Our verdict
The 645D will no doubt attract a niche audience, as the almost £10,000 price tag is firmly out of reach of most amateur users. Interestingly, though, many of the features seem to be catering for a more consumer-level user, with its DSLR-styled additions and a host of auto modes. It’s not perfect, but it does have benefits and is bound to prove popular with landscape and wedding photographers alike.
As a professional tool the Pentax 645D offers an interesting alternative to the Hasselblad, and a huge increase in image quality from the Pro 35mm models. It is certainly at the affordable end of medium-format models, with a feature set and handling that either matches or betters the competition in many areas – and yet there was the potential for it to be even better, had it included Live View or even just a faster write and preview time.
For many, a professional-level DSLR still has more versatility but, as long as you’re not looking for speed, the Pentax 645D is a pleasure to use and the results certainly show Pentax’s experience in the medium-format sector.
Pentax 645D – Key features
Large rubberised eyepiece
This is a decent size, helping to fully surround the eye and block out external light when composing
Rear 3in LCD screen
The high-resolution, 921,000-dot screen makes reviewing shots a pleasure, and also displays shooting information
Top LCD display
A nice large mono display provides all the relevantshooting information, including file formats for each SD card
The ‘green’button
Brought over from Pentax’s DSLR range, this allows a quick auto exposure to be achieved
Raw file handling
The 645D offers raw files in a choice of Pentax PEF or the universal Adobe DNG format, at 14-bit. This gives users the option to output to almost any software
Dust reduction
Fitted with the Dust Reduction II (DRII) system, the camera uses supersonic vibration to shake dust from in front of the sensor on start up/shut down
Digital level gauge
By pressing the disp button, the LCD screen switches to a digital spirit level gauge reminiscent of an aircraft simulator for vertical and horizontal alignment
Picture modes
This series of presets allows the colouration and contrast of the images to be adjusted and fine-tuned if required. Modes include a new reversal film option.
