Ricoh Imaging: Launch of the PENTAX 645Z

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

The PENTAX 645Z was developed based on the PENTAX 645D, which was launched in 2010. While retaining the time-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 sense of depth. It has much-improved basic specifications, such as: 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 under all types of shooting conditions. The result is the top level of operability and maneuverability required in demanding professional work. It even features full HD movie recording capability and smartphone accessibility via Wi-Fi transmission to add new possibilities and enhance flexibility in 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-size 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.
Since the 645Z effectively minimizes annoying noise during high-sensitivity shooting, the photographer can 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 the RAW format (or up to 30 images in the JPEG:L・★★★) 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 the SDR104 bus speed mode; with a compatible SD memory card), and USB3.0-standard data interface for easy transfer of recorded images to a personal computer. Thanks to its high-speed response rivaling 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 optimize focusing accuracy when using a large-aperture lens. Its wide AF working range of -3EV to +18EV (at ISO 100; at 23oC) to assure pinpoint focus with dimly illuminated subjects, which are difficult to focus accurately with the naked eye. Thanks to the new CMOS image sensor with high-speed data readout, it even 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 the 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 optimize visibility during outdoor shooting, it also combines a unique air-gapless construction that eliminates the air space between the LCD layers to reduce the reflection and dispersion of the light, with an AR (Anti-Reflection) coating to minimize reflections on the 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 even 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 diecast aluminum to optimize kinematic accuracy and thermal stability against excessive heat. The LCD panels — one on the camera’s top panel, another on its 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. It’s not only weather-resistant and dustproof with 76 seals applied around the body, but it’s 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 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 assures much-improved exposure-control accuracy, but also utilizes 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 more consistent with the photographer’s creative intentions, but it also makes a clearer distinction between the subject and the background to assure more accurate control of a 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 assure compact dimensions. Its optical viewfinder provides an approximately 98% field of view to facilitate image composition, while the time-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 Android™ 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 is assured of beautiful, spotless images, even when the lenses are changed in dust-prone outdoor settings.

11. Advanced, professional-grade features

  • ・When the camera is positioned upside down such as in copying work and bird’s-eye-view photography, you can select “Auto Image Rotation mode” that 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 select grid color from black and white.
  • ・Lock button disables the camera’s control buttons and dial to prevent the accidental shift of settings.

12. Other features

  • ・ Dual SD card slots for memory card flexibility (compatible with SDXC, SDXC UHS-1 speed class in SDR104 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; 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 HDMI™ (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)

PENTAX 645Z Specifications

Model Description

TypeTTL autofocus, auto-exposure medium format digital SLR camera
Lens MountPENTAX 645AF2 mount with AF coupler, lens information contacts, and power contacts
Usable LensPENTAX 645AF2, 645AF and 645A mount lenses

Image capture unit

Image SensorType: CMOS with a primary color filter, Size: 43.8 x 32.8 (mm)
Effective PixelsApprox. 51.4 megapixels
Total PixelsApprox. 52.99 megapixels
Dust RemovalImage sensor cleaning using ultrasonic vibrations “DR II” with the Dust Alert function
Sensitivity
(Standard output)
ISO AUTO/100 to 204800 (EV steps can be set to 1EV, 1/2EV, or 1/3EV)
Image StabilizerLens-shift type (By using SR system lens)

File formats

Recording FormatsRAW (PEF/DNG), JPEG (Exif 2.30), DCF2.0 compliant
Recorded PixelsJPEG: L (51M: 8256 x 6192), M (36M: 6912 x 5184), S (21M: 5376 x 4032), XS (3M: 1920 x 1440)
RAW: L (51M: 8256 x 6192)
TIFF: L (51M: 8256 x 6192)
Quality LevelRAW (14 bit): PEF, DNG
JPEG: ★★★ (Best), ★★ (Better), ★ (Good), RAW + JPEG simultaneous recording available
Color SpacesRGB, AdobeRGB
Storage MediaSD, SDHC*, SDXC* memory card, Eye-Fi card, FLUCARD *UHS-I compatible
Dual Card SlotSequential save, Save to Both Dual save, Separate RAW/JPG, Copying images between slots possible
Storage FolderFolder Name: Date (100_1018, 101_1019…) or user-assigned (default: PENTX)
Storage FileFile Name: user-assigned (default: IMGP****)
File No.: Sequential Numbering, Reset

