![]() ![]() This feature works very well on the K7 and, if equally effective on the 645D, will be a real score for field shooters. The 645D is also unique amongst MF cameras in offering a dust sensing and removal system, similar to that found in its top-end 35mm cameras. I didn’t see anything in my few early snaps, but this is something I will look at closely, especially with lenses at the extremes of the range. This will require detailed testing when a production camera with final firmware is available. (In the video accompanying this article Bill mentions the possibility of reduced image quality - this applies only to older lenses, not the new digital lens-line). Bill Gouge of Pentax was careful to note that there may be some chromatic aberrations visible with older lenses, due to the tighter tolerance of the digital image plane vs film. These lenses are “digitally optimized”, a phrase we have all come to know, if not understand. A new fixed wide angle (read very wide) is rumoured to be the next addition to the lineup. The first of these is the 55mm f2.8, which features ultrasonic focusing, which Pentax calls SDM (Supersonic Direct Drive Motor). Pentax is also planning a new line of digitally optimized lenses. This allows access to a number of the camera’s features, including shifts in program curves to match the focal length and optimum aperture and the simple, but convenient, addition of lens information to image metadata. With at least the last generation of 645 “FA” autofocus lenses, the 645D is able to recognize which lens is mounted. The Pentax 645D can use all of these lenses (with a 1.3x crop factor), without any loss of functionality, which will be music to the ears of thousands of photographers who held on to their systems rather than fire-sale them on EBay over the last few years. Ranging from 35mm to 400mm, the original Pentax 645 lens system gained a solid reputation for quality, along with very attractive pricing. Pentax enters the MF race with the largest existing system of 645 lenses. My first impressions, however, are positive.Ĭlick on the above image to play a 15 minute long video interview I need much more time to test the AF’s mettle, especially with the unique arsenal of zoom lenses, such as the 33-55, 45-90, 80-160 and 150-300, all of which sport relatively modest maximum apertures. The focusing feels quick (and silent with new 55mm SWM lens) and the shutter release is smooth. ![]() Unlike any of its competitors, the 645D has an 11-point AF system, conveniently user-selectable with the rear 4-way controller. While I am a bit of a minimalist, I really like this control array. By creating a totally integrated digital camera, Pentax is able to use the much larger body area to spread out the imaging-related inputs. Rather, they do exactly what they labeled for. The 645D has a lot of buttons, but they are big and most of them are not modal. In my short time with the camera, the digital-mechanical integration appeared seamless. With the modern avionics on the 645D, this display also adds usability, since it can offer a quick overview of every camera setting all at once (á la the K7 system). The sumptuous rear LCD is as good as anything on the market, and light-years ahead of the main MF competition (the small and dimly litknow who they are). This will be of real interest to wedding photographers in particular. ![]() The camera has a sophisticated multi-segment metering system, every exposure control mode you could image, and the ability to operate a multi-flash wireless TTL array when using Pentax’s higher-end flash units. The 645D’s most important feature (other than price) is that it sports the K-7’s electronics, which make it a state-of-the-art DSLR. The camera’s use of dual SD cards, and the same compact lithium battery as in their consumer DSLRs, saves space and are a compelling design choice. This is a huge development for outdoor photographers, and suggests that Pentax knows exactly who their market is. The camera is fully weather-sealed, as are all newly-designed 645D lenses. The fit-and-finish leave nothing to be desired. It sits and balances in the hand effortlessly. Mechanically, it has inherited the DNA of the Pentax 645N II, which was a very fine camera indeed. My sense is that this camera will be a bit of a game-changer. In late August 2010, I finally got a chance to get up-close and personal with the Pentax 645D. Safari may have trouble playing this file. Click on HEREto play a 15 minute long video interviewĬonducted by Nick Devlin with Bill Gouge of Pentax Canada ![]()
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