Pentax 645Z Review - The Pentax 645Z is the most affordable medium-format camera on the market, and with a 51.4MP sensor and lack of an anti-alias filter it should be capable of resolving some stunning detail.

Massive resolution; Relatively affordability of medium-format sensor; Ready availability of affordable second-hand 645 lenses

AF isn't as fast as you might like; No escaping the fact it's a heavy camera

I don't know how the previous reviewer can take 5 marks off for the lack of tethering. Either he has the camera and should have researched better or is reviewing something he hasn't owned.

Ergonomics; Dynamic Range; Sharpness; Amazing ISO

Fairly weighty

Make no mistake about it, the Pentax 645Z ($8,499.95) from Ricoh Imaging is a serious medium format camera that can go toe-to-toe with vastly more expensive models in terms of image quality.

Captures images at 51-megapixel resolution; Excellent high ISO performance; Speedy response; 2.9fps continuous shooting; 27-point autofocus system; Articulating rear display; Weather-sealed design; Solid control layout; Dual tripod mounts; Optional Wi-Fi via FluCard memory card.

System lacks modern leaf-shutter lenses; Autofocus can struggle with fast moving subjects; Focus points grouped tightly in center of frame; Integrated design lacks versatility of a modular back; So-so video quality; Tethered shooting software not included

The Pentax 645Z is not only the most affordable 51.4 megapixel medium format digital camera available, it's also the world's first medium format camera to offer full HD video recording, and uses a new 51.4 megapixel CMOS sensor from Sony.

USB3 port; Excellent image quality; 51.4 megapixel CMOS sensor; Wide ISO range; 3fps continuous shooting - fast for medium format; Supports AdobeDNG raw file format; Weather sealed body; Good handling

Size; larger format results in the need for a much larger body and lenses than a full-frame DSLR; Default JPEG output has high levels of saturation and contrast

It's safe to say that most people consider medium-format photography confined to high-end professionals or studio photographers with an income and range of supporting kit suited to get the most out of the cameras.

Massive resolution; Relatively affordability of medium-format sensor; Ready availability of affordable second-hand 645 lenses

AF isn't as fast as you might like; No escaping the fact it's a heavy camera

Make no mistake about it, the Pentax 645Z ($8,499.95) from Ricoh Imaging is a serious medium format camera that can go toe-to-toe with vastly more expensive models in terms of image quality. It uses the same image sensor as the Phase One IQ250 and Editors' Choice Mamiya Leaf Credo 50 , but while both of those products are modular backs that can be used with medium format and large format technical cameras alike, the 645Z offers a more refined shooting experience that comes with an integrated sensor and body design.The Pentax does has some shortcomings as a studio camera, notably the lack of modern leaf-shutter lenses with which to pair it, but its image quality is just as good as the competing models that cost more than $25,000, and its autofocus system far surpasses that of the 645DF+ body that the Mamiya and Phase One offerings are most often paired. When you factor in its price, it's an easy pick as our Editors' Choice for medium format systems. If your workflow does require a...

The Pentax 645Z offers the incredible resolution and large sensor of a medium format system at a price that's a third that of the competition. It's an easy pick for our medium format Editors' Choice camera.

Captures images at 51-megapixel resolution; Excellent high ISO performance; Speedy response; 2.9fps continuous shooting; 27-point autofocus system; Articulating rear display; Weather-sealed design; Solid control layout; Dual tripod mounts; Optional Wi-Fi via FluCard memory card; 1080p video and 4K time-lapse; Competitive price point

System lacks modern leaf-shutter lenses; Autofocus can struggle with fast moving subjects; Focus points grouped tightly in center of frame; Integrated design lacks versatility of a modular back; So-so video quality; Tethered shooting software not included

The most advanced and most exciting Pentax DSLR to date has finally arrived. In this review, we will be taking a close look at the Pentax 645Z, a competitively-priced 51-megapixel flagship Pentax designed for professional photographers and craving enthusiasts.

Usually the preserve of the professional studio photographer, Pentax has been trying to tempt enthusiast photographers with a medium-format digital camera since the launch of the Pentax 645D in March 2010.

51.4-million-pixel CMOS sensor with no AA filter; Excellent value; used manual-focus 645 lenses available; Cheaper than the medium-format competition

Weighs 1,470g; AF could be a little faster

As a medium format camera the Pentax 645Z has a sensor that's considerably bigger than the sensors in full frame cameras such as the Nikon D810 and Canon 5D Mark III . In fact, as it measures 43.8x32.8mm, it's around 1.68x their size.

Until very recently, you had to shell out tens of thousands of dollars to get a new digital medium-format camera, and in some cases you'd spend that much on the camera back alone.