Leica X1 vs Pentax 645Z
The Leica X1 and the Pentax 645Z are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in September 2009 and April 2014. The X1 is a fixed lens compact, while the 645Z is a DSLR. The cameras are based on an APS-C (X1) and a medium format (645Z) sensor. The Leica has a resolution of 12.2 megapixels, whereas the Pentax provides 51.1 MP.
Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Leica X1 and the Pentax 645Z? 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 physical size and weight of the Leica X1 and the Pentax 645Z are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
The X1 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the 645Z is only available in black.
If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Pentax 645Z is considerably larger (145 percent) than the Leica X1. It is noteworthy in this context that the 645Z is splash and dust-proof, while the X1 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.
The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the X1 has a lens built in, whereas the 645Z is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup.
Concerning battery life, the X1 gets 260 shots out of its Leica BP-DC8 battery, while the 645Z can take 650 images on a single charge of its Pentax D-LI90 power pack.
The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the two cameras alongside a broader set of comparators. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.
# | Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Leica X1 | 124 mm | 60 mm | 32 mm | 306 g | 260 | n | Sep 2009 | 1,995 | ebay.com | |
2. | Pentax 645Z | 156 mm | 117 mm | 123 mm | 1550 g | 650 | Y | Apr 2014 | 8,499 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon 5DS | 152 mm | 116 mm | 76 mm | 930 g | 700 | Y | Feb 2015 | 3,699 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon 5DS R | 152 mm | 116 mm | 76 mm | 930 g | 700 | Y | Feb 2015 | 3,699 | ebay.com | |
5. | Canon G16 | 109 mm | 76 mm | 40 mm | 356 g | 360 | n | Aug 2013 | 549 | ebay.com | |
6. | Fujifilm X20 | 117 mm | 70 mm | 57 mm | 353 g | 270 | n | Jan 2013 | 599 | ebay.com | |
7. | Hasselblad X1D | 150 mm | 98 mm | 71 mm | 725 g | .. | Y | Jun 2016 | 8,995 | ebay.com | |
8. | Leica SL | 147 mm | 104 mm | 39 mm | 847 g | 400 | Y | Oct 2015 | 7,450 | ebay.com | |
9. | Leica D-LUX Typ 109 | 118 mm | 66 mm | 55 mm | 405 g | 300 | n | Sep 2014 | 1,195 | ebay.com | |
10. | Leica X Typ 113 | 133 mm | 73 mm | 78 mm | 486 g | 350 | n | Sep 2014 | 2,295 | ebay.com | |
11. | Leica D-LUX 6 | 111 mm | 68 mm | 46 mm | 298 g | 330 | n | Sep 2012 | 699 | ebay.com | |
12. | Leica X2 | 124 mm | 69 mm | 52 mm | 345 g | 450 | n | May 2012 | 1,995 | ebay.com | |
13. | Leica D-LUX 5 | 110 mm | 65 mm | 43 mm | 271 g | 400 | n | Sep 2010 | 699 | ebay.com | |
14. | Leica V-LUX 2 | 124 mm | 80 mm | 95 mm | 520 g | 410 | n | Sep 2010 | 849 | ebay.com | |
15. | Panasonic LX7 | 111 mm | 68 mm | 46 mm | 298 g | 330 | n | Jul 2012 | 499 | ebay.com | |
16. | Panasonic LX5 | 110 mm | 65 mm | 43 mm | 271 g | 400 | n | Jul 2010 | 499 | ebay.com | |
17. | Pentax 645D | 156 mm | 117 mm | 119 mm | 1480 g | 800 | Y | Mar 2010 | 9,995 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The X1 was launched at a lower price than the 645Z, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. 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.
Sensor comparison
The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant 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. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.
Of the two cameras under consideration, the Leica X1 features an APS-C sensor and the Pentax 645Z a medium format sensor. The sensor area in the 645Z is 288 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.5 and 0.79. The sensor in the X1 has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the 645Z offers a 4:3 aspect.
With 51.1MP, the 645Z offers a higher resolution than the X1 (12.2MP), but the 645Z has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.30μm versus 5.51μm for the X1). Yet, the 645Z is a much more recent model (by 4 years and 7 months) than the X1, 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 645Z has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.
