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Olympus E-M1 vs Pentax 645Z

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 and the Pentax 645Z are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in September 2013 and April 2014. The E-M1 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the 645Z is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a Four Thirds (E-M1) and a medium format (645Z) sensor. The Olympus has a resolution of 15.9 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.

Headline Specifications
Olympus E-M1
versus
Pentax 645Z
Olympus E-M1   Pentax 645Z
Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
Micro Four Thirds lenses Pentax 645 mount lenses
15.9 MP – Four Thirds sensor 51.1 MP – Medium Format sensor
1080/30p Video 1080/60i Video
ISO 200-25,600 ISO 100-204,800
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots) Optical viewfinder
3.0" LCD – 1037k dots 3.2" LCD – 1037k dots
Tilting touchscreen Tilting screen (no touchscreen)
10 shutter flaps per second 3 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
350 shots per battery charge650 shots per battery charge
130 x 94 x 63 mm, 497 g 156 x 117 x 123 mm, 1550 g
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Olympus OM-D E-M1 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.

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Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Olympus E-M1 and the Pentax 645Z. 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 E-M1 can be obtained in two different colors (black, silver), while the 645Z is only available in black.

Size Olympus E-M1 vs Pentax 645Z
Compare E-M1 versus 645Z top
Comparison E-M1 or 645Z rear

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 (49 percent) than the Olympus E-M1. Moreover, the 645Z is substantially heavier (212 percent) than the E-M1. 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 E-M1 gets 350 shots out of its Olympus BLN-1 battery, while the 645Z can take 650 images on a single charge of its Pentax D-LI90 power pack.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. 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.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-M1 130 mm 94 mm 63 mm 497 g 350 Y Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
2.
 
Pentax 645Z 156 mm 117 mm 123 mm 1550 g 650 Y Apr 2014 8,499ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5DS 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS R 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
5.
 
Hasselblad X1D 150 mm 98 mm 71 mm 725 g .. Y Jun 2016 8,995ebay.com
6.
 
Leica SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-M1 II 134 mm 91 mm 67 mm 574 g 440 Y Sep 2016 1,999ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-M5 122 mm 89 mm 43 mm 425 g 360 Y Feb 2012 1,299ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-M5 II 124 mm 85 mm 45 mm 469 g 310 Y Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-P5 122 mm 69 mm 37 mm 420 g 330 n May 2013 999ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-PL5 111 mm 64 mm 38 mm 325 g 360 n Sep 2012 599ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus E-PL7 115 mm 67 mm 38 mm 357 g 350 n Aug 2014 599ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-PM2 110 mm 64 mm 34 mm 269 g 360 n Sep 2012 499ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus PEN-F 125 mm 72 mm 37 mm 427 g 330 n Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GH3 133 mm 93 mm 82 mm 550 g 540 Y Sep 2012 1,299ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GH4 133 mm 93 mm 84 mm 560 g 500 Y Feb 2014 1,499ebay.com
17.
 
Pentax 645D 156 mm 117 mm 119 mm 1480 g 800 Y Mar 2010 9,995ebay.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 E-M1 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 84 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.

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. 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 are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Olympus E-M1 features a Four Thirds sensor and the Pentax 645Z a medium format sensor. The sensor area in the 645Z is 539 percent bigger. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 2.0 and 0.79. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3.

Olympus E-M1 and Pentax 645Z sensor measures

With 51.1MP, the 645Z offers a higher resolution than the E-M1 (15.9MP), but the 645Z nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.30μm versus 3.76μm for the E-M1) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the 645Z is a somewhat more recent model (by 7 months) than the E-M1, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixel-units. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the 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 Olympus E-M1 are 23 x 17.3 inches or 58.5 x 43.9 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.8 x 35.1 cm for very good quality, and 15.4 x 11.5 inches or 39 x 29.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The E-M1 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Olympus OM-D E-M1 has a native sensitivity range from ISO 200 to ISO 25600, which can be extended to ISO 100-25600. 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.

E-M1 versus 645Z MP

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"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the 645Z offers substantially better image quality than the E-M1 (overall score 28 points higher). The advantage is based on 3 bits higher color depth, 2 EV in additional dynamic range, and 2.6 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Olympus E-M1 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p23.012.775773
2.
 
Pentax 645Z Medium Format 51.1 8256 61921080/60i26.014.74505101
3.
 
Canon 5DS Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.712.4238187
4.
 
