All weather Medium Format SLR : Pentx 645D
|
This new medium format camera introduced today by Pentax is very appealing. It features a 40 megapixels Kodak sensor measuring 44x33mm which means that its surface is 1.7x larger than a Fill Frame SLR sensor. More defined textures and even shallower depth of field as well as a wider dynamic range are the key ponts of medium format cameras. Pentax advertises a 11.5 EV dynamic range. This Medium Format SLR is also special because it is an all-weather body, with 70 gaskets ensuring resistance to water and dust. Therefore, it is perfect for al terrain photography ! Pentax launches at the same time an all-weather ens for the 645D : the D-FA 645 55mm F2.8 AL [IF] SDM AW which is a 55mm but will become an equivalent 43.5mm once mounted on the 645D. To avoid any problem with dust on the sensor when changing lenses, the 645D is equipped with a dust removal system and with an alarm which warns when the sensor is dirty. Unfortunately, for now, Japan is the only country where Pentax is planning to release the 645D.
|
|
|
Pentax 645D main specifications
|
- Kodak CCD 40 megapixels sensor (Medium Format)
- PRIME II processor
- Sensitivity : 200 to 1000 ISO (100 to 1600 in boost mode)
- A/N 14 bits conversion
- 70 gaskets
- DR II sensor cleaning system + alarm
- Double SD/SDHC slot
- AF Safox IX+ (11 points including 9 cross type ones)
- 77 segments exposure metering
- 3" / 921 000 pixels rear LCD
|
|
|
PENTAX D-FA 645 55mm F2.8 AL [IF] SDM AW technical specifications
|
- Focal length : 55mm (equivalent to 43.5mm)
- Water and dust proof
- Antiflare coating
- Circular diaphragme for smoother background bokeh
- SDM AF motorisation
|
|
|
Pentax 645D : press release
|
|
Unprecedented image quality
- Super-high-resolution images made possible by approximately
40 effective megapixels
The PENTAX 645D incorporates a high-performance CCD image sensor
produced by Kodak. It measures 44mm by 33mm, and is approximately 1.7
times larger than its 35mm-format counterparts. Thanks to approximately
40 effective megapixels, it assures a wide dynamic range to faithfully
reproduce the prevailing ambience and the sense of depth in
super-high-resolution images that are rich in gradation and truthful in
texture description. In order to bring out the full potential of the
lens and the image sensor and assure the highest level of
image-resolving power, the CCD unit is designed with no low-pass
filters.
- High-performance, high-speed PRIME II imaging engine
The PENTAX 645D features the acclaimed, PENTAX-original PRIME (PENTAX
Real Image Engine) II as its imaging engine. Thanks to its high-speed
data-processing capacity and new algorithm exclusively programmed for
medium-format digital SLR cameras, this high-performance imaging engine
produces super-high-quality images rich in gradation and faithful in
color reproduction, while allowing speedy data transmission of
large-volume image data — even RAW-format images as large as some 50MB
per file.
- 14-bit A/D converter for faithful conversion of image data to
digital signals
The PENTAX 645D features a high-performance A/D converter, which
faithfully converts the large volume of analog image data output by the
large CCD image sensor to digital signals carrying an extensive amount
of image data, including resolution and gradation.
Solid, maneuverable body
The PENTAX 645D’s main frame is made of lightweight but strong
magnesium-steel alloy, while the chassis is made of diecast aluminum to
minimize the expansion and extension caused by heat and also to optimize
kinematic accuracy and thermal stability. The LCD panels — one on the
camera’s top panel, another on the back panel — are covered with
tempered glass plates for extra protection. The PENTAX 645D’s body is
also designed to be a compact and highly maneuverable medium-format
camera, despite the incorporation of such dependable features as a
dust-proof, weather-resistant construction with 70 special seals,
outstanding cold-resistant performance to assure solid operation at a
temperature as low as –10°C, and a newly designed shutter unit with a
top shutter speed of 1/4000 second that can withstand as many as 50,000
shutter releases.
Dual SD/SDHC memory card slots
The PENTAX 645D has a pair of memory card slots for the recording of
images on both SD and SDHC memory cards. This dual-slot design gives
the photographer extra data-storage options: for instance, recorded
images can be assigned to different cards according to recording format
(such as RAW or JPEG), or one of the cards can be used as the backup of
the other. The settings for each memory card slot can be easily made by
dedicated button.
Dependable DR II mechanism to minimize dust spots
The PENTAX 645D comes equipped with the highly dependable DR (Dust
Removal) II mechanism, which effectively minimizes annoying dust spots
on recorded images, even when the lenses are changed in dust-prone
outdoor settings. By shifting UV/IR-cut filters placed in front of the
CCD image sensor at supersonic speed using a piezoelectric element, this
mechanism effectively and efficiently shakes dust off the image sensor.
Thanks to the user-friendly dust-alert system, the photographer can
check at a quick glance for dust adhering to the image sensor prior to
the actual shooting.
