Nikon D700 vs Pentax 645Z
- Full frame
- 12 megapixels
- Nikon F
-
43
Overall -
18
Imaging -
45
Features -
69
Size -
0
Price
- Medium format
- 51 megapixels
- Pentax 645AF2
-
70
Overall -
60
Imaging -
55
Features -
66
Size -
0
Price
Nikon D700 vs Pentax 645Z: a Complete Review and Comparison
Are you looking for the best camera to suit your needs? Due to a wide range of options, making a wise and weighted decision can be rather challenging. Which specs to keep in mind? What are the key pros and cons of each model? This comparison should give some helpful hints!
In this review, we are going to make a detailed comparison of two cameras that fall into different categories. While the first model we are looking at, Nikon D700 belongs to a Semi-Pro DSLR category, the other model, Nikon D700 is a Pro DSLR camera. Nikon D700 is equipped with a 12.0 MP CMOS sensor, while Pentax 645Z comes with a 51.0 MP CMOS sensor.
To get started, let’s take a look at some of the key features of Nikon D700 and Pentax 645Z and, after this, we can go on to our detailed comparison of these models.
Nikon D700 Key Features:
- 12.0 MP Full frame CMOS sensor
- ISO 200 - 6400 (Expands to 100 - 25600)
- Image Stabilization: No
- 3″ Fixed Type Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 5.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Built-in Wireless: No
- Dimensions: 147 x 123 x 77 mm
- Weight: 1074 g
- Environmental Sealing: Yes
- Built-in GPS: Yes
- Replaced by Nikon D750. Compare
Pentax 645Z Key Features:
- 51.0 MP Medium format CMOS sensor
- ISO 100 - 204800
- Image Stabilization: No
- 3.2″ Tilting Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 3.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Video: 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p,24p)
- Built-in Wireless: No
- Dimensions: 156 x 117 x 123 mm
- Weight: 1550 g
- Environmental Sealing: Yes
- Built-in GPS: Yes
- Replaced Pentax 645D. Compare
Nikon D700 was substituted by Nikon D750.
Be sure to check out some of our other overviews that may also interest you:
Nikon D700 vs. D750
Nikon D750 vs. Pentax 645Z
Why is Nikon D700 a better choice than Pentax 645Z
| Continuous Shooting | 5 fps vs 3 fps | 2 fps faster |
| Built-In Flash | Yes vs No | All the lenses are stabilized |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 vs 1/4000 | Faster shutter speed |
| Number Of Focus Points | 51 vs 27 | 24 more focus points |
| Battery Life | 1000 shots vs 650 shots | 350 more frames with a single charge |
| Weight | 1074 g vs 1550 g | 476 g lighter |
What are the key reasons to pick Pentax 645Z over Nikon D700
| Storage Slots | 2 vs 1 | Extra storage slot |
| Sensor Resolution | 51.0 MP vs 12.0 MP | 76.5% more pixels |
| Sensor Area | 1452 mm2 vs 864 mm2 | 40.5% larger pixel area |
| AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes vs No | Very handy for portraits |
| Screen Size | 3.2″ vs 3″ | 0.2" larger screen |
| Screen Resolution | 1,037k dots vs 922k dots | 11.1% higher resolution screen |
| Dxo Color Depth | 26 vs 23.5 | Better color depth |
| Dxo Dynamic Range | 14.7 vs 12.2 | Better dynamic range |
| Dxo Low Light Iso | 4505 vs 2303 | Better High ISO performance |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.85 vs 0.72 | 0.13 better magnification |
Key PROs of Nikon D700 and Pentax 645Z
| Screen Size | 3″ | 3.2″ | Large display |
| Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) | Better framing and control |
| Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
| Timelapse Recording | Yes | Yes | Creative shooting |
| Bracketing | Yes | Yes | Useful for tough lighting conditions and HDR |
| Flash Sync Port | Yes | Yes | Port for Flash Sync |
| Environmental Sealing | Yes | Yes | Shoot at tough conditions |
| Battery Life | 1000 shots | 650 shots | Big number of frames with a single charge |
Key CONs of Nikon D700 and Pentax 645Z
| Touch Screen | No | No | No touch screen |
| Continuous Shooting | 5.0 fps | 3.0 fps | Low continuous shooting |
| Image Stabilization | No | No | No image stabilization |
Nikon D700 vs Pentax 645Z: Comparing Two Models By Physical Characteristics
Before heading straight to the technical characteristics of each model, let’s start with comparing their physical specs. Let’s start with looking at the physical difference of the two products. Below are images that clearly show the sizes of Nikon D700 and Pentax 645Z from the front view.
Now, let’s go on and see how the reviewed models are different or similar by the top view.
