"The news about the new 645Z did pop up on the DPReview web site, and avidly read. It was then a matter of patience and obviously time till Henry's Exposure show, where there was a strong chance to get up close and personal with the new kid on the block.

On balance then, the Pentax 645Z simply can't be defined by its price tag alone because this pales into insignificance in the light of everything this camera offers for that money. By that test, nothing else on the market – in any sensor format – comes close.

As a dedicated photographer for many years, I have used many different cameras: Nikon F-3, Canon 5Ds, Mamiya RZ67, Hasselblad, Sony A7r and others. But the one camera I truly wanted most was a digital medium format. In stepped Pentax with a now affordable answer.

Although the Pentax 645Z medium format DSLR has been out for a few years, I only had a chance to try it out earlier this year, during my trip to Death Valley. I have been wanting to try the 645Z for quite some time, since I heard so many good things about it.

Medium format digital cameras used to be essentially film cameras fitted with digital camera backs that contained an image sensor.In this way, professional photographers could keep using expensive gear that can cost as much as $50,000, and not have to buy a whole new system with an integrated camera...

Let's face it, there aren't many of us out there who can afford to blow ￡7,699 on a camera and lens, but believe it or not, the 51.4MP Pentax 645Z is an absolute steal at this price.

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

Among several other enhancements, this successor to the 645D is the first in the category to capture video as well as 51-megapixel stills.

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