Pentax 645D vs Sony Alpha a6500
- Medium format
- 40 megapixels
- Pentax 645AF2
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57
Overall -
40
Imaging -
37
Features -
66
Size -
0
Price
Pentax 645D vs Sony Alpha a6500: 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, Pentax 645D belongs to a Pro DSLR category, the other model, Pentax 645D is a Semi-Pro Mirrorless camera. Both models feature different types of sensors. Thus, Pentax 645D comes with CCD sensor that has a resolution of 40.0 MP resolution, while our second compared model Sony Alpha a6500 features a 24.0 MP CMOS sensor.
Both cameras we are going to look at in our overview fall into two different categories - DSLR and MirrorLess. Keeping in mind all the distinctive features of each category, it will be hard to make a detailed comparison of these two models. However, we will do our best to make this review as unbiased and detailed as possible.
To get started, let’s take a look at some of the key features of Pentax 645D and Sony Alpha a6500 and, after this, we can go on to our detailed comparison of these models.
Pentax 645D Key Features:
- 40.0 MP Medium format CCD sensor
- ISO 200 - 1600 (Expands to 100)
- Image Stabilization: No
- 3″ Fixed Type Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 1.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Built-in Wireless: No
- Dimensions: 156 x 117 x 119 mm
- Weight: 1480 g
- Environmental Sealing: Yes
- Built-in GPS: No
- Replaced by Pentax 645Z. Compare
Sony Alpha a6500 Key Features:
- 24.0 MP APS-C CMOS sensor
- ISO 100 - 25600 (Expands to 51200)
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- 3″ Tilting Screen
- ViewFinder: Yes
- 11.0 fps Continuous Shooting
- Video: 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM
- Built-in Wireless: Yes
- Dimensions: 120 x 67 x 53 mm
- Weight: 453 g
- Environmental Sealing: Yes
- Built-in GPS: No
- Replaced Sony A6300.
Pentax 645D was substituted by Pentax 645Z.
Be sure to check out some of our other overviews that may also interest you:
Pentax 645D vs. 645Z
Pentax 645Z vs. Sony Alpha a6500
Why is Pentax 645D a better choice than Sony Alpha a6500
| Storage Slots | 2 vs 1 | Extra storage slot |
| Sensor Resolution | 40.0 MP vs 24.0 MP | 40% more pixels |
| Sensor Area | 1452 mm2 vs 366.6 mm2 | 74.8% larger pixel area |
| Battery Life | 800 shots vs 350 shots | 450 more frames with a single charge |
| Dxo Color Depth | 24.6 vs 24.5 | Better color depth |
| Viewfinder Magnification | 0.85 vs 0.7 | 0.15 better magnification |
What are the key reasons to pick Sony Alpha a6500 over Pentax 645D
| Wireless Connectivity | Yes vs No | Better connectivity |
| NFC | Yes vs No | Easy wireless connectivity with compatible devices |
| Image Stabilization | Yes vs No | All lenses are stabilized |
| Continuous Shooting | 11 fps vs Yes fps | 10 fps faster |
| Built-In Flash | Yes vs No | All the lenses are stabilized |
| Flash Range | 6 vs No | 6 better flash range |
| Number Of Focus Points | 425 vs 11 | 414 more focus points |
| AutoFocus Face Detection | Yes vs No | Very handy for portraits |
| Screen Resolution | 922k dots vs 921k dots | 0.1% higher resolution screen |
| Touch Screen | Yes vs No | Easy control of camera functions |
| Weight | 453 g vs 1480 g | 1027 g lighter |
| Dxo Dynamic Range | 13.7 vs 12.6 | Better dynamic range |
| Dxo Low Light Iso | 1405 vs 1262 | Better High ISO performance |
Key PROs of Pentax 645D and Sony Alpha a6500
| Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ | Large display |
| Viewfinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Electronic | Better framing and control |
| Raw Support | Yes | Yes | Better image quality |
| Sensor Resolution | 40.0 MP | 24.0 MP | Bigger prints and more details |
| 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 |
Key CONs of Pentax 645D and Sony Alpha a6500
| Screen Resolution | 921k dots | 922k dots | Small screen resolution |
Pentax 645D vs Sony Alpha a6500: 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 Pentax 645D and Sony Alpha a6500 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, Sony Alpha a6500 is a lighter option of these two, as it weights 1027g less than the Pentax 645D. This difference, in fact, can become a significant disadvantage for the photographers, who prefer to have their cameras with them wherever they go.
