Pentax 645D - Description
The 645D's large 44x33mm CCD image sensor is the key to realizing the high-quality, true-to-life images that inspire every photographer
Image size is a very important factor in advanced photography: the larger the image size, the more faithfully the ambience and sense of depth can be described, resulting in colour-rich, fine-detailed images. The 645D incorporates a large, high-performance CCD image sensor (approximately 1.7 times larger that that of 35mm-format models). Because of this, it provides superb image detail, unmatched by 35mm-format photography, and gives a boost to the creative aspirations of all photographers.
Distinctive imaging characteristics different from those of 35mm format
Rich gradation, natural depth-of-fiend description at open aperture, and crisp image definition at smaller apertures. The large image circle and broad sensor plane of the medium-format image sensor assures these benefits — factors essential for producing super-high-quality, true-to-life images unrivaled by 35mm-format counterparts. In addition, since a medium-format lens has a longer focal length than a 35mm lens with the same angle of view, it offers a better details of textures and makes the subject stand out more sharply against beautifully obscured background.
40 effective megapixels deliver exceptional resolving power to capture sharp images of minuscule subjects
Thanks to its approximately 40 effective megapixels, the 645D delivers super-high-resolution images equal in quality to those captured by the high-end digital camera backs used at professional photo studios. Its resolving power is far superior to that of 35mm-format digital SLR cameras or film-format 645 cameras.* Even when printed on large-format papers (measuring as large as 420mm by 297mm), you are assured of high-density, true-to-life artwork. When printed on the larger papers (measuring as large as 1,189mm by 841mm) used for photo exhibitions, the difference in resolution becomes even more evident. Sharply defined details make your images more fascinating and inspiring.
* Based on PENTAX assessment standards (as of February 2010).
Low-pass-filter-less design optimizes lens performance
While the low-pass filter (LPF) is effective in minimizing the adverse effects of false colours and moiré, it can cause a deterioration in image sharpness. Because the 645D was designed for the highest resolution in mind, it features a LPF-free CCD unit, which can optimize the resolving power of the lens and the image sensor without compromising the overall image resolution. Thanks to its super-high resolving power, the 645D delivers high-quality images so sharp and vivid that even every leaf of a tree in a scenic image stand out clearly and individually.
14-bit A/D converter and PRIME II imaging engine team up to assure super-fine-gradation images with faithful reproduction of light and colour
The 645D's high-performance 14-bit A/D converter converts the analogue signals output by the CCD image sensor to data-rich, multi-gradation digital signals (with a maximum of 16,384 gradations), which are then forwarded to the PRIME II imaging engine. Thanks to its high-speed data-processing capacity and new algorithm, this high-performance imaging engine instantly processes as much as 40 megapixels of data to produce super-high-quality images, which are truly satisfying even to the most demanding photographers. This sophisticated imaging engine can even compensate lens aberrations for the photographer.
Versatile 645AF2 lens mount accepts a rich lineup of interchangeable lenses
The 645D features the new PENTAX 645AF2 lens mount, designed to accept a vast selection of smc PENTAX 645-series interchangeable lenses — from wide angle to telephoto — all of which offer exceptional image descriptive power. With an FA 645-series lens mounted, the 645D retains autofocus operation. The new D FA 645 series is designed to minimize flare and ghost images, while retaining the superb descriptive power of conventional 645-series lenses, to produce sharp, bright images even at edges.
Note: When a conventional 645-series lens is mounted on the 645D camera body, its angle of view becomes approximately 1.3 times wider than when mounted on a 645 film-format camera body, while its focal length becomes approximately 0.8 times shorter in terms of the 35mm format.
Custom Image function broadens the scope of visual expression, with eight finishing touches
The 645D's Custom Image function features eight distinctive finishing touches, each of which automatically adjusts saturation, hue, key, contrast, sharpness (fine sharpness selectable) and other parameters to pre-programmed levels. All parameters can be adjusted manually to the desired levels for the visual effects you want to achieve.*
Reversal Film mode for a dramatic finishing touch
The 645D offers a new Reversal Film finishing touch, which automatically enhances contrast to create striking images. By combining this mode with the dodging function of the PENTAX Digital Camera Utility software (included), you can easily produce images closely resembling those made with reversal film, and print them using your home printer.
* Saturation and hue can be manually adjusted in all finishing touch modes, except for Monotone. Only contrast can be manually adjusted in the Reversal Film mode.
