as much as the modern gfx lenses ▶ A Budget Lens Game Changer: Fuji GFX 50R + Pentax 645 75mm @ 4:38
Bokeh may be considered busy by some ▶ A Budget Lens Game Changer: Fuji GFX 50R + Pentax 645 75mm @ 3:36
Depth of field is shallower ▶ Pentax 645z Medium Format | Joel Grimes - What's in Your Bag @ 2:23
200mm f4: vignetting is extremely bad with or without the lens hood on ▶ Shoot Medium Format Images On a Full Frame Camera @ 6:06
645 format is more like the APS-C of medium format ▶ Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil B @ 4:32

Value for Money (10)

remember the lenses for the Hasselblad is really expensive ▶ 5 reasons why to get the Pentax 645Z in 2019 feat. Guam Mode @ 17:48
getting much higher these days whereas it used to be a bargain buy ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 8:19
the body alone brand new as of June 2019 at B&H photo video is about five thousand dollars ▶ 5 reasons why to get the Pentax 645Z in 2019 feat. Guam Mode @ 10:46
upgrade option for that but it's very hard to find very expensive ▶ Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera @ 8:37
it's expensive for uh non-muneiform app ▶ First Impression Review: Pentax 645Z @ 3:39
price of the lenses ▶ Pentax 645Z: The Five Year Review @ 3:16
Is it worth the money? ▶ Pentax 645z Medium Format | Joel Grimes - What's in Your Bag @ 1:32
Expensive ▶ Pentax 645z Medium Format | Joel Grimes - What's in Your Bag @ 3:05
adapter went up in price to 799 ▶ Shoot Medium Format Images On a Full Frame Camera @ 15:51
Pentax 645Z is $7,000 and lenses are $1,000 and up ▶ Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil B @ 6:19

Performance (8)

there is a delay and there were a few times even using really fast cards where there was a slight pause to try and see it back and the time when you're putting it into live view for it you know there's little pauses ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 10:07
wouldn't be bad either to put the servo motor into the lens itself instead of the body that seem to have made it a lot quieter and uh more consistent faster for Nikon and Canon ▶ Pentax 645Z Field Test @ 5:01
on the 645d it's going to take 12 seconds to save a full-size raw file and if you fill up the buffer it's about a minute to clear that buffer ▶ My Thoughts on the Pentax 645D and 645Z @ 5:34
not convenient for quick shots ▶ Pentax 645 in 2024 (My Honest Review) @ 3:35
lousy 3 frames per second with only a 10 image buffer ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 1:32
slow, freezes when shooting in continuous drive mode ▶ Pentax 645Z: The Five Year Review @ 2:20
not going to be a sports camera ▶ Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort @ 1:40
three frames per second ▶ Pentax 645Z: The Five Year Review @ 2:59

Video Capabilities (3)

the 645Z does have basic video options, I can't imagine anyone's going to be dropping 82 Grand on a fantastic Stills medium format camera for the video option ▶ Pentax 645z - detailed review @ 3:12
video on this I kind of don't care it wasn't very good compared to things like the Sony a7s which is a much cheaper camera or smaller and much higher quality this thing needs a proper codec it needs video as a focus to to really work but even then I saw a lot of wobble like jelloy footage just moving it back and forth so I don't know if the sensor even really should be doing video ▶ First Impression Review: Pentax 645Z @ 5:05
larger size of the sensor brings unforeseen issues such as rolling shutter if you're doing video ▶ Shoot Medium Format Images On a Full Frame Camera @ 17:12

Battery Life (3)

only get 16 shots and that can get kind of pricey ▶ Pentax 645 in 2024 (My Honest Review) @ 5:13
the lcd stays on even if the camera is actually off ▶ Pentax 645 Medium Format Camera - First Impressions @ 2:38
i have to constantly take out the battery ▶ Pentax 645 Medium Format Camera - First Impressions @ 2:25

Autofocus System (3)

a little Pokey to focus ▶ Pentax 645Z Field Test @ 2:38
all of the focus points are clustered in the center ▶ First Impression Review: Pentax 645Z @ 2:19
as the 645z is older, focusing performance isn't great. The pentax is best for studio or portrait settings where autofocus performance is nice but not essential ▶ Best Medium Format Camera 2021 on a Budget | Medium Format C @ 7:34

Review sources

Pentax 645z - detailed review by Matt Granger — 21 pros, 8 cons
Pentax 645N - My favourite Medium Format camera by Pushing Film — 23 pros, 6 cons
Pentax 645Z Preview: 51 Megapixel Medium Format Camera, sort of affordable! by Tony & Chelsea Northrup — 20 pros, 8 cons
Review of the Pentax 645Z for Fashion Photography with Bil Brown by Eric Kim — 22 pros, 3 cons
Pentax 645Z Field Test by National Camera Exchange — 15 pros, 5 cons
5 reasons why to get the Pentax 645Z in 2019 feat. Guam Model Meesha Wong by Guam Photography — 17 pros, 2 cons
First Impression Review: Pentax 645Z by Tyler Stalman — 15 pros, 4 cons
Pentax 645 Medium Format Camera - First Impressions by Shingie. — 13 pros, 5 cons
Shoot Medium Format Images On a Full Frame Camera by Lee Corey Photography — 10 pros, 8 cons
Pentax 645 in 2024 (My Honest Review) by Jojo Ortiz — 9 pros, 5 cons
A Budget Lens Game Changer: Fuji GFX 50R + Pentax 645 75mm f/2.8 by Heritage Focus — 9 pros, 5 cons
Pentax Releasing ANOTHER Medium Format Camera?! by Trendy Tech — 10 pros, 2 cons
Upcoming Medium Format Camera From Pentax! by Camera Zone — 9 pros, 2 cons
Pentax 645Z: The Five Year Review by 8:45a — 5 pros, 5 cons
5 Awesome Medium Format Cameras! by Gear Music Tech — 9 pros, 1 cons
Cheapest Medium Format You Can Get in 2019 - Pentax 645Z by Jayz - Lens Library — 10 pros, 0 cons
Pentax Talk 645D 645Z 2020 should I buy? medium format camera Ricoh by leehaze1 — 7 pros, 2 cons
3 Best Medium Format Cameras Reviews by Unbox Daily — 8 pros, 0 cons
Best Medium Format Camera 2021 on a Budget | Medium Format Camera for Beginners for photography by Tech Products Finder — 5 pros, 2 cons
Pentax 645z Medium Format | Joel Grimes - What's in Your Bag | Photofocus by Photofocus — 3 pros, 3 cons
My Thoughts on the Pentax 645D and 645Z by Colton Matocha — 2 pros, 3 cons
Landscape Photography l Whats in my Camera Bag by Ewan Dunsmuir Images - Landscape Photography — 3 pros, 2 cons

Frequently asked questions

Is the Pentax 645Z worth buying?

Based on 22 independent YouTube reviews, the Pentax 645Z scores 4/5 with 245 positive and 81 negative points mentioned by reviewers, placing it #20 in the DSLRs category.

What do reviewers like most about the Pentax 645Z?

The most praised aspects are image quality, usability/handling, features — Image Quality (82 mentions), Usability/Handling (51 mentions), Features (36 mentions).

What are the most common complaints about the Pentax 645Z?

Reviewers most frequently criticize features, usability/handling — Features (19 mentions), Usability/Handling (12 mentions).

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