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Pentax 645Z vs Sony A5100

The Pentax 645Z and the Sony Alpha A5100 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in April 2014 and August 2014. The 645Z is a DSLR, while the A5100 is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera. The cameras are based on a medium format (645Z) and an APS-C (A5100) sensor. The Pentax has a resolution of 51.1 megapixels, whereas the Sony provides 24 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications
Pentax 645Z
versus
Sony A5100
Pentax 645Z   Sony A5100
Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
Pentax 645 mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
51.1 MP – Medium Format sensor 24 MP – APS-C sensor
1080/60i Video 1080/60p Video
ISO 100-204,800 ISO 100-25,600
Optical viewfinder No viewfinder, LCD framing
3.2" LCD – 1037k dots 3.0" LCD – 922k dots
Tilting screen (no touchscreen) Tilting touchscreen
3 shutter flaps per second 6 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed bodynot weather sealed
650 shots per battery charge400 shots per battery charge
156 x 117 x 123 mm, 1550 g 110 x 63 x 36 mm, 283 g
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Check A5100 offers at
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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Pentax 645Z and the Sony Alpha A5100? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

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Body comparison

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Pentax 645Z and the Sony A5100 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The A5100 can be obtained in two different colors (black, white), while the 645Z is only available in black.

Size Pentax 645Z vs Sony A5100
Compare 645Z versus A5100 top
Comparison 645Z or A5100 rear

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Sony A5100 is considerably smaller (62 percent) than the Pentax 645Z. Moreover, the A5100 is substantially lighter (82 percent) than the 645Z. It is worth mentioning in this context that the 645Z is splash and dust resistant, while the A5100 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

Concerning battery life, the 645Z gets 650 shots out of its Pentax D-LI90 battery, while the A5100 can take 400 images on a single charge of its Sony NP-FW50 power pack. The power pack in the A5100 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, you can move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
  empty Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Pentax 645Z 156 mm 117 mm 123 mm 1550 g 650 Y Apr 2014 US$ 8 499ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A5100 110 mm 63 mm 36 mm 283 g 400 n Aug 2014 US$ 549ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II 158 mm 168 mm 83 mm 1530 g 1210 Y Feb 2016 US$ 5 999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 5DS R 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
6.
 
Hasselblad X1D 150 mm 98 mm 71 mm 725 g .. Y Jun 2016 US$ 8 995ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M11 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 640 g 700 Y Jan 2022 US$ 8 999 amazon.com
8.
 
Leica SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 US$ 7 449ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4S 160 mm 157 mm 91 mm 1350 g 3020 Y Feb 2014 US$ 6 499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5 160 mm 159 mm 92 mm 1415 g 3780 Y Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D7200 136 mm 107 mm 76 mm 765 g 1110 Y Mar 2015 US$ 1 199ebay.com
12.
 
Pentax 645D 156 mm 117 mm 119 mm 1480 g 800 Y Mar 2010 US$ 9 995ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A5000 110 mm 63 mm 36 mm 269 g 420 n Jan 2014 US$ 449ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A6000 120 mm 67 mm 45 mm 344 g 360 n Feb 2014 US$ 599ebay.com
15.
 
Sony NEX-3N 110 mm 62 mm 35 mm 269 g 480 n Feb 2013 US$ 499ebay.com
16.
 
Sony RX100 102 mm 58 mm 36 mm 240 g 330 n Jun 2012 US$ 649ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX100 IV 102 mm 58 mm 41 mm 298 g 280 n Jun 2015 US$ 999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The A5100 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 94 percent) than the 645Z, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Pentax 645Z features a medium format sensor and the Sony A5100 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the A5100 is 74 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 0.79 and 1.5. The sensor in the 645Z has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the A5100 offers a 3:2 aspect.

