Kodak AZ901 vs Pentax 645D

The Kodak PixPro AZ901 and the Pentax 645D are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in January 2016 and March 2010. The AZ901 is a fixed lens compact, while the 645D is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a 1/2.3-inch (AZ901) and a medium format (645D) sensor. The Kodak has a resolution of 20.2 megapixels, whereas the Pentax provides 39.5 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Kodak AZ901		Pentax 645D
Fixed lens compact camera		Digital single lens reflex
22-1980mm f/3.1-6.8		Pentax 645 mount lenses
20.2 MP, 1/2.3" Sensor		39.5 MP, Medium Format Sensor
1080/30p Video		no Video
ISO 100-3200		ISO 100-1600
Electronic viewfinder (202k dots)		Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD, 920k dots		3.0" LCD, 921k dots
Swivel screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
5 shutter flaps per second		1.1 shutter flaps per second
Not weather sealed		Weathersealed body
400 shots per battery charge		800 shots per battery charge
139 x 104 x 119 mm, 777 g		156 x 117 x 119 mm, 1480 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Kodak PixPro AZ901 and the Pentax 645D? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Kodak AZ901 and the Pentax 645D. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Pentax 645D is notably larger (26 percent) than the Kodak AZ901. It is noteworthy in this context that the 645D is splash and dust-proof, while the AZ901 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the AZ901 has a lens built in, whereas the 645D is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, just select a new right or left comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Kodak AZ901»	5.5 in	4.1 in	4.7 in	27.4 oz	400	n	Jan 2016	499			Kodak AZ901
	Pentax 645D«	6.1 in	4.6 in	4.7 in	52.2 oz	800	Y	Mar 2010	9,995	-		Pentax 645D
	Canon G9 X Mark II« »	3.9 in	2.3 in	1.2 in	7.3 oz	235	n	Jan 2017	529			Canon G9 X Mark II
	Canon G9 X« »	3.9 in	2.3 in	1.2 in	7.4 oz	220	n	Oct 2015	529	-		Canon G9 X
	Canon 1D X« »	6.2 in	6.6 in	3.3 in	54.7 oz	1120	Y	Oct 2011	6,799	-		Canon 1D X
	Canon 1D Mark IV« »	6.1 in	6.2 in	3.1 in	43.4 oz	1500	Y	Oct 2009	4,999	-		Canon 1D Mark IV
	Leica Q Typ 116« »	5.1 in	3.1 in	3.7 in	22.6 oz	300	n	Jun 2015	4,249	-		Leica Q Typ 116
	Leica S Typ 006« »	6.3 in	4.7 in	3.1 in	44.4 oz	..	Y	Sep 2012	21,950	-		Leica S Typ 006
	Nikon B700« »	4.9 in	3.3 in	4.2 in	19.9 oz	350	n	Feb 2016	499			Nikon B700
	Nikon P900« »	5.5 in	4.1 in	5.4 in	31.7 oz	360	n	Mar 2015	599	-		Nikon P900
	Nikon D3S« »	6.3 in	6.2 in	3.5 in	43.7 oz	4200	Y	Oct 2009	5,199	-		Nikon D3S
	Panasonic ZS70« »	4.4 in	2.6 in	1.6 in	11.4 oz	380	n	Apr 2017	449	-		Panasonic ZS70
	Panasonic FZ2500« »	5.4 in	4.0 in	5.3 in	32.3 oz	350	n	Sep 2016	1,199			Panasonic FZ2500
	Pentax 645Z« »	6.1 in	4.6 in	4.8 in	54.7 oz	650	Y	Apr 2014	8,499			Pentax 645Z
	Sony HX350« »	5.1 in	3.7 in	4.1 in	23.0 oz	300	n	Dec 2016	449			Sony HX350
	Sony HX90V« »	4.0 in	2.3 in	1.4 in	8.6 oz	360	n	Apr 2015	429			Sony HX90V
	Sony HX400V« »	5.1 in	3.7 in	4.1 in	23.3 oz	300	n	Feb 2014	499			Sony HX400V
Convert to Metric
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The AZ901 was launched at a lower price than the 645D, despite having a lens built in. Normally, street prices remain initially close to the MSRP, but after a couple of months, the first discounts appear. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Kodak AZ901 features a 1/2.3-inch sensor and the Pentax 645D a medium format sensor. The sensor area in the 645D is 5086 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 5.6 and 0.79. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3.