In-body RAW-data development assures effortless, computer-free image editing and printing
The 645D not only develops RAW-data files within its body, but it can also store them as new JPEG files. You can even adjust or switch various image-processing modes and functions, including white-balance control and Custom Image modes, during development. Thanks to this user-friendly feature, you can swiftly and effortlessly process recorded images into high-level artistic works, then play them back or print them as necessary, without requiring a computer.
Dynamic-range expansion (highlight/shadow compensation) produces fined-detailed, gradation-rich images
The 645D allows you to expand the dynamic range toward either the highlight (high-illumination) or shadow (low-illumination) side, helping you to efficiently minimize washed-out and pitch-black areas. Unlike the exposure compensation function, this function expands the reproducible gradation range itself. So, even when you expand the dynamic range toward the highlight side,** for instance, the image's shadow areas are unaffected. As a result, you can produce striking, lively artworks with a superb sense of texture.
** When the dynamic range is expanded for highlights, the lowest-available sensitivity is ISO 400 (or ISO 200 in combination with the sensitivity expansion function).
A choice of 10 white-balance modes accommodates different light sources and specific visual expressions
The 645D offers 10 pre-set modes for white-balance control: Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Fluorescent light (with four variations), Incandescent light, Flash, CTE, Manual (with a white-balance reading measured from the image) and Colour temperature (with direct input). The CTE mode*** is programmed to work in the exact opposite way to the Auto mode and emphasize a primary colour of a specific light source. This mode is effective in highlighting the sun's glow at dawn and dusk, or preventing the fading of light colours, such as pink tints of cherry blossoms.
*** The CTE is not programmed to compensate artificial light sources.
Dual-slot design for SD/SDHC memory cards enhances the efficiency and versatility of image data storage
The 645D offers a choice of RAW or JPEG data recording formats, or you can choose to simultaneously record the image in both formats. With one push of the RAW button, you can instantly switch the recording mode from one to the other. Since the 645D offers a pair of memory-card slots (SD1 and SD2) which can accept two SD and/or SDHC memory cards, you can even assign a different recording format or function to each slot using the direct button. For instant, one card can be used as the back-up of the other; recorded images can be assigned to different cards according to the recording format; or, using the Reserve mode, the second card can be programmed to automatically start accepting data when the first reaches its storage capacity.
Note: For safe storage of image data, SD/SDHC memory cards of Class 6 or later are recommend for use with the 645D.
Distortion and lateral chromatic aberration compensation functions assure high-quality images without distortions and colour shifts
The 645D's lens characteristic compensation functions**** effectively compensate for the barrel- and spool-type distortions common to wide-angle and zoom lenses, as well as for the lateral chromatic aberration that causes slight colour shifts along the subject's outline. By effectively compensating optical characteristics for specific lenses on the camera side, the 645D makes images appear sharper and crisper.
**** These functions are available only with D FA 645- and FA 645-series lenses.
High-precision, 11-point autofocus system features a new SAFOX IX+ focus sensor
The 645D incorporates an advanced SAFOX IX+ focus sensor featuring more advanced optics and a new light-source detection function. Its sophisticated autofocus system has 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle) to assure extra-accurate focusing on the subject. The number of sensor points can be changed to three or five, while the AF frame mode can be selected from auto, select and centre.
Intelligent metering system offers a choice of 77-segment multi-pattern, centre-weighted and spot metering modes
The 645D's advanced metering system offers three different metering modes to accommodate varying lighting conditions and individual preferences. The multi-pattern metering mode divides the image field into 77 segments to assure high-precision auto-exposure operation by minimizing the adverse effects of strong light sources and excessive reflectance.
Flexible multi-mode exposure system features nine different shooting modes
The 645D inherits the PENTAX-invented Hyper Program and Hyper Manual modes, which are extremely popular among experienced photographers. To assure flexible, creative photo shooting, it also provides nine different shooting modes to work with. In addition, you can even select a program line from six options prior to your shooting session.
Digital level functions as a visual guideline for accurate alignment of the horizon and skyline
The 645D comes equipped with a digital level, which detects and displays the vertical and horizontal inclination of the camera. This function comes in handy when faced with landscapes with no definite base line and nightscapes with an obscured base line. You can also switch the exposure bar-graph in the viewfinder to function as a digital level indicator, so that you can check the inclinations of both the camera and the image at a glance, without taking your eye away from the viewfinder eyepiece.
