Pentax 645Z Second Best Sensor Ever Tested after Hasselblad X1D… Fujifilm GFX 50S Test Coming Soon?

Pentax 645Z DxO Sensor Test

Back in October we reported that DxOmark said they will now test medium format cameras… and they kept their word.

The first camera they tested was the Hasselblad X1D, which immediatly jumped to the very top of the DxO Ranking, making it the best sensor they have ever tested (score 102). You can read their X1D report here.

Price and Specs: Pentax 645Z / Fujifilm GFX 50S / Hasselblad X1D

Now the full test of Pentax 645Z is also online and it confirms their preliminary results shared a few years ago. It gets a total score of 101. Check out the Pentax 645Z DxO sensor test here.

“It’s clear from our testing that the Pentax 645Z’s sensor is extremely capable, coming within a whisper of matching the performance of the Hasselblad X1D sensor (our highest-scoring sensor to date). The 645Z’s high dynamic range and color sensitivity make it ideally suited for capturing the types of scenes that are traditionally favored by medium-format photographers — landscapes, weddings, portraits, and still lifes (commercial). Medium-format shooters are interesting capturing images with lots of detail, low noise, and smooth tonal gradations.

In addition, the Pentax 645Z controls noise well, making it suitable for use in relatively low light, and perhaps expanding the range of conditions in which medium-format cameras are traditionally used.

It’s interesting to compare the Pentax 645Z sensor against the Nikon D850’s because although the former is about 1.7x larger, it’s also around three years older. While the 645Z beats the Nikon sensor in our tests, the Nikon comes closer than you might expect, given the size difference. If Sony made a medium-format sensor with the same design as the D850, it would beat the sensors in both the Pentax 645Z and the Hassleblad X1D-50c.”

Now only the Fujifilm GFX 50S is missing, and let’s hope the test follows soon.

Fuji’s Secret Test

As I reported here, before making the final decision to go Medium Format, Fujifilm made a secret test, using a Pentax 645Z file. The results of this test convinced them to go Medium Format. What exactly happened and what did they test? A trusted source told us everything here :)

Fujifilm GFX Blows Away Pentax 645z, Canon 5DSR and Sony A7RII: “The Best Lab Images We Have Ever Seen” – Imaging Resource

Imaging-resource just published the first lab samples of the Fujiflm GFX… and they blow away Pentax 645Z, Canon 5DS R and Sony A7R II.

“Based on this initial First Shots assessment, the Fuji GFX is simply stunning, both at low and high ISOs. This camera produces the best lab shots we’ve ever come across. Detail is fantastic, and high ISO performance is excellent.”

Sure, don’t believe me or imaging-resource, compare by yourself over at imaging-resource here, but I wouldn’t be surprised if you agree ;)

Damn… it’s after midnight here, and I’m pixel peeping like crazy… and I’m sure many fellow GFX fans at our GFX group and GFX page are doing the same :). And what about you? Share your findings in the comments down below.

Btw… whoever doubted this story, might now think differently. It beats the Pentax 645z hands down, and Fuji knew it a long time ago.

Fujifilm GFX: USA BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, CalumetDE AmazonUK, WexUK, ParkCamerasUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro

Fujifilm GFX GAS ALERT: “It’s a Beast!” :: Fuji GFX Beats Pentax 645z :: GFX + Otus 55… and A LOT of Sample Images!

IN STOCK CHECK

The Fujifilm GFX body is in stock at UniquePhoto (SOLD OUT). The following GF lenses are in stock at AmazonUS via third party official Fujifilm seller OneCall and Cardinal Photo for regular price: GF63mm, GF32-64 and GF120mm (please note that everything changes quickly on AmazonUS now. So double check prices).

Fujifilm GFX 50s: USA BHphoto, Adorama, AmazonUS EU: AmazonDE, CalumetDE AmazonUK, WexUK, ParkCamerasUK, PCHstore AUS: CameraPro

GFX SAMPELS AND IMPRESSIONS

I’m sorry guys, but these days are GFX days. But don’t be afraid… X-stuff is coming very soon… and I think you will like it A LOT!

I can’t think of a better place in these days to know everything about the GFX, than our hyperactive 8,000+ members strong Fujifilm GFX facebook group. It’s simply astonishing how active GFX owners are sharing their images and impressions every minute. Thanks guys :-)

Oh, sure, it’s a closed group, but since I’m a kind guy, I will take some tidbits from the group and share it with all of you. You’re welcome ;)

NEW: For everything Fujifilm GFX related, I’ve just lauched the dedicated GFX facebook page: 100% GFX news and rumors 24×7.

ENJOY

shared by yslphotos here: Hi all. I did a comparison shot between the 645z and the Fuji GFX50s at my apartment. Same ledge, same place. Metering is the same, center weighte Variables are as follows.

  1. The Pentax 645z photo was shot with a 19mm equivalent and the Fuji at 24mm.
  2. The Pentax 645z settings were ISO100, 90s exposure, F8. Fuji was ISO 100, 30s exposure, F8. Used a light meter to figure out the exposure.
  3. The timing is 2 am vs 8 pm (about 6 hours difference) after a cloudy evening. 2014 vs 2017 (if it matters).
  4. DNG vs OOC JPEG (at this point can’t compare the RAF).

Findings from the community in the comments:

yslphotos.: CA more noticeable on the Pentax lenses over the same area
Jensen: Fuji won!
Johnathan L.: Fuji look nicer

Less CA on the Fuji

_ _ _

shared by 陈. here: GF63F2.8 – or maybe a few randoms~

_ _ _

shared by 陈. here: Fujifilm GFX GF63F2.8 – For streets maybe?

Click READ MORE for more images

** CLICK HERE to Read the Rest of the Article **