The resolution advantage of the Pentax 645Z implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the 645Z for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.3 x 31 inches or 104.9 x 78.6 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33 x 24.8 inches or 83.9 x 62.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.5 x 20.6 inches or 69.9 x 52.4 cm. The corresponding values for the Leica X1 are 21.4 x 14.3 inches or 54.3 x 36.3 cm for good quality, 17.1 x 11.4 inches or 43.4 x 29 cm for very good quality, and 14.2 x 9.5 inches or 36.2 x 24.2 cm for excellent quality prints.
The Leica X1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Pentax 645Z are ISO 100 to ISO 204800 (no boost).
Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.
Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.
# | Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Leica X1 | APS-C | 12.2 | 4272 | 2856 | none | 22.6 | 11.8 | 1037 | 69 | |
2. | Pentax 645Z | Medium Format | 51.1 | 8256 | 6192 | 1080/60i | 26.0 | 14.7 | 4505 | 101 | |
3. | Canon 5DS | Full Frame | 50.3 | 8688 | 5792 | 1080/30p | 24.7 | 12.4 | 2381 | 87 | |
4. | Canon 5DS R | Full Frame | 50.3 | 8688 | 5792 | 1080/30p | 24.6 | 12.4 | 2308 | 86 | |
5. | Canon G16 | 1/1.7 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 21.0 | 11.7 | 230 | 54 | |
6. | Fujifilm X20 | 2/3 | 12.0 | 4000 | 3000 | 1080/60p | 20.1 | 10.9 | -462 | 46 | |
7. | Hasselblad X1D | Medium Format | 51.3 | 8272 | 6200 | 1080/25p | 26.2 | 14.8 | 4489 | 102 | |
8. | Leica SL | Full Frame | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 4K/30p | 25.0 | 13.4 | 1821 | 88 | |
9. | Leica D-LUX Typ 109 | Four Thirds | 12.7 | 4112 | 3088 | 4K/30p | 22.4 | 12.1 | 607 | 67 | |
10. | Leica X Typ 113 | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | 1080/30p | 23.6 | 12.8 | 1491 | 78 | |
11. | Leica D-LUX 6 | 1/1.7 | 10.0 | 3648 | 2736 | 1080/60p | 19.8 | 10.8 | -303 | 43 | |
12. | Leica X2 | APS-C | 16.1 | 4928 | 3264 | none | 23.2 | 12.4 | 1275 | 74 | |
13. | Leica D-LUX 5 | 1/1.7 | 10.0 | 3648 | 2736 | 720/60p | 19.5 | 10.4 | -583 | 39 | |
14. | Leica V-LUX 2 | 1/2.3 | 14.0 | 4320 | 3240 | 1080/60i | 19.4 | 10.7 | 321 | 39 | |
15. | Panasonic LX7 | 1/1.7 | 10.0 | 3648 | 2736 | 1080/60p | 20.7 | 11.7 | 147 | 50 | |
16. | Panasonic LX5 | 1/1.7 | 10.0 | 3648 | 2736 | 720/60p | 19.6 | 10.8 | 132 | 41 | |
17. | Pentax 645D | Medium Format | 39.5 | 7264 | 5440 | none | 24.6 | 12.6 | 1262 | 82 | |
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age. |
Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The 645Z indeed provides for movie recording, while the X1 does not. The highest resolution format that the 645Z can use is 1080/60i.
Feature comparison
Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the 645Z has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the X1 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Leica X1 and Pentax 645Z along with similar information for a selection of comparators.
# | Camera Model |
Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots) |
Control Panel (yes/no) |
LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots) |
LCD Attach- ment |
Touch Screen (yes/no) |
Max Shutter Speed * |
Max Shutter Flaps * |
Built-in Flash (yes/no) |
Built-in Image Stab |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Leica X1 | none | n | 2.7 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
2. | Pentax 645Z | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1037 | tilting | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | n | n | |
3. | Canon 5DS | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
4. | Canon 5DS R | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
5. | Canon G16 | optical | n | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.2/s | Y | Y | |
6. | Fujifilm X20 | optical | n | 2.8 / 460 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 12.0/s | Y | Y | |
7. | Hasselblad X1D | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | Y | 1/2000s | 2.3/s | n | n | |
8. | Leica SL | 4400 | Y | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
9. | Leica D-LUX Typ 109 | 2764 | n | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 11.0/s | n | Y | |
10. | Leica X Typ 113 | optional | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
11. | Leica D-LUX 6 | optional | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 11.0/s | Y | Y | |
12. | Leica X2 | optional | n | 2.7 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/2000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
13. | Leica D-LUX 5 | optional | n | 3.0 / 460 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.5/s | Y | Y | |
14. | Leica V-LUX 2 | 202 | n | 3.0 / 460 | swivel | n | 1/2000s | 11.0/s | Y | Y | |
15. | Panasonic LX7 | optional | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 11.0/s | Y | Y | |
16. | Panasonic LX5 | optional | n | 3.0 / 460 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 2.5/s | Y | Y | |
17. | Pentax 645D | optical | Y | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 1.1/s | n | n | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The X1 has one, while the 645Z does not. While the built-in flash of the X1 is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.