Pentax 645Z and Sony A5100 sensor measures

With 51.1MP, the 645Z offers a higher resolution than the A5100 (24MP), but the 645Z nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.30μm versus 3.91μm for the A5100) due to its larger sensor. However, the A5100 is a somewhat more recent model (by 4 months) than the 645Z, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the 645Z has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Pentax 645Z implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the 645Z for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.3 x 31 inches or 104.9 x 78.6 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33 x 24.8 inches or 83.9 x 62.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.5 x 20.6 inches or 69.9 x 52.4 cm. The corresponding values for the Sony A5100 are 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm for good quality, 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm for very good quality, and 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The A5100 has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Pentax 645Z has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 204800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Sony Alpha A5100 are ISO 100 to ISO 25600 (no boost).

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

645Z versus A5100 MP

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under review, the 645Z provides substantially higher image quality than the A5100, with an overall score that is 21 points higher. This advantage is based on 2.2 bits higher color depth, 2 EV in additional dynamic range, and 1.7 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

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Sensor Characteristics
  empty Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Pentax 645Z Medium Format 51.1 8256 61921080/60i26.014.74505101
2.
 
Sony A5100 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.812.7134780
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II Full Frame 20.0 5472 36484K/60p24.113.5320788
4.
 
Canon 5DS Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.712.4238187
5.
 
Canon 5DS R Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.612.4230886
6.
 
Hasselblad X1D Medium Format 51.3 8272 62001080/25p26.214.84489102
7.
 
Leica M11 Full Frame 60.3 9528 6328none26.314.83376100
8.
 
Leica SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
9.
 
Nikon D4S Full Frame 16.2 4928 32801080/60p24.413.3307489
10.
 
Nikon D5 Full Frame 20.7 5588 37124K/30p25.112.3234388
11.
 
Nikon D7200 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.514.6133387
12.
 
Pentax 645D Medium Format 39.5 7264 5440none24.612.6126282
13.
 
Sony A5000 APS-C 19.8 5456 36321080/60i23.813.0108979
14.
 
Sony A6000 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.113.1134782
15.
 
Sony NEX-3N APS-C 16.0 4912 32641080/60i22.812.5106774
16.
 
Sony RX100 1-inch 20.0 5472 36481080/60p22.612.439066
17.
 
Sony RX100 IV 1-inch 20.0 5472 36484K/30p22.812.659170

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the A5100 provides a faster frame rate than the 645Z. It can shoot movie footage at 1080/60p, while the Pentax is limited to 1080/60i.

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the 645Z has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the A5100 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Pentax 645Z and Sony A5100 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
  empty Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Pentax 645Zoptical Y3.2 / 1037 tilting n 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
2.
 
Sony A5100none n3.0 / 922 tilting Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIoptical Y3.2 / 1620 fixed Y 1/8000s 16.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 5DSoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
5.
 
Canon 5DS Roptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
6.
 
Hasselblad X1D2360 n3.0 / 920 fixed Y 1/2000s 2.3/s n n
7.
 
Leica M11optical n3.0 / 2333 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.5/s n n
8.
 
Leica SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
9.
 
Nikon D4Soptical Y3.2 / 921 fixed n 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
10.
 
Nikon D5optical Y3.2 / 2359 fixed Y 1/8000s 14.0/s n n
11.
 
Nikon D7200optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
12.
 
Pentax 645Doptical Y3.0 / 921 fixed n 1/4000s 1.1/s n n
13.
 
Sony A5000none n3.0 / 461 tilting n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
14.
 
Sony A60001440 n3.0 / 922 tilting n 1/4000s 11.0/s Y n
15.
 
Sony NEX-3Noptional n3.0 / 460 tilting n 1/4000s 4.0/s Y n
16.
 
Sony RX100none n3.0 / 1229 fixed n 1/2000s 10.0/s Y Y
17.
 
Sony RX100 IV2359 n3.0 / 1228 tilting n 1/2000s 16.0/s Y Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that is present on the 645Z, but is missing on the A5100 is a top-level LCD. While being, of course, smaller than the rear screen, the control panel conveys some of the essential shooting information and can be convenient for quick and easy settings verification.

