Nikon D4 vs Pentax 645Z
The Nikon D4 and the Pentax 645Z are two professional cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in January 2012 and April 2014. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are based on a full frame (D4) and a medium format (645Z) sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 16.2 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 Nikon D4 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 Nikon D4 and the Pentax 645Z are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. 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 645Z is notably smaller (27 percent) than the Nikon D4. However, the 645Z is markedly heavier (16 percent) than the D4. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.
The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.
Concerning battery life, the D4 gets 2600 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL18 battery, while the 645Z can take 650 images on a single charge of its Pentax D-LI90 power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the D4 has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power.
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, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.
# | Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D4 | 160 mm | 157 mm | 91 mm | 1340 g | 2600 | Y | Jan 2012 | 5,999 | 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 1D X | 158 mm | 168 mm | 83 mm | 1551 g | 1120 | Y | Oct 2011 | 6,799 | ebay.com | |
6. | Hasselblad X1D | 150 mm | 98 mm | 71 mm | 725 g | .. | Y | Jun 2016 | 8,995 | ebay.com | |
7. | Leica SL | 147 mm | 104 mm | 39 mm | 847 g | 400 | Y | Oct 2015 | 7,450 | ebay.com | |
8. | Nikon D5 | 160 mm | 159 mm | 92 mm | 1415 g | 3780 | Y | Jan 2016 | 6,499 | ebay.com | |
9. | Nikon D4S | 160 mm | 157 mm | 91 mm | 1350 g | 3020 | Y | Feb 2014 | 6,499 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon Df | 144 mm | 110 mm | 67 mm | 760 g | 1400 | Y | Nov 2013 | 2,749 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon D600 | 141 mm | 113 mm | 82 mm | 850 g | 900 | Y | Sep 2012 | 2,099 | ebay.com | |
12. | Nikon D800 | 146 mm | 123 mm | 82 mm | 1000 g | 900 | Y | Feb 2012 | 2,999 | ebay.com | |
13. | Nikon D800E | 146 mm | 123 mm | 82 mm | 1000 g | 900 | Y | Feb 2012 | 3,299 | ebay.com | |
14. | Nikon D3S | 160 mm | 157 mm | 88 mm | 1240 g | 4200 | Y | Oct 2009 | 5,199 | ebay.com | |
15. | Nikon D3X | 160 mm | 157 mm | 88 mm | 1260 g | 4400 | Y | Dec 2008 | 7,999 | ebay.com | |
16. | Nikon D3 | 160 mm | 157 mm | 88 mm | 1300 g | 4300 | Y | Aug 2007 | 4,999 | 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 obviously take relative prices into account. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The D4 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 29 percent) than the 645Z, which puts it into a different market segment. 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. 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. 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 are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.
Of the two cameras under consideration, the Nikon D4 features a full frame sensor and the Pentax 645Z a medium format sensor. The sensor area in the 645Z is 67 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.0 and 0.79. The sensor in the D4 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 D4 (16.2MP), but the 645Z has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.30μm versus 7.29μm for the D4). Yet, the 645Z is a much more recent model (by 2 years and 3 months) than the D4, 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 Nikon D4 are 24.6 x 16.4 inches or 62.6 x 41.7 cm for good quality, 19.7 x 13.1 inches or 50.1 x 33.3 cm for very good quality, and 16.4 x 10.9 inches or 41.7 x 27.8 cm for excellent quality prints.
The Nikon D4 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 50-204800. 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.
Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the 645Z offers substantially better image quality than the D4 (overall score 12 points higher). The advantage is based on 1.3 bits higher color depth, 1.6 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.6 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.
# | Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D4 | Full Frame | 16.2 | 4928 | 3280 | 1080/30p | 24.7 | 13.1 | 2965 | 89 | |
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 1D X | Full Frame | 17.9 | 5184 | 3456 | 1080/30p | 23.8 | 11.8 | 2786 | 82 | |
6. | Hasselblad X1D | Medium Format | 51.3 | 8272 | 6200 | 1080/25p | 26.2 | 14.8 | 4489 | 102 | |
7. | Leica SL | Full Frame | 24.0 | 6000 | 4000 | 4K/30p | 25.0 | 13.4 | 1821 | 88 | |
8. | Nikon D5 | Full Frame | 20.7 | 5588 | 3712 | 4K/30p | 25.1 | 12.3 | 2343 | 88 | |
9. | Nikon D4S | Full Frame | 16.2 | 4928 | 3280 | 1080/60p | 24.4 | 13.3 | 3074 | 89 | |
10. | Nikon Df | Full Frame | 16.2 | 4928 | 3280 | none | 24.6 | 13.1 | 3279 | 89 | |
11. | Nikon D600 | Full Frame | 24.2 | 6016 | 4016 | 1080/30p | 25.1 | 14.2 | 2980 | 94 | |
12. | Nikon D800 | Full Frame | 36.2 | 7360 | 4912 | 1080/30p | 25.3 | 14.4 | 2853 | 95 | |
13. | Nikon D800E | Full Frame | 36.2 | 7360 | 4912 | 1080/30p | 25.6 | 14.3 | 2979 | 96 | |
14. | Nikon D3S | Full Frame | 12.1 | 4256 | 2832 | 720/24p | 23.5 | 12.0 | 3253 | 82 | |
15. | Nikon D3X | Full Frame | 24.4 | 6048 | 4032 | none | 24.7 | 13.7 | 1992 | 88 | |
16. | Nikon D3 | Full Frame | 12.1 | 4256 | 2832 | none | 23.5 | 12.2 | 2290 | 81 | |
17. | Pentax 645D | Medium Format | 39.5 | 7264 | 5440 | none | 24.6 | 12.6 | 1262 | 82 |
Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the 645Z provides a faster frame rate than the D4. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60i, while the Nikon is limited to 1080/30p.