The Pentax 645Z 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.
The X1 writes its imaging data to SDHC cards, while the 645Z uses SDXC cards. The 645Z features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the X1 only has one slot. The 645Z supports UHS-I cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s), while the X1 cannot take advantage of Ultra High Speed SD cards.
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 Leica X1 and Pentax 645Z and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
# | Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Leica X1 | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
2. | Pentax 645Z | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
3. | Canon 5DS | Y | mono / mono | Y | - | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
4. | Canon 5DS R | Y | mono / mono | Y | - | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
5. | Canon G16 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | Y | - | - | |
6. | Fujifilm X20 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
7. | Hasselblad X1D | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | Y | - | - | |
8. | Leica SL | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | full | 3.0 | Y | - | - | |
9. | Leica D-LUX Typ 109 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | micro | 2.0 | Y | Y | - | |
10. | Leica X Typ 113 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
11. | Leica D-LUX 6 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
12. | Leica X2 | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
13. | Leica D-LUX 5 | Y | mono / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
14. | Leica V-LUX 2 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
15. | Panasonic LX7 | Y | stereo / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
16. | Panasonic LX5 | Y | mono / mono | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
17. | Pentax 645D | Y | stereo / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - |
Studio photographers will appreciate that the Pentax 645Z (unlike the X1) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.
Both the X1 and the 645Z have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The X1 was replaced by the Leica X2, while the 645Z does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the X1 and 645Z can be found, respectively, in the Leica X1 Manual (free pdf) or the online Pentax 645Z Manual.
Review summary
So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Leica X1 and the Pentax 645Z? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.
Arguments in favor of the Leica X1:
- Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
- Ready to shoot: Comes with a built-in lens, while the 645Z requires a separate lens.
- More compact: Is smaller (124x60mm 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 645Z).
- Easier fill-in: Is equipped with a small onboard flash to brighten deep shadow areas.
- More prestigious: Has the Leica luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
- More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
- More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in September 2009).
Advantages of the Pentax 645Z:
- More detail: Has more megapixels (51.1 vs 12.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 101%.
- Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
- Better image quality: Is equipped with a larger and more technologically advanced sensor.
- Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
- More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
- Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
- Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 1080/60i video.
- Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
- Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
- Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 2.7") for image review and settings control.
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1037k vs 230k dots).
- More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
- 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 (650 versus 260) out of a single battery charge.
- Better sealing: Is splash and dust sealed for shooting in inclement weather conditions.
- Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
- 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.
- Faster buffer clearing: Has an SD card interface that supports the UHS-I standard.
- More modern: Reflects 4 years and 7 months of technical progress since the X1 launch.
If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the 645Z is the clear winner of the contest (22 : 8 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro 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 Leica X1 and the Pentax 645Z place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Prime Lens Compact Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.
In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it remains incomplete and does no justice, for example, to the way the X1 or the 645Z 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 following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). 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.
# | Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Leica X1 | 3/5 | .. | .. | + | .. | 4/5 | Sep 2009 | 1,995 | ebay.com | |
2. | Pentax 645Z | 5/5 | .. | 3.5/5 | .. | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Apr 2014 | 8,499 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon 5DS | .. | + | .. | 83/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2015 | 3,699 | ebay.com | |
4. | Canon 5DS R | 5/5 | + | .. | 83/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2015 | 3,699 | ebay.com | |
5. | Canon G16 | 4/5 | + | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2013 | 549 | ebay.com | |
6. | Fujifilm X20 | 4/5 | + + | .. | 77/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Jan 2013 | 599 | ebay.com | |
7. | Hasselblad X1D | .. | o | .. | 81/100 | .. | 4/5 | Jun 2016 | 8,995 | ebay.com | |
8. | Leica SL | 4/5 | .. | 4/5 | 84/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Oct 2015 | 7,450 | ebay.com | |
9. | Leica D-LUX Typ 109 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2014 | 1,195 | ebay.com | |
10. | Leica X Typ 113 | 3.5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 3.5/5 | 4/5 | Sep 2014 | 2,295 | ebay.com | |
11. | Leica D-LUX 6 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4/5 | 4/5 | Sep 2012 | 699 | ebay.com | |
12. | Leica X2 | 3/5 | .. | .. | .. | 3/5 | 4/5 | May 2012 | 1,995 | ebay.com | |
13. | Leica D-LUX 5 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Sep 2010 | 699 | ebay.com | |
14. | Leica V-LUX 2 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Sep 2010 | 849 | ebay.com | |
15. | Panasonic LX7 | 3/5 | + + | .. | 75/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2012 | 499 | ebay.com | |
16. | Panasonic LX5 | 4/5 | + | .. | 73/100 | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2010 | 499 | ebay.com | |
17. | Pentax 645D | 5/5 | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Mar 2010 | 9,995 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.
