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-5
Legendary weather-sealed APS-C DSLR with 16MP sensor and exceptional build quality.
$1,099
Launch priceReleased Sep 2010
645Z is 3.6 years newer.
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Wins
645Z
Wins
K-5
10 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- A645Z has higher Resolution (51.4 MP vs 16.3 MP)
- A645Z has higher RAW buffer depth (120 frames vs 60 frames)
- BK-5 has lower Weight (750 g vs 1470 g)
- A645Z has higher EVF resolution (3,690,000 vs 2,360,000)
- A645Z has lower ISO min (native) (64 vs 100)
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-5
131 × 97 × 73 mm
750 g (1.65 lb / 26.46 oz)
645Z is 25mm wider, 20mm taller, and 50mm thicker than K-5.
645Z is 720 g heavier than K-5.
Depth (front-to-back): 123mm 645Z · 73mm K-5
Sensor size, to scale
645Z
43.8 × 32.8 mm · Medium Format
1437 mm² area
K-5
23.7 × 15.7 mm · APS-C
372 mm² area
3.9× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
645Z: mount data unavailable
K-5
✓ 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
Resolution
51.4 MP vs 16.3 MP — higher is better
RAW buffer depth
120 frames vs 60 frames — higher is better
EVF resolution
3,690,000 vs 2,360,000 — higher is better
ISO min (native)
64 vs 100 — lower is better
Burst (mechanical)
8 fps vs 6 fps — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
20 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
IBIS effectiveness
7 stops vs 6 stops — higher is better
Reasons to choose
K-5
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 131, 97, 73
Weight
750 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-5
Pros
- ✓Legendary build
- ✓Weather sealed
- ✓Excellent JPEG engine
- ✓Compact pro DSLR
Cons
- –16MP very dated
- –Slow AF
- –DSLR niche
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the 645Z and K-5 at major authorized retailers.
Pentax 645Z
Pentax K-5
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for landscape, 645Z or K-5?
645Z scores 8.0/10 versus 3.5/10 for K-5 — 51.4MP — massive detail for large prints.
What's the resolution difference between the 645Z and K-5?
645Z is 51.4 MP and K-5 is 16.3 MP, so the 645Z captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the 645Z and K-5 have in-body image stabilization?
645Z has 7-stop in-body image stabilization, while K-5 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the 645Z or the K-5?
645Z reaches 20 fps electronic. K-5 reaches 15 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the 645Z and K-5?
645Z weighs 1470 g and K-5 weighs 750 g, so the K-5 is 720 g lighter.
Do the 645Z and K-5 record 4K video?
645Z: 4K up to 60p. K-5: 4K up to 60p.
Are the 645Z and K-5 weather sealed?
645Z: Yes. K-5: Yes.
Which has better battery life?
Rated battery life is 640 shots (CIPA) for the 645Z and 640 shots for the K-5, giving the K-5 the edge.
How much does each cost?
645Z launched at $8,499 and K-5 at $1,099. The K-5 is $7,400 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way 645Z vs K-5 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.