Comparing Pentax 645D and Sony Alpha a6500 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 Pentax 645D and Sony Alpha a6500 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. Pentax 645D features a 40.0 MP Medium format sized CCD sensor and boasts of a Prime II processor . Sony Alpha a6500, in its turn, comes with a 24.0 MP APS-C sized CMOS sensor and Bionz X processor , which makes it significantly different from the first model.
Take a look below to find the comparison of Pentax 645D and Sony Alpha a6500 by the size of their sensors.
One more distinctive feature of compared models is the sensor size. Pentax 645D has a sensor area 0.3x bigger compared to Sony Alpha a6500. What does it mean? This basically means that if you these cameras them with the same aperture and focal length, the first model will give you more control in terms of the blurry background and depth of field.
For Which Fields Of Photography Are Pentax 645D and Sony Alpha a6500 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 Pentax 645D and Sony Alpha a6500 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 | Pentax 645D | Sony Alpha a6500 |
|---|---|---|
| Portrait Photography |
|
|
| Street Photography |
|
|
| Sports Photography |
|
|
| Daily Photography |
|
|
| Landscape Photography |
|
|
Pentax 645D for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large Medium format (44 x 33 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (40 MP)
Disadvantages:
- No Image Stabilization
Sony Alpha a6500 for Portrait Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (24 MP)
- Image Stabilization
- Face Detection Focusing
Disadvantages:
No Significant DisadvantagesPentax 645D for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Large Medium format(44 x 33 mm) sensor
Disadvantages:
- Big size (156 x 117 x 119 mm)
- No Image Stabilization
- Small Number of autofocus Points (11)
Sony Alpha a6500 for Street Photography
Advantages:
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Image Stabilization
- Large APS-C(23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
Disadvantages:
- Big size (120 x 67 x 53 mm)
Pentax 645D for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- Environmental Sealing
- Big size (156 x 117 x 119 mm)
Disadvantages:
- Slow Continuous Shooting (1.0 fps)
- Slow Max Shutter Speed (1/4000s)
- Smal Number of autofocus Points (11)
- Bad Low Light ISO (1262)
- Small battery life (800 shots)
Sony Alpha a6500 for Sports Photography
Advantages:
- Fast Continuous Shooting (11.0 fps)
- Environmental Sealing
- Big Number of autofocus Points (425)
Disadvantages:
- Slow Max Shutter Speed (1/4000s)
- Small battery life (350 shots)
Pentax 645D for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large Medium format (44 x 33 mm) sensor
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (1480 g)
- Big size (156 x 117 x 119 mm)
- No Built-in Flash
- Video is not available
Sony Alpha a6500 for Daily Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- Built-in Flash
- Built-in View Finder
- Live View
- Wireless Connectivity
- Video is available
Disadvantages:
- Big weight (453 g)
- Big size (120 x 67 x 53 mm)
Pentax 645D for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large Medium format (44 x 33 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (40 MP)
- Good Dynamic Range (12.6)
- Environmental Sealing
- Live View
- RAW Support
Disadvantages:
- Bad Max Native ISO (1600)
Sony Alpha a6500 for Landscape Photography
Advantages:
- Large APS-C (23.5 x 15.6 mm) sensor
- High resolution sensor (24 MP)
- Good Dynamic Range (13.7)
- Environmental Sealing
- Live View
- RAW Support
Disadvantages:
No Significant DisadvantagesComparison of Pentax 645D vs Sony Alpha a6500: 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, Pentax 645D or Sony Alpha a6500, 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 Pentax 645D and Sony Alpha a6500 here is what we can say in conclusion:
According all the factors that we considered in the process of comparing these two cameras, Pentax 645D deserves a higher Total Score than the Sony Alpha a6500. Thus, if you are choosing between these options, we would recommend you to choose the first model over the other one.
