Pentax
645Z
51MP medium format DSLR that made digital MF accessible — still prized for landscape and studio.
$8,499
Launch priceReleased Apr 2014
Pentax
K-1
Original 36MP full-frame Pentax DSLR with 5-axis SR, AA filter simulator, and weather sealing.
$1,799
Launch priceReleased Apr 2016
K-1 is 2 years newer.
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Wins
645Z
Wins
K-1
14 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- A645Z has lower ISO min (native) (64 vs 100)
- BK-1 has lower Weight (1010 g vs 1470 g)
- A645Z has higher Resolution (51.4 MP vs 36.4 MP)
- A645Z has higher IBIS effectiveness (7 stops vs 5 stops)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share645Z
156 × 117 × 123 mm
1470 g (3.24 lb / 51.85 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
K-1
137 × 111 × 87 mm
1010 g (2.23 lb / 35.63 oz)
645Z is 19mm wider, 7mm taller, and 37mm thicker than K-1.
645Z is 460 g heavier than K-1.
Depth (front-to-back): 123mm 645Z · 87mm K-1
Sensor size, to scale
645Z
43.8 × 32.8 mm · Medium Format
1437 mm² area
K-1
35.9 × 24 mm · Full Frame
862 mm² area
1.7× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
645Z: mount data unavailable
K-1
✓ more lensesPentax K
70+
native lenses available
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
645Z
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 156, 117, 123
ISO min (native)
64 vs 100 — lower is better
Resolution
51.4 MP vs 36.4 MP — higher is better
IBIS effectiveness
7 stops vs 5 stops — higher is better
Reasons to choose
K-1
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 137, 110.5, 86.5
Weight
1010 g vs 1470 g — lower is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓AF points / zones — Both 101
- ✓AF frame coverage — Both 100 %
- ✓Eye AF — Both support eye af
- ✓Animal / bird AF — Both support animal / bird af
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
645Z
Pros
- ✓51MP medium format
- ✓CMOS sensor
- ✓Pentax color
- ✓Relatively affordable MF
Cons
- –Huge body
- –Slow operation
- –Limited lens line vs Hasselblad
K-1
Pros
- ✓36MP full-frame
- ✓IBIS in DSLR
- ✓AA filter simulator
- ✓Weather sealed
Cons
- –Slow AF vs mirrorless
- –Heavy
- –Superseded by K-1 II
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the 645Z and K-1 at major authorized retailers.
Pentax 645Z
Pentax K-1
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for portraits, 645Z or K-1?
K-1 scores 8.0/10 versus 6.0/10 for 645Z — 36.4MP — ample resolution for portraits.
What's the resolution difference between the 645Z and K-1?
645Z is 51.4 MP and K-1 is 36.4 MP, so the 645Z captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the 645Z and K-1 have in-body image stabilization?
645Z has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while K-1 has 5-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the 645Z or the K-1?
645Z reaches 20 fps electronic. K-1 reaches 20 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the 645Z and K-1?
645Z weighs 1470 g and K-1 weighs 1010 g, so the K-1 is 460 g lighter.
Do the 645Z and K-1 record 4K video?
645Z: 4K up to 60p. K-1: 4K up to 60p.
Are the 645Z and K-1 weather sealed?
645Z: Yes. K-1: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the 645Z and 640 shots for the K-1, giving the K-1 the edge.
How much does each cost?
645Z launched at $8,499 and K-1 at $1,799. The K-1 is $6,700 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way 645Z vs K-1 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.