After looking at these images, you should get a clear idea of each model’s dimensions and how they are different from each other. However, we are not going to stop there. The next characteristic worth looking at is the weight. Of course, not every photographer is concerned about the weight, for example, it wouldn't be a decisive point for those who shoot in a studio. However, it is still an important factor because if you happen to go on a long photo session or just love having the camera with you wherever you go, you want to be sure that the chosen model isn't too heavy.
Speaking of weight, Nikon D700 is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 476g less than the Pentax 645Z. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Comparing Nikon D700 and Pentax 645Z by the type of Sensor and Resolution
Sensor is, without a doubt, the most significant element of every digital camera. Its type, size, and resolution are the factors that define the quality of future shots. Thus, it is barely possible to pick a suitable camera without looking at these specs.
Are Nikon D700 and Pentax 645Z any different in terms of sensor type?
In fact, that's exactly what makes these two models really different. Thus, it is a good point to consider if your are choosing between these two cameras. Nikon D700 features a 12.0 MP Full frame sized CMOS sensor and boasts of a Expeed processor . Pentax 645Z, in its turn, comes with a 51.0 MP Medium format sized CMOS sensor and PRIME III processor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Nikon D700 and Pentax 645Z by the size of their sensors.
One more distinctive feature of compared models is the sensor size. Pentax 645Z is equipped with a sensor that is 0.6x larger than the one featured in Nikon D700. Compared to the cameras with smaller sensor area, the ones with larger sensors ensure more control on the blurry background and depth of field if you shoot in the same aperture and focal length. Thus, the first model has a significant advantage here.
For Which Fields Of Photography Are Nikon D700 and Pentax 645Z Suitable?
If you are interested in photography or has made a career in this field, you should know that different types of shooting actually require different camera characteristics. While one model can produce outstanding portraits, at the same time, it can be terrible for shooting landscapes, and so on. Thus, before you purchase a specific camera, it is vital to decide, which type of shooting you do most often and consider an option that suits it the most.
This section of our comparison is devoted to the performance of Nikon D700 and Pentax 645Z in different fields of photography. Here we are going to look at the five main areas and evaluate how well each of the reviewed models performs in them. This will help you choose an option that suits your needs the most depending on your interest in one or several of these fields.
| Photography Type | Nikon D700 | Pentax 645Z |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait Photography |
|
|
| Street Photography |
|
|
| Sports Photography |
|
|
| Daily Photography |
|
|
| Landscape Photography |
|
|
Nikon D700 for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
Disadvantages:
- You might not like Nikon skintone
- No Image Stabilization
Pentax 645Z for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large Medium format (44 x 33 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (51 MP)
- Face Detection Focusing
Disadvantages:
- No Image Stabilization
Nikon D700 for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Large Full frame(36 x 24 mm) sensor
- Big battery life (1000 shots)
Disadvantages:
- Big size (147 x 123 x 77 mm)
- No Image Stabilization
Pentax 645Z for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Large Medium format(44 x 33 mm) sensor
Disadvantages:
- Big size (156 x 117 x 123 mm)
- No Image Stabilization
Nikon D700 for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- Environmental Sealing
- Fast Max Shutter Speed (1/8000s)
- Big Number of autofocus Points (51)
- Nice Low Light ISO (2303)
- Big size (147 x 123 x 77 mm)
Disadvantages:
- Slow Continuous Shooting (5.0 fps)
- Bad Max Native ISO (6400)
Pentax 645Z for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- Environmental Sealing
- Nice Low Light ISO (4505)
- Big size (156 x 117 x 123 mm)
Disadvantages:
- Slow Continuous Shooting (3.0 fps)
- Slow Max Shutter Speed (1/4000s)
- Smal Number of autofocus Points (27)
- Small battery life (650 shots)
Nikon D700 for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
- Built-in Flash
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (1074 g)
- Big size (147 x 123 x 77 mm)
- Video is not available
Pentax 645Z for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large Medium format (44 x 33 mm) sensor
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Video is available
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (1550 g)
- Big size (156 x 117 x 123 mm)
- No Built-in Flash
Nikon D700 for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large Full frame (36 x 24 mm) sensor
- Good Dynamic Range (12.2)
- Environmental Sealing
- Live View
- RAW Support
- Nice Low Light ISO (2303)
Disadvantages:
- Low resolution sensor (12 MP)
- Bad Max Native ISO (6400)
Pentax 645Z for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large Medium format (44 x 33 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (51 MP)
- Good Dynamic Range (14.7)
- Environmental Sealing
- Live View
- RAW Support
- Nice Low Light ISO (4505)
Disadvantages:
No Significant DisadvantagesComparison of Nikon D700 vs Pentax 645Z: Final Verdict
Hopefully, our detailed overview of these models has helped you consider all the main specs, pros and cons of each cameras. Maybe, after reading this comparison, some of you have already decided which option to opt for depending on your needs and preferences. However, if you are still wondering which option is a better choice, Nikon D700 or Pentax 645Z, below you can see what scores each of them received in five different aspects. To wrap up, we have used our unique Decision Algorithm that assesses different camera models upon 63 different factors including their price, and, if possible, DxO Mark scores. This algorithm allows us to make our verdict more consistent and objective.