The A5100 has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by vloggers and photographers who are interested in taking selfies. In contrast, the 645Z does not have a selfie-screen.

The Pentax 645Z has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The 645Z writes its imaging data to SDXC cards, while the A5100 uses SDXC or Memory Stick PRO Duo cards. The 645Z features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the A5100 only has one slot. Both cameras can use UHS-I cards, which provide for Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 104 MB/s.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Pentax 645Z and Sony Alpha A5100 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
  empty Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Pentax 645ZYstereo / monoY-mini3.0---
2.
 
Sony A5100-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark IIYmono / monoYYmini3.0---
4.
 
Canon 5DSYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
5.
 
Canon 5DS RYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
6.
 
Hasselblad X1DYstereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
7.
 
Leica M11Y- / ----3.2Y-Y
8.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
9.
 
Nikon D4SYmono / monoYYmini2.0---
10.
 
Nikon D5Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0---
11.
 
Nikon D7200Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0YY-
12.
 
Pentax 645DYstereo / ----2.0---
13.
 
Sony A5000-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
14.
 
Sony A6000Ystereo / mono--micro2.0YY-
15.
 
Sony NEX-3N-stereo / mono--micro2.0---
16.
 
Sony RX100-stereo / mono--micro2.0---
17.
 
Sony RX100 IV-stereo / mono--micro2.0YY-

It is notable that the 645Z has a hotshoe, while the A5100 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Pentax 645Z (unlike the A5100) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Both the 645Z and the A5100 have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. Neither of the two has a direct successor, so they represent the end of the respective camera lines from Pentax and Sony. Further information on the features and operation of the 645Z and A5100 can be found, respectively, in the Pentax 645Z Manual (free pdf) or the online Sony A5100 Manual.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Which of the two cameras – the Pentax 645Z or the Sony A5100 – has the upper hand? Is one clearly better than the other? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

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Reasons to prefer the Pentax 645Z:

  • More detail: Offers more megapixels (51.1 vs 24MP) with a 43% higher linear resolution.
  • Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
  • Better image quality: Scores substantially higher (21 points) in the DXO overall assessment.
  • Richer colors: Generates images with noticeably better colors (2.2 bits more color depth).
  • More dynamic range: Captures a larger spectrum of light and dark details (2 EV of extra DR).
  • Better low-light sensitivity: Requires less light for good images (1.7 stops ISO advantage).
  • Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.
  • Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
  • Easier setting verification: Features an LCD display on top to control shooting parameters.
  • Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.2" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
  • More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1037k vs 922k dots).
  • Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
  • Longer lasting: Can take more shots (650 versus 400) on a single battery charge.
  • Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
  • Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
  • Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
  • Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
  • Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
  • More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in April 2014).

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Advantages of the Sony Alpha A5100:

  • Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
  • Better video: Provides higher movie framerates (1080/60p versus 1080/60i).
  • Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
  • Fewer buttons to press: Has a touchscreen to facilitate handling and shooting adjustments.
  • More selfie-friendly: Has an articulated screen that can be turned to be front-facing.
  • Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (6 vs 3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
  • More compact: Is smaller (110x63mm vs 156x117mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
  • Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 1267g or 82 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
  • Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
  • More legacy lens friendly: Can use many non-native lenses via adapters.
  • Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
  • Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
  • Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
  • More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (94 percent cheaper at launch).
  • More modern: Was introduced somewhat (4 months) more recently.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the 645Z is the clear winner of the match-up (19 : 15 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

645Z 19:15 A5100

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Pentax 645Z and the Sony A5100 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the 645Z and the A5100 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

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Expert Camera Reviews
  empty  Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price
Street
Price
1.
 
Pentax 645Z5/5..3.5/5..4.5/55/5 Apr 2014 US$ 8 499ebay.com
2.
 
