The Pentax 645Z is a new medium-format dSLR camera with a 51.4-megapixel CMOS sensor, live view, dual SD card slots, 3fps continuous shooting and Full HD movie recording capabilities. The sensor has an imaging area of 43.8mm x 32.8mm, which is approximately 1.7 times larger than that of a 35mm full-frame imager.The Pentax 645Z boasts a maximum sensitivity setting of ISO 204,800; a 10-frame raw buffer, a newly designed SAFOX 11 phase-matching AF module with 27 sensor points (including 25 cross-type sensors), a tiltable 3.2-inch LCD monitor with a resolution of approximately 1,037,000 dots and a large, bright viewfinder with 98% frame coverage. The camera shoots Full HD video clips (60i/30p) and allows interval video recording of 4K-resolution images (in Motion JPEG or AVI video format). By installing the optional Flucard for Pentax 16GB O-FC1 memory card in the 645Z, the user can release the 645Z’s shutter, check the live-view image, and browse and download the images recorded on the card using a smartphone. The Pentax 645Z will be available in May, priced at £6,799.99 / $8,499.95 (or £7,699.99 with a 55mm lens).

Ricoh Press Release

PENTAX 645Z

A medium-format digital SLR camera featuring a new CMOS image sensor, approximately 51.4 effective megapixels and live-view shooting,for the highest level of creativity and visual expression

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 manoeuverability 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.

Main Features

1. 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.

2. 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 Lmode) 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Large, bright optical viewfinder

The 645Z features a trapezoid-shaped glass prism, in place of a conventional pentaprism, to guarantee compact dimensions. Its optical viewfinder provides approximately 98% field of view to facilitate image composition, while the proven Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen offers a sharp, clear viewfinder image for easier focusing and reduced eye fatigue, even during extended shooting sessions.

9. Smartphone-support functions*

By installing the optional FLUCARD FOR PENTAX 16GB O-FC1 memory card in the 645Z, the user can release the 645Z’s shutter, check the live-view image, and browse and download the images recorded on the card using a smartphone.

* This software supports smartphones operating on iOS6® or later and AndroidTM 4.2 or later.

10. DR II to eliminate dust from the image sensor

The 645Z comes equipped with the highly effective DR (Dust Removal) II mechanism to eliminate annoying dust spots on recorded images. By shifting the UV/IR-cut filter placed in front of the image sensor at supersonic speed using a piezoelectric element, this mechanism effectively and efficiently shakes dust off the image sensor. The 645Z also provides the Dust Alert system, which helps the user detect any dust particles clinging to the image sensor prior to shooting. Thanks to these user-friendly features, the photographer can be confident of capturing spotless images, even when lenses are changed in dust-prone environments.

11. Advanced, professional-grade features

・When the camera is positioned upside down, in copying work and bird’s-eye-view photography, you can select “Auto Image Rotation mode” which allows you to automatically rotate the image 180 degrees on the camera’s LCD monitor, or on a computer screen for easier viewing based on the selected position data.

・The fine square grid on live-view helps you confirm the subject’s position in the image field during live-view shooting. You can also select the grid colour when shooting in black and white.

・The lock button disables the camera’s control buttons and dial to prevent any accidental shift of settings.

12. Other features

・ Dual SD card slots for memory card flexibility (compatible with SDXC, SDXC UHS-1 speed class inSDR104 bus speed mode)

・ Flexible white balance control, with a newly added Multi-Pattern Auto mode

・ HDR (High Dynamic Range) shooting mode, with RAW-format data filing

・ PENTAX-invented hyper control system for quick, accurate response to the photographer’s creative intentions

・ Attachment of copyright credits on recorded images; and detection of image tampering using the accompanying software

・ Automatic compensation of lens distortion, lateral chromatic aberration, brightness level at edges, and diffraction

・ Compatibility with Eye-Fi wireless LAN memory cards

・ Compatibility with USB3.0-standard interface accessories, with HDMITM (type D) terminal

・ Digital Camera Utility 5 software included, to provide enhanced image-processing performance and speed using its newly designed engine

・ Compatibility with IMAGE Transmitter 2 software, for easy transfer of recorded images to PC (optional; available soon)

♦ iOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries and is used under license.

♦ Android is a trademark of Google Inc.

♦ HDMI is a trademark or registered trademark of HDMI Licensing LLC.

♦ Eye-Fi is a trademark or registered trademark of Eye-Fi Inc.

♦ FluCard is a trademark or registered trademark of Trek Group of Companies in Singapore and/or other countries.

♦ All other brands or product names mentioned herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

♦ Designs and specifications are subjects to change without notice.

RRP:

645Z camera only - £6,799.99

645Z camera + 55mm lens - £7,699.99

Availability:  End May 2014

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