Viewfinder

TypeKeplerian telescopic trapezoid prism finder
Coverage (FOV)Approx. 98%
MagnificationApprox. 0.62 x (55mmF2.8 at infinity), Approx. 0.85 x (75mmF2.8 at infinity)
Eye-Relief LengthApprox. 21mm (from the view window), Approx 24.1mm (from the center of lens)
Diopter adjustmentApprox. -3.5m to + 2.0m-1
Focusing ScreenInterchangeable Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen

Live view

TypeTTL method using CMOS image sensor
Focus MethodContrast detection AF (Face Detection, Tracking, Multiple AF Points, Select, Spot)
Focus Peaking: ON/OFF
DisplayField of view: approx. 100 %, Magnified view (2x, 4x, 8x, 12x, 16x), Grid Display (Grid Style: 4×4 Grid, Golden Section, Scale, Square 1, Square 2, Grid Color: translucent black, translucent white), Histogram, Highlight Alert, Rotate Display 180°

LCD monitor

TypeTiltable TFT color LCD monitor featuring an air-gapless structure with an AR-coated, tempered-glass front panel
Size3.2 inch
DotsApprox. 1037K dots
AdjustmentBrightness, Saturation and Color adjustable

White Balance

TypeCombination system of CMOS image and light source detection sensors
White BalanceAuto, Multi Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent Light (D: Daylight Color, N: Daylight White, W: Cool White, L: Warm White), Tungsten Light, Flash, CTE, Manual (up to 3 settings can be saved), Color Temperature (up to 3 settings can be saved), Copying the white balance settings of a captured image possible
Fine AdjustmentAdjustable ±7 steps on A-B axis or G-M axis

Autofocus System

TypeTTL: phase-matching autofocus
Focus SensorSAFOX 11, 27 AF points (25 cross-type focus points in the center)
Brightness RangeEV-3 to 18 (ISO 100 / at normal temperature)
AF modeSingle AF (AF.S), Continuous AF (AF.C), Focus operation customizable
Focusing Area Selection ModesSpot, Select, Expanded Area AF (S, M, L), Zone Select, Auto (27 AF Points)

Exposure Control

TypeTTL open aperture metering using 86K pixel RGB sensor
Metering Modes: Multi-segment metering, Center-weighted metering, Spot metering
Metering RangeEV -1 to 21 (ISO100 at 55mmF2.8)
Exposure ModeProgram, Sensitivity Priority, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Shutter & Aperture Priority, Manual, Bulb, Flash X-sync Speed, USER1, USER2, USER3
EV Compensation±5 EV (1/3 EV steps or 1/2 EV steps can be selected)
AE LockButton type (timer-control: two times the meter operating time set in Custom Setting), Continuous as long as the shutter release button is halfway pressed
Exposure Bracketing2, 3 or 5 frames, Available with Continuous, Self-timer or Remote Control

Shutter

TypeElectronically controlled vertical-run focal plane shutter
Shutter SpeedAuto: 1/4000 to 30 sec., Manual: 1/4000 to 30 sec. (1/3 EV steps or 1/2 EV steps), Bulb

Drive modes

Mode SelectionStills: Single Frame, Continuous (H, L), Self-timer (12 sec., 2sec.), Remote Control (immediately, 3 sec., continuous), Multi-exposure (available with Continuous, Self-timer or Remote Control), Interval Shooting, Interval Composite
Movie: Remote Control, Interval Movie Record
Mirror Lock-up ShootingAvailable with Continuous, Self-timer, Remote Control or Multi-exposure
Continuous ShootingMax. approx. 3 fps, JPEG ( L: ★★★ at Continuous H): up to approx. 30 frames, RAW: up to approx. 10 frames, TIFF: up to approx. 12
Max. approx. 1 fps, JPEG ( L: ★★★ at Continuous L): up to approx. 300 frames, RAW: up to approx. 25 frames, TIFF: up to approx. 15
*When the sensitivity is set to ISO100.
Multi-ExposureComposite Mode: Additive, Average, Bright
Number of Shots: 2 to 2000 images
Interval ShootingStills:
Interval: 2 sec. to 24 hr. Number of Shots: 2 to 2000 images Start Interval: Now, Set Time
Movie:
Recorded Pixels: 4K, Full HD, HD Interval: 2 sec. to 1 hr. Recording Time: 14 sec. to 99 hr. Start Interval: Now, Set Time

Flash

Flash ModesFlash On, Flash On+Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, Slow-speed Sync+Red-eye, P-TTL, Trailing Curtain Sync, contrast-control-sync, high-speed sync, wireless sync (available with a dedicated external flash)
Sync Speed1/125 sec.
Flash Exposure
Compensation
-2.0 to + 1.0 EV