Sony A51004.5/5+....4.5/55/5 Aug 2014 US$ 549ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 1D X Mark II....4.5/589/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2016 US$ 5 999ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 5DS R5/5+..83/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2015 US$ 3 699ebay.com
6.
 
Hasselblad X1D..o..81/100..4/5 Jun 2016 US$ 8 995ebay.com
7.
 
Leica M114.5/5..4.5/5..4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2022 US$ 8 999 amazon.com
8.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 US$ 7 449ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D4S5/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2014 US$ 6 499ebay.com
10.
 
Nikon D5....4/589/1004.5/55/5 Jan 2016 US$ 6 499ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D72004/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2015 US$ 1 199ebay.com
12.
 
Pentax 645D5/5.......... Mar 2010 US$ 9 995ebay.com
13.
 
Sony A50003/5+....4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2014 US$ 449ebay.com
14.
 
Sony A60005/5+4.5/580/1004.5/55/5 Feb 2014 US$ 599ebay.com
15.
 
Sony NEX-3N3/5......4.5/54.5/5 Feb 2013 US$ 499ebay.com
16.
 
Sony RX1005/5+ +..78/1004/55/5 Jun 2012 US$ 649ebay.com
17.
 
Sony RX100 IV4.5/5+ +..85/1004/54.5/5 Jun 2015 US$ 999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Check A5100 offers at
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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications: Pentax 645Z vs Sony A5100

    Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

    Camera Specifications
    Camera Model Pentax 645Z Sony A5100
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Pentax 645 mount lenses Sony E mount lenses
    Launch Date April 2014 August 2014
    Launch Price USD 8,499 USD 549
    Sensor Specs Pentax 645Z Sony A5100
    Sensor Technology CMOS CMOS
    Sensor Format Medium Format Sensor APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 43.8 x 32.8 mm 23.5 x 15.6 mm
    Sensor Area 1436.64 mm2 366.6 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 54.7 mm 28.2 mm
    Crop Factor 0.79x 1.5x
    Sensor Resolution 51.1 Megapixels 24 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 8256 x 6192 pixels 6000 x 4000 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.30 μm 3.91 μm
    Pixel Density 3.56 MP/cm2 6.55 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability 1080/60i Video 1080/60p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 204,800 ISO 100 - 25,600 ISO
    Image Processor PRIME III BIONZ X
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 101 80
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 26.0 23.8
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.7 12.7
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 4505 1347
    Screen Specs Pentax 645Z Sony A5100
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder no viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 98%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.78x
    Top-Level Screen Control Panel no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View Live View
    Rear LCD Size 3.2inch 3.0inch
    LCD Resolution 1037k dots 922k dots
    LCD Attachment Tilting screen Tilting screen
    Touch Input no Touchscreen Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs Pentax 645Z Sony A5100
    Focus System Phase-detect AF On-Sensor Phase-detect
    Manual Focusing AidFocus PeakingFocus Peaking
    Max Shutter Speed (mechanical) 1/4000s 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s 6 shutter flaps/s
    Time-Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer built-inno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards MS or SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots Single card slot
    UHS card support UHS-I UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs Pentax 645Z Sony A5100
    External Flash Hotshoe no Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket no PC Sync
    USB Connector USB 3.0 USB 2.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI micro HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port no MIC socket
    Wifi Support no Wifi Wifi built-in
    Near-Field Communication no NFC NFC built-in
    Body Specs Pentax 645Z Sony A5100
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed bodynot weather sealed
    Battery Type Pentax D-LI90 Sony NP-FW50
    Battery Life (CIPA)650 shots per charge400 shots per charge
    In-Camera Charging no USB charging USB charging
    Body Dimensions 156 x 117 x 123 mm
    (6.1 x 4.6 x 4.8 in)
    110 x 63 x 36 mm
    (4.3 x 2.5 x 1.4 in)
    Camera Weight 1550 g (54.7 oz) 283 g (10.0 oz)
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    Check 645Z offers at
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    Check A5100 offers at
    ebay.com

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