Pentax 645D vs Sony Alpha a6500 Table Of Technical Specs
For better understanding of each model’s technical characteristics, find the detailed comparison below:
| Pentax 645D | Sony Alpha a6500 | |
|---|---|---|
| General | ||
| Brand | Pentax | Sony |
| Model | 645D | Alpha a6500 |
| Announced | Mar 10, 2010 | Oct 06, 2016 |
| Body Type | Large SLR" | Rangefinder-style mirrorless |
| Sensor | ||
| Sensor Type | CCD | CMOS |
| Sensor Size | Medium format | APS-C |
| Sensor Dimensions | 44 x 33 mm | 23.5 x 15.6 mm |
| Sensor Area | 1452.00 mm2 | 366.60 mm2 |
| Sensor Resolution | 40.0 MP | 24.0 MP |
| Max Image Resolution | 7264 x 5440 | 6000 x 4000 |
| Max Native ISO | 1,600 | 25,600 |
| Max Boosted ISO | n/a | 51,200 |
| Min Native ISO | 200 | 100 |
| RAW Support |  |
|
| Lens | ||
| Manual Focus | |
|
| Lens Mount | Pentax 645AF2 | Sony E |
| Number of Lenses | 6 | 83 |
| Focal Length Multiplier | 0.8x | 1.5x |
| 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 | 11 | 425 |
| Number of Cross Focus Points | n/a | n/a |
| Screen | ||
| Screen Type | Fixed Type | Tilting |
| Screen Size | 3″ | 3″ |
| Screen Resolution | 921k dots | 922k dots |
| Live View | |
|
| Touch Screen | |
|
| ViewFinder | ||
| ViewFinder | Optical (pentaprism) | Electronic |
| ViewFinder Resolution | 0k dots | 2,359k dots |
| ViewFinder Coverage | 98% | 100% |
| ViewFinder Magnification | 0.85 | 0.7 |
| Photography Features | ||
| Min Shutter Speed | 30 s | 30 s |
| Max Shutter Speed | 1/4000 s | 1/4000 s |
| Continuous Shooting | 1.0 fps | 11.0 fps |
| Shutter Priority | |
|
| Aperture Priority | |
|
| Manual Exposure Mode | |
|
| Exposure Compensation | |
|
| Custom White Balance | |
|
| Image Stabilization | |
|
| Built-in Flash | |
|
| Flash Range | 0 | 6 |
| Flash Modes | Auto, Red-eye, Slow Sync, Rear Curtain | Flash off, Autoflash, Fill-flash, Rear Sync., Slow Sync., Red-eye reduction (On/Off selectable), Hi-speed sync, Wireless |
| External Flash | |
|
| AE Bracketing | |
|
| WB Bracketing | |
|
| Exposure Modes | ||
| Multi-Segment | |
|
| Average | |
|
| Spot | |
|
| Partial | |
|
| AF-Area | |
|
| Center Weighted | |
|
| DxO Sensor Scores | ||
| DxO Sensor Score | 82 | 85 |
| DxO Color Depth | 24.6 | 24.5 |
| DxO Dynamic Range | 12.6 | 13.7 |
| DxO Low Light ISO | 1262 | 1405 |
| Video Features | ||
| Video Resolutions | n/a | 3840 x 2160 @ 30p / 100 Mbps, XAVC S, MP4, H.264, Linear PCM |
| Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | |
| Video Formats | n/a | MPEG-4, AVCHD, XAVC S |
| Microphone Port | |
|
| Headphone Port | |
|
| Connectivity | ||
| Wireless Connectivity | |
|
| HDMI | |
|
| USB | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
| Physical | ||
| Environmental Sealing | |
|
| Water Proof | |
|
| Dust Proof | |
|
| Shock Proof | |
|
| Crush Proof | |
|
| Freeze Proof | |
|
| Weight | 1480 g | 453 g |
| Physical Dimensions | 156 x 117 x 119 mm | 120 x 67 x 53 mm |
| Battery Life | 800 shots | 350 shots |
| Battery Type | Battery Pack | Battery Pack |
| Battery Model | D-LI90 | n/a |
| Other Features | ||
| Self Timer | |
|
| Timelapse Recording | |
|
| GPS | ||
| Storage Type | SD/SDHC | SD/SDHC/SDXC + Memory Stick Pro Duo |
| Storage Slots | 2 | 1 |
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