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Pentax 645Z vs Sony A7 IV

The Pentax 645Z and the Sony Alpha A7 IV are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in April 2014 and October 2021. The 645Z is a DSLR, while the A7 IV is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a medium format (645Z) and a full frame (A7 IV) sensor. The Pentax has a resolution of 51.1 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 32.7 MP.

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

Headline Specifications
Pentax 645Z
versus
Sony A7 IV
Pentax 645Z   Sony A7 IV
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Pentax 645 mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
51.1 MP – Medium Format sensor 32.7 MP – Full Frame sensor
1080/60i Video 4K/60p Video
ISO 100-204,800 ISO 100-51,200 (50 - 204,800)
Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder (3686k dots)
3.2" LCD – 1037k dots 3.0" LCD – 1037k dots
Tilting screen (no touchscreen) Swivel touchscreen
3 shutter flaps per second 10 shutter flaps per second
Lens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
Weathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
650 shots per battery charge580 shots per battery charge
156 x 117 x 123 mm, 1550 g 131 x 96 x 80 mm, 659 g
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Check 645Z offers at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Pentax 645Z and the Sony Alpha A7 IV? 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

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Pentax 645Z and the Sony A7 IV is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Size Pentax 645Z vs Sony A7 IV
Compare 645Z versus A7 IV top
Comparison 645Z or A7 IV rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A7 IV is considerably smaller (31 percent) than the Pentax 645Z. Moreover, the A7 IV is substantially lighter (57 percent) than the 645Z. 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 645Z gets 650 shots out of its Pentax D-LI90 battery, while the A7 IV can take 580 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FZ100 power pack. The power pack in the A7 IV can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

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Body Specifications
# image Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Pentax 645Z 156 mm 117 mm 123 mm 1550 g 650 Y Apr 2014 8,499ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A7 IV 131 mm 96 mm 80 mm 659 g 580 Y Oct 2021 2,499 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1530 g 1210 Y Feb 2016 5,999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 5DS R 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
6.
 
Hasselblad X1D 150 mm 98 mm 71 mm 725 g .. Y Jun 2016 8,995ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M11 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 640 g 700 Y Jan 2022 8,995 amazon.com
8.
 
Leica SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 Y Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D7200 136 mm 107 mm 76 mm 765 g 1110 Y Mar 2015 1,199ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 Y Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
12.
 
Pentax 645D 156 mm 117 mm 119 mm 1480 g 800 Y Mar 2010 9,995ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7R V 131 mm 97 mm 82 mm 723 g 530 Y Oct 2022 3,899 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A1 129 mm 97 mm 81 mm 737 g 530 Y Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A7R IIIA 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 650 Y Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7S III 127 mm 97 mm 81 mm 699 g 600 Y Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A7 III 127 mm 96 mm 74 mm 650 g 610 Y Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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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 A7 IV was launched at a markedly lower price (by 71 percent) than the 645Z, which puts it into a different market segment. 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.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units 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 Pentax 645Z features a medium format sensor and the Sony A7 IV a full frame sensor. The sensor area in the A7 IV is 40 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 0.79 and 1.0. The sensor in the 645Z has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the A7 IV offers a 3:2 aspect.

Pentax 645Z and Sony A7 IV sensor measures

With 51.1MP, the 645Z offers a higher resolution than the A7 IV (32.7MP), but the 645Z nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.30μm versus 5.12μm for the A7 IV) due to its larger sensor. However, the A7 IV is a much more recent model (by 7 years and 6 months) than the 645Z, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. 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 Sony A7 IV are 35 x 23.4 inches or 89 x 59.3 cm for good quality, 28 x 18.7 inches or 71.2 x 47.5 cm for very good quality, and 23.4 x 15.6 inches or 59.3 x 39.6 cm for excellent quality prints.

The A7 IV has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Pentax 645Z has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 204800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A7 IV are ISO 100 to ISO 51200, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 50-204800.

In terms of underlying technology, the 645Z is build around a CMOS sensor, while the A7 IV uses a BSI-CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

645Z versus A7 IV MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. 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. Of the two cameras under review, the 645Z has a notably higher overall DXO score than the A7 IV (overall score 4 points higher), which gives it an advantage in terms of imaging quality. This advantage is based on 0.6 bits higher color depth, and 0.4 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
# image Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Pentax 645Z Medium Format 51.1 8256 61921080/60i26.014.74505101
2.
 
