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Pentax 645Z
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    Super-high-resolution images made possible by approximately 51.4 effective megapixels
    The PENTAX 645Z features a high-performance CMOS image sensor, with an imaging area (43.8mm x 32.8mm) approximately 1.7 times larger than that of a 35mm full-frame sensor. By combining this sensor with the PRIME III imaging engine — with its advanced image-processing and noise-reduction capabilities and anti-aliasing filter-less design — the 645Z makes full use of the imaging power and approximately 51.4 effective megapixels to deliver super-high resolution and exceptional depth rendition.

    The 645Z minimises annoying image noise during high-sensitivity shooting, allowing the photographer to comfortably take pictures even at super-high sensitivities up to ISO 204800. This provides the photographer with totally new creative options beyond the scope of existing medium-format photography.

    High-speed response to accommodate professional demands.
    The 645Z continuously records as many as 10 images in RAW format (or up to 30 images in JPEG L mode) at a maximum speed of approximately three images per second. It also offers quick-view function, UHS-1 speed class compatibility for high-speed data storage (in SDR104 bus speed mode; with a compatible SD memory card), and USB3.0-standard data interface for easy transfer of recorded images to a computer. Thanks to its high-speed response rivalling that of 35mm-format SLRs, the 645Z assures active, flawless shooting in a wide range of applications demanded by professionals.

    High-precision AF system
    The 645Z incorporates a newly designed SAFOX 11 phase-matching AF module with 27 sensor points (including 25 cross-type sensors). It also detects the light flux of an F2.8 lens to optimise focusing accuracy when using a large-aperture lens. Its wide AF working range of –3EV to +18EV (at ISO 100; at 23oC) assures pinpoint focus with dimly lit subjects, which are difficult to focus accurately with the naked eye. Thanks to the new CMOS image sensor with high-speed data readout, it also provides a live-view function. This allows the photographer to make more minute focus adjustments using the contrast-detection AF mode on the live-view screen, or by magnifying the on-screen image.

    Tiltable, 3.2-inch LCD monitor with approximately 1,037,000 dots In addition to its wide-view design, the 645Z’s 3.2-inch high-resolution LCD monitor with approximately 1,037,000 dots (in 3:2 aspect ratio) has a tilt mechanism to adjust the monitor angle, making it easier for the photographer to capture low and high-angle images. Its front panel is made of tempered glass for extra protection. To optimise visibility during outdoor shooting, it also combines a unique air-gapless construction which eliminates the air space between the LCD layers to reduce the reflection and dispersion of the light, with an AR (Anti-Reflection) coating to minimise reflections on screen.

    Full HD movie recording at 1920 x 1080 pixels and 60i frame rate The 645Z captures beautiful Full HD video clips (1920 x 1080 pixels; 60i/30P frame rate) in the H.264 recording format. Its large image sensor is effective in recording shallow-depth videos with an effectively blurred background. In addition to the built-in stereo microphone, it also provides a stereo mic terminal for external microphone connection and an audio level control function. It also provides interval video recording of 4K-resolution images (3840 x 2160 pixels; in Motion JPEG or AVI video format) to add a new dimension in creative imaging.

    Solid, dependable body
    Both the 645Z’s exterior housing and the LCD monitor frame installed on the back are made of sturdy yet lightweight magnesium alloy, while the chassis is made of die-cast aluminium to optimise kinematic accuracy and thermal stability against excessive heat. The LCD panels — one on the top of the camera, and another on the back — are covered with tempered-glass plates for extra protection against scratches. The camera is also designed to be extremely durable and dependable even in harsh outdoor conditions. The body is not only weather-resistant and dustproof, with 76 seals applied around it, but it is also cold-resistant against temperatures as low as –10°C, while its dependable shutter unit has withstood a punishing operation test of more than 100,000 shutter releases.

    High-precision exposure control supported by PENTAX Real-Time Scene Analysis System
    The 645Z also features the innovative PENTAX Real-Time Scene Analysis System, which consists of an RGB light-metering sensor with approximately 86,000 pixels and a fine-tuned algorithm. This system not only ensures much-improved exposure-control accuracy, but also utilises the data obtained by the light-metering sensor to further enhance autofocusing accuracy and white-balance adjustment. By accurately assessing the type of scene or subject using the light-metering sensor, the 645Z not only selects the exposure settings that are most consistent with the photographer’s creative intentions, but also makes a clearer distinction between the subject and the background to ensure more accurate control of the discharge level in flash photography.