Low-shock, low-noise mirror mechanism guarantees smooth, quiet operation unmatched by other medium-format cameras
The 645D's mirror works extremely quietly, because its swing-up motion is regulated by a braking mechanism, while its swing-down motion is controlled by a motor. As a result, camera shake during mirror swing-up and viewfinder image shake during swing-down are effectively minimized. Coupled with the low-noise charge mechanism in the new shutter unit, the 645D assures quiet, disturbance-free shooting at all times.
Auto sensitivity control from ISO 200 to ISO 1000 expands the creative possibilities of medium-format photography
IThe 645D offers both automatic and manual sensitivity control, allowing you to select the desired ISO sensitivity from ISO 200 to ISO 1000 (or ISO 100 to ISO 1600 in combination with the sensitivity expansion function). In the Auto mode, you can avoid accidentally shooting images at unintentional sensitivities by limiting the range of auto sensitivity control in advance. You can even choose whether to raise the sensitivity positively or passively. All these options are provided to better accommodate many different subjects and particular shooting styles.
Advanced finder optics contribute to the downsizing of the camera body and extra-clear viewfinder image
A newly designed, trapezoid-shaped glass prism is the key to the 645D's compact dimensions. By coupling this prism with a Keplerian telescope-type eyepiece unit, the 645D offers both a bright, clear viewfinder with an approximately 98% field of view, and a highly portable, downsized camera body. It also features the DF-80 Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen to assure outstanding viewing comfort and facilitate focusing operations.
Status screen and control panel provide time-efficient, fingertip control of shooting settings
When you push the DISP button, the 645D instantly displays the status screen on the LCD monitor, for at-a-glance confirmation of a wide range of photo-shooting settings. One push of the INFO button then switches the monitor display to the control panel, where various modes and functions can be changed with smooth, pushbutton operation. This time-efficient control system lets you get prepared for shooting swiftly and effortlessly.
3.0 inch wide-view monitor with approximately 921, dots.
Provided with brightness/colour control functions, and protected with an AR-coated, tempered-glass plate to minimize reflections and prevent scratches.
Magnesium-alloy casing assures outstanding durability, reduced weight and superb resistance against shock
The 645D's casing is made of lightweight, high-strength magnesium alloy, which also possesses outstanding shock-resistant, heat-radiation and magnetic-shielding characteristics. In fact, it forms a highly reliable, extra-solid armour for internal mechanisms. As a result, the 645D endures many years of strenuous field use and meets the trust and expectations of demanding photographers.
Aluminum-diecast chassis is the key to outstanding kinetic accuracy and thermal stability
The chassis that constitutes a flange back and an optical pass of the finder/autofocus optics must be extremely solid and built with high precision. That's why the 645D employs high-strength aluminium die cast for its chassis, in order to assure a high level of kinetic accuracy and thermal stability. The CCD unit is fixed on the chassis, with a heat-radiation sheet sandwiched in between. The rear section of the chassis functions as a heat sink to release the heat radiated by the CCD unit and to minimize the noise generated by dark current.
Highly airtight construction prevents the intrusion of dust and water
In keeping with PENTAX's pursuit of a highly reliable photographic system for outdoor settings, both the 645D and new D FA 645 lenses feature dustproof, weather-resistant designs. The camera body is also cold-resistant, assuring solid performance at temperatures as low as -10°C. Since the 645D performs superbly and dependably even in the harsh shooting conditions of cold latitudes, you can capture once-in-a-lifetime shutter opportunities without failure.
DR II mechanism with Dust Alert system removes unwanted dust with great efficiency using supersonic vibrations
To prevent annoying dust spots from ruining potentially great images, the 645D features the dependable DR (Dust Removal) II mechanism. By shifting UV/IR-cut filters placed in front of the CCD image sensor at supersonic speed using a piezoelectric element, this mechanism effectively and efficiently shakes dust off the image sensor. The camera even features the innovative Dust Alert system, which detects dust particles clinging to the image sensor and indicates their positions on the LCD monitor. Thanks to these user-friendly tools, you can spot and remove dust much easier and more completely than ever before.
Bundled with PENTAX D-FA 645 55mm F2.8 AL [IF] SDM AW lens
- Equivalent to 43.5mm in the 35 format
- Dustproof, weatherproof
- Aero Bright coating
- First PENTAX completely rounded diaphragm
- SDM focus mechanism
- Weight: 416g