Sony A7 IV Full Frame 32.7 7008 46724K/60p25.414.7337997
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.113.5320788
4.
 
Canon 5DS Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.712.4238187
5.
 
Canon 5DS R Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.612.4230886
6.
 
Hasselblad X1D Medium Format 51.3 8272 62001080/25p26.214.84489102
7.
 
Leica M11 Full Frame 60.3 9528 6328none26.314.83376100
8.
 
Leica SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
9.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
10.
 
Nikon D7200 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.514.6133387
11.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
12.
 
Pentax 645D Medium Format 39.5 7264 5440none24.612.6126282
13.
 
Sony A7R V Full Frame 60.2 9504 63368k/24p26.514.83187100
14.
 
Sony A1 Full Frame 49.8 8640 57608k/30p25.914.5316398
15.
 
Sony A7R IIIA Full Frame 42.2 7952 53044K/30p26.014.73523100
16.
 
Sony A7S III Full Frame 12.0 4240 28324K/120p23.713.9252086
17.
 
Sony A7 III Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.014.7373096
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Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the A7 IV provides a better video resolution than the 645Z. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/60p, while the Pentax is limited to 1080/60i.

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Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the A7 IV has an electronic viewfinder (3686k 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 viewfinders of both cameras offer the same magnification (0.78x), but the one in the A7 IV has a wider field of view (100%) than the finder in the 645Z (98%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible. The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Pentax 645Z, the Sony A7 IV, and comparable cameras.

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Core Features
# image 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.
 
Pentax 645Zoptical Y3.2 / 1037 tilting n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
2.
 
Sony A7 IV3686 n3.0 / 1037 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 16.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 5DSoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
5.
 
Canon 5DS Roptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
6.
 
Hasselblad X1D2360 n3.0 / 920 fixed Y 1/2000s 2.3/s n n
7.
 
Leica M11optical n3.0 / 2333 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.5/s n n
8.
 
Leica SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
9.
 
Nikon D5optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
10.
 
Nikon D7200optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D4Soptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
12.
 
Pentax 645Doptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 1.1/s n n
13.
 
Sony A7R V9440 n3.2 / 2100 full-flex Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
14.
 
Sony A19437 n3.0 / 1440 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
15.
 
Sony A7R IIIA3686 n3.0 / 2340 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
16.
 
Sony A7S III9440 n3.0 / 1440 swivel Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
17.
 
Sony A7 III2359 n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/8000s 10.0/s n Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
padding

One feature that is present on the 645Z, but is missing on the A7 IV is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The A7 IV has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the 645Z does not have a selfie-screen.

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 A7 IV 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 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 645Z writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the A7 IV uses CFexpress (type A) or SDXC cards. Both cameras feature dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. The A7 IV supports UHS-II cards (on both slots), while the 645Z can use UHS-I cards.

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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 Pentax 645Z and Sony Alpha A7 IV and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
# image Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Pentax 645ZYstereo / monoY-mini3.0---
2.
 
Sony A7 IVYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
4.
 
Canon 5DSYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
5.
 
Canon 5DS RYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
6.
 
Hasselblad X1DYstereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
7.
 
Leica M11Y- / ----3.2Y-Y
8.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
9.
 
Nikon D5Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0---
10.
 
Nikon D7200Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0YY-
11.
 
Nikon D4SYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
12.
 
Pentax 645DYstereo / ----2.0---
13.
 
Sony A7R VYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
14.
 
Sony A1Ystereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
15.
 
Sony A7R IIIAYstereo / monoYYmicro3.2YYY
16.
 
Sony A7S IIIYstereo / monoYYfull3.2Y-Y
17.
 
Sony A7 IIIYstereo / monoYYmicro3.1YYY
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It is notable that the A7 IV offers wifi support, which can be a very convenient means to transfer image data to an off-camera location. In contrast, the 645Z does not provide wifi capability.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Pentax 645Z (unlike the A7 IV) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

The A7 IV is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Sony. In contrast, the 645Z has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). There has not been a direct replacement model for the 645Z from Pentax. Further information on the features and operation of the 645Z and A7 IV can be found, respectively, in the Pentax 645Z Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A7 IV Manual.

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Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Pentax 645Z better than the Sony A7 IV or vice versa? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.