Feature comparison
Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The D4 and the 645Z are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The viewfinder in the D4 offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the 645Z (98%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. On the other hand, the viewfinder of the 645Z has a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.70x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Nikon D4, the Pentax 645Z, and comparable cameras.
# | 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. | Nikon D4 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | 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 1D X | optical | Y | 3.2 / 1040 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | n | n | |
6. | Hasselblad X1D | 2360 | n | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | Y | 1/2000s | 2.3/s | n | n | |
7. | Leica SL | 4400 | Y | 3.0 / 1040 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
8. | Nikon D5 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 2359 | fixed | Y | 1/8000s | 14.0/s | n | n | |
9. | Nikon D4S | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
10. | Nikon Df | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 5.5/s | n | n | |
11. | Nikon D600 | optical | Y | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 5.5/s | Y | n | |
12. | Nikon D800 | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 4.0/s | Y | n | |
13. | Nikon D800E | optical | Y | 3.2 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 4.0/s | Y | n | |
14. | Nikon D3S | optical | Y | 3.0 / 921 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
15. | Nikon D3X | optical | Y | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
16. | Nikon D3 | optical | Y | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
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. |
The Nikon D4 and the Pentax 645Z both have 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 D4 writes its imaging data to Compact Flash or XQD cards, while the 645Z uses SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails.
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 Nikon D4 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. | Nikon D4 | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | micro | 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 1D X | Y | mono / - | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
6. | Hasselblad X1D | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | Y | - | - | |
7. | Leica SL | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | full | 3.0 | Y | - | - | |
8. | Nikon D5 | Y | stereo / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
9. | Nikon D4S | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
10. | Nikon Df | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
11. | Nikon D600 | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
12. | Nikon D800 | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
13. | Nikon D800E | Y | mono / mono | Y | Y | mini | 3.0 | - | - | - | |
14. | Nikon D3S | Y | stereo / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
15. | Nikon D3X | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
16. | Nikon D3 | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
17. | Pentax 645D | Y | stereo / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - |
It is notable that the D4 has a headphone jack, which is not present on the 645Z This port makes it possible to attach external headphones and monitor the quality of sound during the recording process.
Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.
Both the D4 and the 645Z have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D4 was replaced by the Nikon D4S, while the 645Z does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the D4 and 645Z can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D4 Manual (free pdf) or the online Pentax 645Z Manual.
Review summary
So how do things add up? Is the Nikon D4 better than the Pentax 645Z or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.
Arguments in favor of the Nikon D4:
- Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
- Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
- More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 98%).
- Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
- Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (11 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
- Less heavy: Is lighter (by 210g or 14 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
- More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
- Longer lasting: Can take more shots (2600 versus 650) on a single battery charge.
- More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (29 percent cheaper at launch).
- More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in January 2012).
Reasons to prefer the Pentax 645Z:
- More detail: Has more megapixels (51.1 vs 16.2MP), which boosts linear resolution by 74%.
- Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
- Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (12 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
- Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (1.3 bits more color depth).
- More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (1.6 EV of extra DR).
- Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (0.6 stops ISO advantage).
- Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60i versus 1080/30p).
- Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.70x).
- More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1037k vs 921k dots).
- More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
- More compact: Is smaller (156x117mm vs 160x157mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
- Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
- More modern: Reflects 2 years and 3 months of technical progress since the D4 launch.