Canon 5DS R Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.612.4230886
5.
 
Hasselblad X1D Medium Format 51.3 8272 62001080/25p26.214.84489102
6.
 
Leica SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
7.
 
Olympus E-M1 II Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38884K/30p23.712.8131280
8.
 
Olympus E-M5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60i22.812.382671
9.
 
Olympus E-M5 II Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p23.012.584273
10.
 
Olympus E-P5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.489572
11.
 
Olympus E-PL5 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.812.388972
12.
 
Olympus E-PL7 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.712.487372
13.
 
Olympus E-PM2 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/30p22.712.293272
14.
 
Olympus PEN-F Four Thirds 20.2 5184 38881080/60p23.112.489474
15.
 
Panasonic GH3 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34561080/60p22.712.481271
16.
 
Panasonic GH4 Four Thirds 15.9 4608 34564K/30p23.212.879174
17.
 
Pentax 645D Medium Format 39.5 7264 5440none24.612.6126282

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 E-M1. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60i, while the Olympus is limited to 1080/30p.

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Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the E-M1 has an electronic viewfinder (2360k dots), while the 645Z 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 viewfinder in the E-M1 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 0.74x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Olympus E-M1 and Pentax 645Z in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty 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.
 
Olympus E-M12360 n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
2.
 
Pentax 645Zoptical Y3.2 / 1037 tilting n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
3.
 
Canon 5DSoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 5DS Roptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
5.
 
Hasselblad X1D2360 n3.0 / 920 fixed Y 1/2000s 2.3/s n n
6.
 
Leica SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
7.
 
Olympus E-M1 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 18.0/s n Y
8.
 
Olympus E-M51440 n3.0 / 610 tilting Y 1/4000s 9.0/s n Y
9.
 
Olympus E-M5 II2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
10.
 
Olympus E-P5optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s Y Y
11.
 
Olympus E-PL5optional n3.0 / 460 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
12.
 
Olympus E-PL7optional n3.0 / 1037 tilting Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
13.
 
Olympus E-PM2optional n3.0 / 460 fixed Y 1/4000s 8.0/s n Y
14.
 
Olympus PEN-F2360 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
15.
 
Panasonic GH31746 n3.0 / 614 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
16.
 
Panasonic GH42359 n3.0 / 1036 swivel Y 1/8000s 12.0/s Y n
17.
 
Pentax 645Doptical Y3.0 / 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 feature that differentiates the E-M1 and the 645Z is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The E-M1 reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the 645Z offers no blur reduction with lenses that themselves do not provide optical image stabilization.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the E-M1 is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Olympus E-M1 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.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the E-M1 and the 645Z write their files to SDXC cards. The 645Z features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the E-M1 only has one slot. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

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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 Olympus OM-D E-M1 and Pentax 645Z and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Olympus E-M1Ystereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
2.
 
Pentax 645ZYstereo / monoY-mini3.0---
3.
 
Canon 5DSYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
4.
 
Canon 5DS RYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
5.
 
Hasselblad X1DYstereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
6.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
7.
 
Olympus E-M1 IIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y--
8.
 
Olympus E-M5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
9.
 
Olympus E-M5 IIYstereo / monoY-micro2.0Y--
10.
 
Olympus E-P5Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
11.
 
Olympus E-PL5Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
12.
 
Olympus E-PL7Ystereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
13.
 
Olympus E-PM2Ystereo / mono--mini2.0---
14.
 
Olympus PEN-FYstereo / mono--micro2.0Y--
15.
 
Panasonic GH3Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y--
16.
 
Panasonic GH4Ystereo / monoYYmicro2.0YY-
17.
 
Pentax 645DYstereo / ----2.0---

It is notable that the E-M1 offers wifi support, while the 645Z does not. Wifi can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location.

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

Both the E-M1 and the 645Z have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The E-M1 was replaced by the Olympus E-M1 II, while the 645Z does not have a direct successor. Further information on the features and operation of the E-M1 and 645Z can be found, respectively, in the Olympus E-M1 Manual (free pdf) or the online Pentax 645Z Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Olympus E-M1 and the Pentax 645Z? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

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Reasons to prefer the Olympus OM-D E-M1:

  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
  • More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 98%).
  • Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
  • Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/8000s vs 1/4000s) to freeze action.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (10 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
  • More compact: Is smaller (130x94mm vs 156x117mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
  • Less heavy: Is lighter (by 1053g or 68 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
  • Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (84 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in September 2013).