Capture Setting

Custom ImageBright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Radiant, Muted, Bleach Bypass, Reversal Film, Monochrome, Cross Processing
Cross ProcessingRandom, Preset 1-3, Favorite 1-3
Noise ReductionSlow Shutter Speed NR, High-ISO NR
Dynamic Range
Settings
Highlight Correction, Shadow Correction
Lens CorrectionDistortion Correction, Lateral Chromatic Aberration Correction, Peripheral Illumination Correction, Diffraction Correction
HDR CaptureAuto, Type1, Type2, Type3, Exposure Bracket Value adjustable, Auto Align (automatic composition correction function) available
Electronic LevelDisplayed in viewfinder and LCD panel (horizontal direction only); displayed on LCD monitor (horizontal direction and vertical direction)

Movie

File FormatMPEG-4 AVC/H.264(MOV)
*Motion JPEG(AVI) for Interval Movie Record
Recorded PixelsFull HD(1920×1080, 60i/50i/30p/25p/24p)、
HD (1280×720, 60p/50p/30p/25p/24p)
SoundBuilt-in stereo microphones, external microphone (stereo recording compatible), Recording Sound Level adjustable
Recording TimeUp to 25 minutes; automatically stops recording if the internal temperature of the camera becomes high.
Custom ImagesBright, Natural, Portrait, Landscape, Vibrant, Radiant, Muted, Bleach Bypass, Reversal Film, Monochrome, Cross Processing
Cross ProcessingRandum, Preset 1-3, Favorite 1-3.
HDR Capture

*Available only for Interval Movie Record

Auto, Type1, Type2, Type3, Exposure Bracket Value adjustable

Playback Functions

Playback ViewSingle image display, Multi-image display (6, 12, 20, 35, 80 thumbnails), Image magnification (up to 16x, 1x display and quick zoom available), Grid Display (Grid Style: 4×4 Grid, Golden Section, Scale, Square 1, Square 2, Grid Color: translucent black, translucent white), Rotated image display, Histogram (Y histogram, RGB histogram), Highlight Alert, Auto Image Rotation, Detailed Information Display, Copyright Information (Photographer, Copyright Holder), Folder Display, Calendar Filmstrip Display, Slideshow, GPS information (latitude, longitude, altitude, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC))
DeleteSingle image, all images, select & delete, folder, Instant Review image
Digital FilterBase Parameter Adj, Extract Color, Toy Camera, Retro, High Contrast, Shading, Invert Color, Unicolor Bold, Bold Monochrome, Tone Expansion, Sketch, Water Color, Pastel, Posterization, Miniature, Soft, Starburst, Fish-eye, Slim
RAW DevelopmentDevelopment options: Select single image, Select multiple images, Select a folder
Development parameters: File Format (JPEG/TIFF), Aspect Ratio, JPEG Recorded Pixels, JPEG Quality, Color Space, Distortion Correction, Lateral Chromatic Aberration Correction, Peripheral Illumination Correction, Diffraction Correction, Color Fringe Correction, White Balance, Custom Image, Digital Filter, HDR, Sensitivity, High-ISO NR, Shadow Correction
Editing FeaturesColor Moiré Correction, Resize, Cropping (aspect ratio can be changed and tilt adjustment is available),
Movie Edit (dividing a movie file and deleting unwanted segments), Capturing a JPEG still picture from a movie, Saving RAW Data, Image Copy, Eye-Fi Image Transfer

Customization

USER ModesUp to 3 settings can be saved
Custom Functions29 items
Mode Memory11 items
Button Customization/
E-dial Programming
RAW/Fx Button: One Push File Format, Optical Preview, Digital Preview
AF Button: Enable AF1, Enable AF2, Cancel AF
Preview Dial: Optical Preview, Digital Preview
Illumination Button: LCD Panel Illumination, Modeling Flash, Test Flash
E-dials (front/rear): customizable to each exposure mode
Enable/Disable ControlsType1: e-dials (front/rear), EV Compensation button, ISO button, AE Lock button, Green button, Exposure Bracketing button, AF area button
Type2: e-dials (front/rear), EV Compensation button, ISO button, AE Lock button, Green button, Exposure Bracketing button, AF area button, four-way controller, AF point change button, OK button, AF button, RAW/Fx button
Text SizeStandard, Large
World TimeWorld Time settings for 75 cities (28 time zones)
LanguageEnglish, French, Germany, Spanish, Portuguese, Italian, Dutch, Danish, Swedish, Finnish, Polish, Czech, Hungarian, Turkish, Greek, Russian, Korean, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Japanese
AF fine Adjustment±10 step, adjustment for all lenses or individual lenses (up to 20 can be saved)
Copyright InformationNames of “Photographer” and “Copyright Holder” are embedded to the image file.
Revision history can be checked using the provided software.