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Arguments in favor of the Pentax 645Z:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (51.1 vs 32.7MP) with a 23% higher linear resolution.
  • Better image quality: Scores markedly higher (4 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (0.4 stops ISO advantage).
  • Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (650 versus 580) on a single battery charge.
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been available for much longer (launched in April 2014).

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Reasons to prefer the Sony Alpha A7 IV:

  • Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/60p vs 1080/60i).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.
  • 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%).
  • More flexible LCD: Has a swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • 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 (131x96mm vs 156x117mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 891g or 57 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
  • Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (71 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Reflects 7 years and 6 months of technical progress since the 645Z launch.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the A7 IV is the clear winner of the contest (23 : 10 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 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.

645Z 10:23 A7 IV

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Pentax 645Z and the Sony A7 IV place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens 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 says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the 645Z and the A7 IV in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

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
# image  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Pentax 645Z5/5..3.5/5..4.5/55/5 Apr 2014 8,499ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A7 IV5/5+ +4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Oct 2021 2,499 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II....4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 5,999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 5DS R5/5+..83/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
6.
 
Hasselblad X1D..o..81/100..4/5 Jun 2016 8,995ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M114.5/5..4.5/5..4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2022 8,995 amazon.com
8.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 6,499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D72004/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2015 1,199ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 6,499ebay.com
12.
 
Pentax 645D5/5.......... Mar 2010 9,995ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A7R V5/5+ +4.5/592/100.... Oct 2022 3,899 amazon.com
14.
 
Sony A15/5o4.5/593/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2021 6,499 amazon.com
15.
 
Sony A7R IIIA..+ +4/590/1004.5/55/5 Apr 2021 3,199 amazon.com
16.
 
Sony A7S III4.5/5+ +5/591/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2020 3,499 amazon.com
17.
 
Sony A7 III..+ +4.5/589/1005/55/5 Feb 2018 1,999 amazon.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price 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.

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Check 645Z offers at
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Check A7 IV price at
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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. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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    Specifications: Pentax 645Z vs Sony A7 IV

    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 Pentax 645Z Sony A7 IV
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Pentax 645 mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date April 2014 October 2021
    Launch Price USD 8,499 USD 2,499
    Sensor Specs Pentax 645Z Sony A7 IV
    Sensor Technology CMOS BSI-CMOS
    Sensor Format Medium Format Sensor Full Frame Sensor
    Sensor Size 43.8 x 32.8 mm 35.9 x 23.9 mm
    Sensor Area 1436.64 mm2 858.01 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 54.7 mm 43.1 mm
    Crop Factor 0.79x 1.0x
    Sensor Resolution 51.1 Megapixels 32.7 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 8256 x 6192 pixels 7008 x 4672 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.30 μm 5.12 μm
    Pixel Density 3.56 MP/cm2 3.82 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60i Video 4K/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 204,800 ISO 100 - 51,200 ISO
    ISO Boost no Enhancement 50 - 204,800 ISO
    Image Processor PRIME III BIONZ XR
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 101 97
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 26.0 25.4
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.7 14.7
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 4505 3379
    Screen Specs Pentax 645Z Sony A7 IV
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 98% 100%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.78x 0.78x
    Viewfinder Resolution 3686k dots
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1037k dots 1037k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Swivel screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Pentax 645Z Sony A7 IV
    Focus System Phase-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/8000s
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s 10 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations200 000 actuations
    Electronic Shutterno E-ShutterYES
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Image StabilizationLens stabilization onlyIn-body stabilization
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards CFexA or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Dual card slots
    UHS card support UHS-I Dual UHS-II
    Connectivity Specs Pentax 645Z Sony A7 IV
    External Flash Hotshoe Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 3.2
    HDMI Port mini HDMI full HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket no Headphone port Headphone port
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Bluetooth Support no Bluetooth Bluetooth built-in
    Body Specs Pentax 645Z Sony A7 IV
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodyWeathersealed body
    Battery Type Pentax D-LI90 Sony NP-FZ100
    Battery Life (CIPA)650 shots per charge580 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 156 x 117 x 123 mm
    (6.1 x 4.6 x 4.8 in)
    131 x 96 x 80 mm
    (5.2 x 3.8 x 3.1 in)
    Camera Weight 1550 g (54.7 oz) 659 g (23.2 oz)
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