    PR

    RICOH IMAGING UK, LTD. is pleased to announce the launch of the PENTAX 645Z medium-format digital SLR camera. This new model features a newly designed, large CMOS image sensor with approximately 51.4 effective megapixels to deliver super-high-resolution images, all while ensuring outstanding operability and exceptional reliability to satisfy the demands of professional photographers.

    The development of the PENTAX 645Z was based on the PENTAX 645D, which was launched in 2010. While retaining the proven weather-resistant, dustproof construction, it incorporates a newly developed image sensor and imaging engine to enhance image quality and reliability. It also boasts approximately 51.4 effective megapixels to produce super-high-resolution images with ‘true-to-life’ quality. It offers much-improved standard specifications, including; burst shooting at approximately three images per second; a tiltable, high-resolution LCD monitor; a state-of-the-art AF system with a live-view function; a high-precision exposure control system; and a more durable, dependable shutter unit. It also provides much faster response to the photographer’s commands in all types of shooting conditions. The result is the top level of operability and manoeuvrability required in professional work. It also features full HD movie recording capability and smartphone accessibility via Wi-Fi transmission, for more flexibility and enhanced opportunities for more creative photography.

    http://www.us.ricoh-imaging.com/645z/

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  • 15 Replies sorted by
  • It would be interesting to see a video sample from 645z.

    Supported Video modes: 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p,24p) in MPEG-4 and H.264.

  • Video on a medium format camera is quite a news, but why not. But 4k would have been better for such a camera

  • LOL, supported video modes. It doesn't do line skipping, it does chasm skipping.

  • Case anybody wants to submerge in model's "imperfections":

    http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/products/645z/ex/

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  • It is tragic that Pentax is so far behind in the video department. Let's hope they can get it together.

  • @Vitaliy_Kiselev jut to watch that "little" TL I'll have to upgrade my eyes and most probably brain processor too.

    If I was a landscapist fine art stablished selling dude or into studio photography, product, (not fashion 1/125!!!) or anything demanding either high detail, not high speed syncs, high densitity output (though seems today most do the fractal) or strong crops I'll seriously look into this as a more affordable still competitive option over Hassy, Leaf and Phase. Of course if your studio is lined with gold, you probably have other things in mind :P

  • Timalapse looks nice.. Stills don't blow me away at 1:1, but do look amazing downscaled.

    On a side note, but may be of interest for those who covet more resolution: for me, I'm happy to stitch together images to make really high rez ones: Here's a downscale of a 34449 x 6661 pixel image, shot with E-PM2 (350-400 usd) + 180mm f2.8 sonnar (c/y Zeiss) + speedbooster. 30 images (3 x 10) stitched together, pretty quickly (not a detail work this at was more of a test)

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  • here's a 1:1 crop. (Nice airport)

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  • Super stills IQ from the 645Z, no question.

  • New firmware v1.30

    [Enhanced features]

    • Outdoor monitor function
      The PENTAX 645Z provides outdoor monitor function that you can adjust quickly to the brightness of the monitor that match the environment such as under fine weather, it makes brighter contrast stand out or darker in nightscape shooting.
    • Red-lighted LCD monitor display function
      The PENTAX 645Z provides a red-lighted LCD monitor display function, which prevents the pupils of the photographer’s eyes from closing down after they have become accustomed to a dark environment during astrophotography.

    http://www.ricoh-imaging.co.jp/english/support/digital/645z_s.html

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    DxOMark has just published the results of its in-depth analysis of the Pentax 645Z medium-format camera. With an overall DxOMark sensor score of 101 points, the Pentax 645Z has the second-highest-scoring sensor we’ve ever tested, beaten only by the 51.4Mp Sony sensor in the Hasselblad X1D-50c. The 645Z achieves extremely good sub-scores, indicating that it can capture a huge range of colors and tones in a single file.

    I>t’s clear from our testing that the Pentax 645Z’s sensor is extremely capable, coming within a whisper of matching the performance of the Hasselblad X1D sensor. Its high dynamic range and color sensitivity make the 645Z ideally suited for capturing the types of scenes that are traditionally favored by medium-format photographers — landscapes, weddings, portraits, and other photographic genres that require capturing images with lots of detail, low noise, and smooth tonal gradations.

    In addition, the Pentax 645Z controls noise well, making it suitable for use in relatively low light, and perhaps expanding the range of conditions in which medium-format cameras are traditionally used.

    https://www.dxomark.com/pentax-645z-sensor-review/

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