Power supply

Battery TypeRechargeable Lithium-ion Battery D-LI90
AC AdapterAC Adapter Kit K-AC132 (Optional)
Battery LifeNumber of recordable images: Approx. 650 images
Playback time: Approx. 400 minutes
*Tested in compliance with CIPA standard using a fully-charged lithium-ion battery under the temperature of 23°C. Actual results may vary depending on the shooting conditions.

Interfaces

Connection PortUSB 3.0 (micro B), external power supply terminal, cable switch terminal, X-sync socket, HDMI output terminal (Type D) , stereo microphone input terminal
USB ConnectionMSC/PTP

Dimensions and Weight

DimensionsApprox. 156mm (W) x 117mm (H) x 123mm (D) (excluding protrusions)
WeightApprox. 1550g (including dedicated battery and an SD memory card)
Approx. 1470g (body only)

Accessories

Package ContentsStrap O-ST150, Large eyecup 645 O-EC107, Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery D-LI90, Battery Charger D-BC90, AC plug cord, Software (CD-ROM) S-SW150
<Installed on the camera> Standard eyecup 645, Hot shoe cover FK, Sync socket 2p cap, Body mount cap 645, Triangular ring and protective cover
SoftwareDigital Camera Utility 5

Optional Accessories

GPS UnitO-GPS1: GPS information (Latitude, Longitude, Altitude, Time (UTC), Direction, Electronic Compass)
FlucardFLUCARD FOR PENTAX 16GB O-FC1: remote capture, image browsing

Still

RAWTIFFJPEG
Recorded
Pixels
51M51M51ML: 51MM: 36MS: 21MXS: 3M
8256×61928256×61928256×61928256×61926912×51845376×40321920×1440
Quality LevelPEFDNG★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★
4GB3535241032364671473356632435511077180137716704
8GB7171482114809523006821349495112121933665767513645
16GB143143984249671915604137227159962256441273761544327455
32GB28828819785219403842121327535446199845268851147963097955074
64GB57457439316983861760524115492107463986898717654290776179098865

Movie

Recorded
Pixels
Full HD
1920×1080
HD
1280×720
60i50i30p25p24p60p50p30p25p24p
4GB00:15′51″00:18′50″00:15′51″00:18′50″00:19′35″00:15′51″00:18′51″00:26′50″00:31′42″00:32′53″
8GB00:32′15″00:38′21″00:32′15″00:38′21″00:39′51″00:32′15″00:38′21″00:54′36″01:04′31″01:06′57″
16GB01:04′54″01:17′10″01:04′54″01:17′10″01:20′12″01:04′54″01:17′10″01:49′51″02:09′48″02:14′42″
32GB02:10′11″02:34′48″02:10′11″02:34′48″02:40′53″02:10′12″02:34′48″03:40′22″04:20′23″04:30′13″
64GB04:19′41″05:08′46″04:19′41″05:08′46″05:20′54″04:19′41″05:08′46″07:19′31″08:39′21″08:58′57″

The maximum file size is 4GB for movie.
The maximum length is 25 minutes for movie.

System Requirements for PENTAX 645Z

<Windows>

OSWindows 8.1 (32 bit/64 bit) / Windows 8 (32 bit/64 bit) / Windows 7 (32 bit/64 bit) / Windows Vista (32 bit/64 bit)
CPUIntel Core 2 Quad or higher
RAM4GB or more
Free Disk SpaceProgram installation and start-up: 100 MB or more of available space
Image file saving: Approximately 25 MB per file (JPEG) / approximately 70MB (RAW)
Monitor1280 x 1024 dots, 24 bit full-color or more

<Macintosh>

OSMac OS X 10.9 /10.8 / 10.7 / 10.6
CPUIntel Core 2 Quad or later
RAM4GB or more
Free Disk SpaceProgram installation and start-up: 100 MB or more of available space
Image file saving: Approximately 25 MB per file (JPEG) or approximately 70MB (RAW)
Monitor1280 x 1024 pixels, 24 bit full-color or more

*Not possible to use Universal logo due to no support for 10.5 and Power PC

♦ 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.