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Advantages of the Pentax 645Z:

  • More detail: Has more megapixels (51.1 vs 15.9MP), which boosts linear resolution by 79%.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (28 points) in the DXO overall evaluation.
  • Richer colors: Generates noticeably more natural colors (3 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a broader range of light and dark details (2 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (2.6 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60i versus 1080/30p).
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.78x vs 0.74x).
  • Easier setting verification: Features a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • Longer lasting: Gets more shots (650 versus 350) out of a single battery charge.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More modern: Was introduced somewhat (7 months) more recently.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the match-up finishes in a tie (14 points each). 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.

E-M1 14:14 645Z

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Olympus E-M1 and the Pentax 645Z place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens 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 E-M1 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.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Olympus E-M15/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2013 1,399ebay.com
2.
 
Pentax 645Z5/5..3.5/5..4.5/55/5 Apr 2014 8,499ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 5DS..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS R5/5+..83/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
5.
 
Hasselblad X1D..o..81/100..4/5 Jun 2016 8,995ebay.com
6.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
7.
 
Olympus E-M1 II5/5+ +5/585/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2016 1,999ebay.com
8.
 
Olympus E-M54/5+ +..80/1004.5/55/5 Feb 2012 1,299ebay.com
9.
 
Olympus E-M5 II5/5+ +4.5/581/1005/55/5 Feb 2015 1,099ebay.com
10.
 
Olympus E-P55/5+ +..78/1004.5/55/5 May 2013 999ebay.com
11.
 
Olympus E-PL53/5+ +....4.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 599ebay.com
12.
 
Olympus E-PL74/5+....5/54/5 Aug 2014 599ebay.com
13.
 
Olympus E-PM23/5....77/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2012 499ebay.com
14.
 
Olympus PEN-F....4/582/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 1,199ebay.com
15.
 
Panasonic GH35/5+ +..79/1004.5/54.5/5 Sep 2012 1,299ebay.com
16.
 
Panasonic GH45/5+ +..85/1005/55/5 Feb 2014 1,499ebay.com
17.
 
Pentax 645D5/5.......... Mar 2010 9,995ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, 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.

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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. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Olympus E-M1 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 Specifications
    Camera Model Olympus E-M1 Pentax 645Z
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Micro Four Thirds lenses Pentax 645 mount lenses
    Launch Date September 2013 April 2014
    Launch Price USD 1,399 USD 8,499
    Sensor Specs Olympus E-M1 Pentax 645Z
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Four Thirds Sensor Medium Format Sensor
    Sensor Size 17.3 x 13.0 mm 43.8 x 32.8 mm
    Sensor Area 224.9 mm2 1436.64 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 21.6 mm 54.7 mm
    Crop Factor 2.0x 0.79x
    Sensor Resolution 15.9 Megapixels 51.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 4608 x 3456 pixels 8256 x 6192 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 3.76 μm 5.30 μm
    Pixel Density 7.08 MP/cm2 3.56 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/30p Video 1080/60i Video
    ISO Setting 200 - 25,600 ISO 100 - 204,800 ISO
    ISO Boost 100 - 25,600 ISO no Enhancement
    Image Processor TruePIC VII PRIME III
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 73 101
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 23.0 26.0
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 12.7 14.7
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 757 4505
    Screen Specs Olympus E-M1 Pentax 645Z
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100% 98%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.74x 0.78x
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display Control Panel
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.0inch 3.2inch
    LCD Resolution 1037k dots 1037k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen no Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Olympus E-M1 Pentax 645Z
    Focus System On-Sensor Phase-detect Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/8000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 10 shutter flaps/s 3 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy150 000 actuations100 000 actuations
    Electronic ShutterYESno E-Shutter
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inIntervalometer built-in
    Image StabilizationIn-body stabilizationLens stabilization only
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot Dual card slots
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Olympus E-M1 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
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in no Wifi
    Body Specs Olympus E-M1 Pentax 645Z
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Olympus BLN-1 Pentax D-LI90
    Battery Life (CIPA)350 shots per charge650 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 130 x 94 x 63 mm
    (5.1 x 3.7 x 2.5 in)
    156 x 117 x 123 mm
    (6.1 x 4.6 x 4.8 in)
    Camera Weight 497 g (17.5 oz) 1550 g (54.7 oz)
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