Other camera comparisons
Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.
- Canon 1D Mark II N vs Leica X1
- Canon M100 vs Pentax 645Z
- Epson R-D1 vs Pentax 645Z
- Fujifilm X-E1 vs Pentax 645Z
- Fujifilm XQ1 vs Leica X1
- Leica M Typ 240 vs Leica X1
- Leica X1 vs Olympus E-450
- Leica X1 vs Olympus E-520
- Leica X1 vs Panasonic GX1
- Panasonic S1R vs Pentax 645Z
- Pentax 645Z vs Ricoh WG-6
- Pentax 645Z vs Sony RX100 V
Specifications: Leica X1 vs Pentax 645Z
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.
Camera Model | Leica X1 | Pentax 645Z |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Fixed lens compact camera | Digital single lens reflex |
Camera Lens | 36mm f/2.8 | Pentax 645 mount lenses |
Launch Date | September 2009 | April 2014 |
Launch Price | USD 1,995 | USD 8,499 |
Sensor Specs | Leica X1 | Pentax 645Z |
Sensor Technology | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Format | APS-C Sensor | Medium Format Sensor |
Sensor Size | 23.7 x 15.6 mm | 43.8 x 32.8 mm |
Sensor Area | 369.72 mm2 | 1436.64 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 28.4 mm | 54.7 mm |
Crop Factor | 1.5x | 0.79x |
Sensor Resolution | 12.2 Megapixels | 51.1 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 4272 x 2856 pixels | 8256 x 6192 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 5.51 μm | 5.30 μm |
Pixel Density | 3.30 MP/cm2 | 3.56 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | no AA filter |
Movie Capability | no Video | 1080/60i Video |
ISO Setting | 100 - 3,200 ISO | 100 - 204,800 ISO |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | .. | 101 |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | .. | 26.0 |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | .. | 14.7 |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | .. | 4505 |
Screen Specs | Leica X1 | Pentax 645Z |
Viewfinder Type | no viewfinder | Optical viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 98% | |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.78x | |
Top-Level Screen | no Top Display | Control Panel |
LCD Framing | Live View | |
Rear LCD Size | 2.7inch | 3.2inch |
LCD Resolution | 230k dots | 1037k dots |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | Tilting screen |
Shooting Specs | Leica X1 | Pentax 645Z |
Focus System | Contrast-detect AF | Phase-detect AF |
Manual Focusing Aid | no Peaking Feature | Focus Peaking |
Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) | 1/2000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous Shooting | 3 shutter flaps/s | 3 shutter flaps/s |
Time-Lapse Photography | no Intervalometer | Intervalometer built-in |
Fill Flash | Built-in Flash | no On-Board Flash |
Storage Medium | SDHC cards | SDXC cards |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | Dual card slots |
UHS card support | no | UHS-I |
Connectivity Specs | Leica X1 | Pentax 645Z |
External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
Studio Flash | no PC Sync | PC Sync socket |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | USB 3.0 |
HDMI Port | mini HDMI | mini HDMI |
Microphone Port | no MIC socket | External MIC port |
Wifi Support | no Wifi | no Wifi |
Body Specs | Leica X1 | Pentax 645Z |
Environmental Sealing | not weather sealed | Weathersealed body |
Battery Type | Leica BP-DC8 | Pentax D-LI90 |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 260 shots per charge | 650 shots per charge |
Body Dimensions |
124 x 60 x 32 mm (4.9 x 2.4 x 1.3 in) |
156 x 117 x 123 mm (6.1 x 4.6 x 4.8 in) |
Camera Weight | 306 g (10.8 oz) | 1550 g (54.7 oz) |
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