What is our final verdict? Based on our comparison and the final scores of Nikon D700 and Pentax 645Z here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Pentax 645Z deserves a higher Total Score than the Nikon D700. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
Nikon D700 vs Pentax 645Z Table Of Technical Specs
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
| Nikon D700 | Pentax 645Z | |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Nikon | Pentax |
| Model | D700 | 645Z |
| Announced | Oct 07, 2008 | Apr 15, 2014 |
| Body Type | Mid-size SLR | Large SLR |
| Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type | CMOS | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Full frame | Medium format |
| Sensor Dimensions | 36 x 24 mm | 44 x 33 mm |
| Sensor Area | 864.00 mm2 | 1452.00 mm2 |
| Sensor Resolution | 12.0 MP | 51.0 MP |
| Max Image Resolution | 4256 x 2832 | 8256 x 6192 |
| Max Native ISO | 6,400 | 204,800 |
| Max Boosted ISO | 25,600 | n/a |
| Min Native ISO | 200 | 100 |
| RAW Support |  |
|
| Lens | ||
| Manual Focus | |
|
| Lens Mount | Nikon F | Pentax 645AF2 |
| Number of Lenses | 287 | 6 |
| Focal Length Multiplier | 1x | 0.8x |
| Macro Focus Range | ||
| AutoFocus | ||
| AF Touch |  |
|
| AF Continuous | |
|
| AF Single | |
|
| AF Tracking | |
|
| AF Selective | |
|
| AF Center | |
|
| AF Multi Area | |
|
| AF Live View | |
|
| AF Face Detection | |
|
| AF Contrast Detection | |
|
| AF Phase Detection | |
|
| Number of Focus Points | 51 | 27 |
| Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | n/a |
| Screen | ||
| Screen Type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
| Screen Size | 3″ | 3.2″ |
| Screen Resolution | 922k dots | 1,037k dots |
| Live View | |
|
| Touch Screen | |
|
| ViewFinder | ||
| ViewFinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
| ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 0k dots |
| ViewFinder Coverage | 95% | 98% |
| ViewFinder Magnification | 0.72 | 0.85 |
| Photography Features | ||
| Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 30 s |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/8000 s | 1/4000 s |
| Continuous Shooting | 5.0 fps | 3.0 fps |
| Shutter Priority | |
|
| Aperture Priority | |
|
| Manual Exposure Mode | |
|
| Exposure Compensation | |
|
| Custom White Balance | |
|
| Image Stabilization | |
|
| Built-in Flash | |
|
| Flash Range | 0 | |
| Flash Modes | Auto, Red-eye, Slow sync, Rear curtain | Flash On, Flash On+Red-eye Reduction, Slow-speed Sync, Slow-speed Sync+Red-eye, P-TTL, Trailing Curtain Sync, contrast-control-sync, high-speed sync, wireless sync |
| External Flash | |
|
| AE Bracketing | |
|
| WB Bracketing | |
|
| Exposure Modes | ||
| Multi-Segment | |
|
| Average | |
|
| Spot | |
|
| Partial | |
|
| AF-Area | |
|
| Center Weighted | |
|
| DxO Sensor Scores | ||
| DxO Sensor Score | 80 | 101 |
| DxO Color Depth | 23.5 | 26.0 |
| DxO Dynamic Range | 12.2 | 14.7 |
| DxO Low Light ISO | 2303 | 4505 |
| Video Features | ||
| Video Resolutions | n/a | 1920 x 1080 (60i, 50i, 30p, 25p, 24p), 1280 x 720 (60p, 50p, 30p, 25p,24p) |
| Max Video Resolution | 1920 x 1080 | |
| Video Formats | n/a | MPEG-4, H.264 |
| Microphone Port | |
|
| Headphone Port | |
|
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless Connectivity | |
|
| HDMI | |
|
| USB | USB 2.0 | USB 3.0 |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental Sealing | |
|
| Water Proof | |
|
| Dust Proof | |
|
| Shock Proof | |
|
| Crush Proof | |
|
| Freeze Proof | |
|
| Weight | 1074 g | 1550 g |
| Physical Dimensions | 147 x 123 x 77 mm | 156 x 117 x 123 mm |
| Battery Life | 1000 shots | 650 shots |
| Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery Model | EN-EL3e | D-LI90 |
| Other Features | ||
| Self Timer | |
|
| Timelapse Recording | |
|
| GPS | Optional | Optional |
| Storage Type | Compact Flash (Type I) | Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC slots |
| Storage Slots | 1 | 2 |
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