Newly designed, high-precision 11-point wide-frame
AF sensor
The PENTAX 645D’s new SAFOX IX + wide-frame autofocus system
features 11 sensor points (with nine cross-type sensors positioned in
the middle) to assure the extra-high-precision focusing demanded of
medium-format digital SLR cameras. To develop this sophisticated AF
system, the entire optical system was redesigned, at the same time with
the addition of the new functionality to analyze and make use of the
light sources data in the field of view.
Advanced 77-segment multi-pattern metering
The PENTAX 645D employs a state-of-the-art, 77-segment multi-pattern
metering system to assure super-high-accuracy light metering. The
exposure accuracy is further enhanced by collecting such additional data
as image orientation (horizontal or vertical) and the distance to and
magnification of the subject using the sensors installed inside the
camera body, with the obtained data incorporated into exposure
calculations.
Large, easy-to-see optical viewfinder
Incorporated in the PENTAX 645D’s finder unit, a trapezoid-shaped
glass prism not only assures an approximately 98% field of view, but
also greatly contributes to the downsizing of the camera body. Coupled
with a bright, easy-to-focus Natural-Bright-Matte focusing screen, the
PENTAX 645D’s viewfinder offers a large, clear view of the subject.
Custom Image function to create desired visual
effects with ease
The PENTAX 645D’s Custom Image function lets the user easily control
an image’s finishing touches to more precisely reflect the user’s
creative intentions, or to more faithfully reproduce the ambience of the
scene. The user can select one of eight modes, including the new
Reversal Film mode designed to create images with the colors that are
typical of reversal film. In addition, all parameters — such as
saturation, hue, contrast, sharpness, key, and highlight/shadow contrast
— can be easily adjusted to desired levels, so that the photographer
can shoot images with great ease.
Versatile, multi-mode exposure system for faithful
reproduction of creative intentions
- Hyper Program function
The PENTAX 645D's Hyper Program function allows the user to instantly
switch from Programmed AE mode to Shutter- or Aperture-Priority AE mode
with a simple turn of the electric dials positioned around the grip. A
single push of the green button shifts the exposure mode back to the
original Programmed AE mode.
- Hyper Manual function
When shooting in the Metered Manual mode, the PENTAX 645D's Hyper Manual
mode lets the user to instantly set the proper exposure for the subject
with a single push of the green button.
- Sensitivity-Priority mode
The unique Sensitivity-Priority (Sv) mode automatically selects the
optimum combination of aperture and shutter speed for the user-selected
sensitivity. The sensitivity can be shifted swiftly by electronic dial
on the back panel. The variable amount of the ISO could be configured to
either 1/2 or 1/3 steps per click.
- Shutter/Aperture-Priority mode
Taking full advantage of the unique capability of digital cameras for
the automatic shifting of sensitivity at any time, the
Shutter/Aperture-Priority (TAv) mode automatically selects the most
appropriate sensitivity for the user-selected aperture/shutter-speed
combination. It allows the user to effortlessly experiment with a
greater range of photographic expressions.
Large, easy-to-view 3.0-inch LCD monitor with
approximately 921,000 dots
Positioned on the camera’s back panel, a large 3.0-inch color LCD
monitor with approximately 921,000 dots provides a clear, bright view of
onscreen images and menus. Since its wide-view design allows quick,
effortless confirmation of the monitor image from approximately 170
degrees both horizontally and vertically, the photographer has little
difficulty shooting images from low and high angles. The LCD monitor is
also treated with exclusive AR (Anti-Reflection) coating to minimize
reflections on the screen, even in the outdoor locations under bright
sunshine.
Long battery life
The PENTAX 645D is powered by a large-capacity, rechargeable
lithium-ion battery, which can capture approximately 800 images* when
fully charged.
* Under testing conditions prescribed
by PENTAX, when using a rechargeable D-LI90 lithium-ion battery with no
flash.
Other features
- HDR (high dynamic range) function to create one
composite image
with an extra-wide gradation range from three images with different
exposures
- Dynamic-Range Expansion function to compensate for both
whitewashed
(excessively overexposed) and blacked-out (excessively underexposed)
areas
- Digital Level function for easy checking of the image’s levels
- Automatic compensation of distortion and lateral chromatic
aberration
(available in combination with the D FA 645- and FA 645- series lenses)
- Versatile white-balance control system, including the CTE mode
designed to emphasize the dominant color components of the
captured images, which works especially well with such scene like
sunset.
- Mirror shock/operation-noise reduction function to assure
smooth,
quiet operation of the mirror during shooting
- Attachment of copyright credits on recorded images
- Compatible with the SDM (Supersonic Direct-drive Motor)
autofocus mechanism, designed to assure smooth, quiet operation
using the supersonic motor installed inside SDM lenses
- HDMI terminal (for type C mini connectors) for high-resolution
image data output
- User-friendly, color-classified control buttons/switches,
based on the color universal design concept
- PENTAX Digital Camera Utility 4 software package, including
a RAW-data processing application (based on the popular
SILKYPIX RAW-data processing engine developed
by Ichikawa Soft Laboratory) and browser application.
|
|
|
|
Relative content
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Latest reviews
|
|
|
|
Relative content
|
|
|
|
Top news
|
|
|
|
Latest news headlines
|
|
|
|
Tags
|
|
|
|