With 39.5MP, the 645D offers a higher resolution than the AZ901 (20.2MP), but the 645D nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 6.06μm versus 1.18μm for the AZ901) due to its larger sensor. However, the AZ901 is a much more recent model (by 5 years and 9 months) than the 645D, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the 645D has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Pentax 645D implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the 645D for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 36.3 x 27.2 inch or 92.3 x 69.1 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 29.1 x 21.8 inch or 73.8 x 55.3 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 24.2 x 18.1 inch or 61.5 x 46.1 cm. The corresponding values for the Kodak AZ901 are 25.9 x 19.4 inch or 65.8 x 49.4 cm for good quality, 20.7 x 15.6 inch or 52.7 x 39.5 cm for very good quality, and 17.3 x 13 inch or 43.9 x 32.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Kodak PixPro AZ901 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Pentax 645D are ISO 100 to ISO 1600 (no boost).

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The AZ901 indeed provides movie recording capabilities, while the 645D does not. The highest resolution format that the AZ901 can use is 1080/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the AZ901 has an electronic viewfinder (202k dots), while the 645D has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Kodak AZ901, the Pentax 645D, and comparable cameras.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The AZ901 has one, while the 645D does not. While the built-in flash of the AZ901 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

The Pentax 645D has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the AZ901 and the 645D write their files to SDXC cards. The 645D features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the AZ901 only has one slot.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Kodak PixPro AZ901 and Pentax 645D and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

It is notable that the AZ901 offers wifi support, while the 645D does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Pentax 645D (unlike the AZ901) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The AZ901 is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Kodak. In contrast, the 645D has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the 645D was succeeded by the Pentax 645Z. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Kodak and Pentax websites.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is the Kodak AZ901 better than the Pentax 645D or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

Reasons to prefer the Kodak PixPro AZ901:

• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Broader imaging potential: Can record not only still images but also 1080/30p movies.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5 vs 1.1 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Ready to shoot: Comes with a built-in lens, while the 645D requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (139x104mm vs 156x117mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter even though it comes with a built-in lens (unlike the 645D).
• Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
• Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
• More modern: Reflects 5 years and 9 months of technical progress since the 645D launch.

Arguments in favor of the Pentax 645D:

• More detail: Has more megapixels (39.5 vs 20.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 40%.
• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Better image quality: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for higher quality imaging.
• Richer colors: The pixel size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger pixels capture a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger pixels means good image quality even under poor lighting.
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• More flexible: Makes it possible to change lenses and thus to use specialty optics.
• Longer lasting: Gets more shots (800 versus 400) out of a single battery charge.
• Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
• Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in March 2010).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the 645D emerges as the winner of the match-up (17 : 14 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Kodak AZ901 and the Pentax 645D place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Superzoom Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the AZ901 or the 645D perform in practice. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, and photographyblog). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Kodak AZ901»	-	-	3.5/5	-	3/5	Jan 2016	499			Kodak AZ901
	Pentax 645D«	-	-	-	4.5/5	-	Mar 2010	9,995	-		Pentax 645D
	Canon G9 X Mark II« »	-	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	529			Canon G9 X Mark II
	Canon G9 X« »	+ +	-	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Oct 2015	529	-		Canon G9 X
	Canon 1D X« »	-	-	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Oct 2011	6,799	-		Canon 1D X
	Canon 1D Mark IV« »	-	89/100	-	5/5	-	Oct 2009	4,999	-		Canon 1D Mark IV
	Leica Q Typ 116« »	-	80/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Jun 2015	4,249	-		Leica Q Typ 116
	Leica S Typ 006« »	-	-	-	-	-	Sep 2012	21,950	-		Leica S Typ 006
	Nikon B700« »	+	-	4/5	-	4/5	Feb 2016	499			Nikon B700
	Nikon P900« »	-	77/100	4/5	4.5/5	4/5	Mar 2015	599	-		Nikon P900
	Nikon D3S« »	-	89/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Oct 2009	5,199	-		Nikon D3S
	Panasonic ZS70« »	+ +	-	4/5	-	4/5	Apr 2017	449	-		Panasonic ZS70
	Panasonic FZ2500« »	+	82/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Sep 2016	1,199			Panasonic FZ2500
	Pentax 645Z« »	-	-	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Apr 2014	8,499			Pentax 645Z
	Sony HX350« »	-	-	-	-	4/5	Dec 2016	449			Sony HX350
	Sony HX90V« »	+ +	-	4/5	-	4.5/5	Apr 2015	429			Sony HX90V
	Sony HX400V« »	+ +	-	4/5	-	4/5	Feb 2014	499			Sony HX400V
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (-) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

Specifications: Kodak AZ901 vs Pentax 645D

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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