If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the 645Z emerges as the winner of the match-up (13 : 10 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports 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 Nikon D4 and the Pentax 645Z place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing 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 says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the D4 and the 645Z in practical situations. 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 expert reviews 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. | Nikon D4 | .. | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Jan 2012 | 5,999 | 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 1D X | 5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Oct 2011 | 6,799 | ebay.com | |
6. | Hasselblad X1D | .. | o | .. | 81/100 | .. | 4/5 | Jun 2016 | 8,995 | ebay.com | |
7. | Leica SL | 4/5 | .. | 4/5 | 84/100 | 4.5/5 | 4/5 | Oct 2015 | 7,450 | ebay.com | |
8. | Nikon D5 | .. | .. | 4/5 | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Jan 2016 | 6,499 | ebay.com | |
9. | Nikon D4S | 5/5 | .. | .. | .. | 4.5/5 | 4.5/5 | Feb 2014 | 6,499 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon Df | 4/5 | .. | .. | 81/100 | 4/5 | 4/5 | Nov 2013 | 2,749 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon D600 | 4/5 | + + | .. | 87/100 | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Sep 2012 | 2,099 | ebay.com | |
12. | Nikon D800 | 5/5 | + + | .. | 82/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Feb 2012 | 2,999 | ebay.com | |
13. | Nikon D800E | .. | .. | .. | 84/100 | 5/5 | 5/5 | Feb 2012 | 3,299 | ebay.com | |
14. | Nikon D3S | 5/5 | .. | .. | 89/100 | 4.5/5 | 5/5 | Oct 2009 | 5,199 | ebay.com | |
15. | Nikon D3X | .. | .. | .. | 86/100 | 4/5 | 5/5 | Dec 2008 | 7,999 | ebay.com | |
16. | Nikon D3 | .. | .. | .. | + + | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2007 | 4,999 | 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. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.
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 your choice using the following search menu. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.
Specifications: Nikon D4 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 | Nikon D4 | Pentax 645Z |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Digital single lens reflex | Digital single lens reflex |
Camera Lens | Nikon F mount lenses | Pentax 645 mount lenses |
Launch Date | January 2012 | April 2014 |
Launch Price | USD 5,999 | USD 8,499 |
Sensor Specs | Nikon D4 | Pentax 645Z |
Sensor Technology | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Format | Full Frame Sensor | Medium Format Sensor |
Sensor Size | 36.0 x 23.9 mm | 43.8 x 32.8 mm |
Sensor Area | 860.4 mm2 | 1436.64 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 43.2 mm | 54.7 mm |
Crop Factor | 1.0x | 0.79x |
Sensor Resolution | 16.2 Megapixels | 51.1 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 4928 x 3280 pixels | 8256 x 6192 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 7.29 μm | 5.30 μm |
Pixel Density | 1.88 MP/cm2 | 3.56 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | no AA filter |
Movie Capability | 1080/30p Video | 1080/60i Video |
ISO Setting | 100 - 12,800 ISO | 100 - 204,800 ISO |
ISO Boost | 50 - 204,800 ISO | no Enhancement |
Image Processor | EXPEED 3 | PRIME III |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 89 | 101 |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 24.7 | 26.0 |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 13.1 | 14.7 |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 2965 | 4505 |
Screen Specs | Nikon D4 | Pentax 645Z |
Viewfinder Type | Optical viewfinder | Optical viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | 98% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.70x | 0.78x |
Top-Level Screen | Control Panel | Control Panel |
LCD Framing | Live View | Live View |
Rear LCD Size | 3.2inch | 3.2inch |
LCD Resolution | 921k dots | 1037k dots |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | Tilting screen |
Shooting Specs | Nikon D4 | Pentax 645Z |
Focus System | Phase-detect AF | Phase-detect AF |
Manual Focusing Aid | no Peaking Feature | Focus Peaking |
Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) | 1/8000s | 1/4000s |
Continuous Shooting | 11 shutter flaps/s | 3 shutter flaps/s |
Shutter Life Expectancy | 400 000 actuations | 100 000 actuations |
Time-Lapse Photography | Intervalometer built-in | Intervalometer built-in |
Fill Flash | no On-Board Flash | no On-Board Flash |
Storage Medium | CF or XQD cards | SDXC cards |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Dual card slots | Dual card slots |
Connectivity Specs | Nikon D4 | Pentax 645Z |
External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
Studio Flash | PC Sync socket | PC Sync socket |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | USB 3.0 |
HDMI Port | micro HDMI | mini HDMI |
Microphone Port | External MIC port | External MIC port |
Headphone Socket | Headphone port | no Headphone port |
Wifi Support | no Wifi | no Wifi |
Body Specs | Nikon D4 | Pentax 645Z |
Environmental Sealing | Weathersealed body | Weathersealed body |
Battery Type | Nikon EN-EL18 | Pentax D-LI90 |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 2600 shots per charge | 650 shots per charge |
Body Dimensions |
160 x 157 x 91 mm (6.3 x 6.2 x 3.6 in) |
156 x 117 x 123 mm (6.1 x 4.6 x 4.8 in) |
Camera Weight | 1340 g (47.3 oz) | 1550 g (54.7 oz) |
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