Pentax 645Z Vs Fujifilm Gfx 100S: Ultimate Medium Format Showdown

Hey there, fellow photography enthusiasts! Today, I want to share my experience with two incredible medium format cameras: the Pentax 645Z and the Fujifilm GFX 100S. As a seasoned photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of using both, and I’m excited to compare them in this detailed showdown. Whether you’re considering upgrading your gear or just curious about the differences, this article is for you. Let’s dive into the world of medium format photography and see how these two cameras stack up.

Medium format cameras are known for their exceptional image quality, and both the Pentax 645Z and Fujifilm GFX 100S deliver on that promise. However, they approach it from different angles, with distinct design philosophies, features, and performance characteristics. In this article, I’ll cover everything from design and build quality to image quality, performance, lens compatibility, user interface, video capabilities, and more. By the end, you’ll have a clear understanding of which camera might be the better fit for your needs.

Pentax 645Z Vs Fujifilm Gfx 100S Comparison

Comparison Table

Before we dive into the details, let’s take a look at a comparison table to get a quick overview of the key differences.

Aspect	Pentax 645Z	Fujifilm GFX 100S
Sensor	51.4MP CMOS, 43.8 x 32.8mm	102MP BSI-CMOS, 44 x 33mm
Weight	1550g (with battery and SD card)	900g
Dimensions	156 x 117 x 123mm	150 x 104 x 92mm
Autofocus	27-point phase-detect, center-clustered	425-point phase-detect, 100% coverage
Continuous Shooting Speed	3 fps	5 fps
Video	Full HD 1080p at 30fps	4K at 30p, 10-bit, F-Log
Image Stabilization	No	5-axis IBIS, up to 6EV
Weather Sealing	Yes	Yes
Battery Life (CIPA)	~650 shots	~460 shots
Lens Mount	Pentax 645	Fujifilm GFX

Design and Build Quality

Let’s kick off our Pentax 645Z vs Fujifilm GFX 100S comparison by looking at their design and build quality. The Pentax 645Z is a traditional DSLR, which means it’s bulkier and heavier, weighing in at 1550 grams. Its build is solid and professional, with a black finish that exudes durability. It’s weather-sealed, making it suitable for outdoor shoots in various conditions. One of its standout features is its large, bright optical viewfinder, which offers a magnification of 0.78x—perfect for those who prefer a real-time view without any lag. The rear screen is a 3.2-inch 1,037,000-dot LCD that tilts up and down, useful for shooting from different angles.

On the other hand, the Fujifilm GFX 100S is a mirrorless camera, which allows for a sleeker and more modern design. It’s significantly lighter at 900 grams and more compact, measuring 150 x 104 x 92mm. Despite its smaller size, it’s also weather-sealed, ensuring it can handle the elements just like its DSLR counterpart. The GFX 100S has an ergonomic grip that feels intuitive and comfortable, making it easier to handle for extended periods. It features a fixed electronic viewfinder (EVF) with a 3.69 million-dot resolution and 0.77x magnification, which, while not as lag-free as an optical viewfinder, offers a bright and detailed preview with overlays like focus peaking. The rear screen is a 3.2-inch 2.36 million-dot touchscreen that tilts in two axes, adding versatility for creative angles and quick menu navigation.

Both cameras feel built to last, but the GFX 100S’s lighter weight and compact size make it more portable, especially for travel or street photography. If you prefer a traditional DSLR feel with a robust build, the 645Z might be your pick. But if you value portability and modern design, the GFX 100S is hard to beat.

Image Quality

Next in our Pentax 645Z vs Fujifilm GFX 100S analysis, let’s delve into image quality. Both cameras are medium format powerhouses, but they deliver their stunning results in slightly different ways. The Pentax 645Z features a 51.4-megapixel CMOS sensor that’s known for its natural color reproduction, making it a favorite for portrait and landscape photographers. Its dynamic range peaks at 14.8 EV at base ISO, offering great flexibility in post-processing. The lack of an anti-alias filter ensures that every detail is captured, though it can sometimes introduce moiré patterns in certain scenarios. The sensor also performs well at high ISOs, with a range from 100 to 204,800, though image quality starts to degrade noticeably above ISO 6400.

The Fujifilm GFX 100S, on the other hand, boasts a 102-megapixel back-illuminated CMOS sensor, offering even higher resolution and exceptional detail. It also lacks an anti-alias filter, allowing for maximum sharpness. Fujifilm’s renowned film simulation modes add another layer of creativity, letting you achieve specific looks straight out of the camera. The dynamic range is on par with the GFX 100, providing about 2/3 EV better than full-frame cameras at the same exposure, which is remarkable for capturing high-contrast scenes. The ISO range is from 100 to 12,800, extendable to 102,400, with excellent high-ISO performance thanks to its back-illuminated design.

Both cameras produce low-noise images even at high ISOs, but the GFX 100S’s higher resolution gives it an edge in terms of detail, especially when printing large. If you need the absolute best resolution for fine art or commercial work, the GFX 100S is the clear winner. However, for most photographers, the 645Z’s 51.4MP is more than sufficient, especially if you value its natural color rendition.

Performance

Performance is another key aspect in the Pentax 645Z vs Fujifilm GFX 100S comparison. The Pentax 645Z features a 27-point phase-detect autofocus system, which is reliable but limited to the center of the frame. This can be a drawback for subjects that move around the composition. Continuous shooting is limited to 3 frames per second (fps), with a buffer depth of about 15-20 RAW files before slowing down. It’s decent for a medium format camera but not ideal for fast-paced action. The mechanical shutter has a top speed of 1/4000 second and a rated life of 100,000 actuations.

In contrast, the Fujifilm GFX 100S has a more advanced 425-point phase-detect autofocus system with 100% coverage across the frame. This makes it much more versatile for tracking subjects or focusing on off-center compositions. It also includes face and eye detection, which is a game-changer for portrait photographers. Continuous shooting is faster at 5 fps, with a deeper buffer that allows for longer bursts—ideal for capturing fleeting moments. The shutter system includes both mechanical (up to 1/4000 second) and electronic (up to 1/4 second) options, offering flexibility for silent shooting or high-speed scenarios.

The GFX 100S also benefits from its in-body image stabilization (IBIS), rated at up to 6EV, which is a significant advantage for handheld shooting or using longer lenses. The Pentax 645Z lacks IBIS, so you’ll rely on lens-based stabilization or a tripod for sharper shots.

Overall, the GFX 100S edges out the 645Z in performance, especially for autofocus and burst shooting. However, if you primarily shoot static subjects like landscapes or studio work, the 645Z’s autofocus limitations might not be a dealbreaker.

Lens Compatibility

Lens choice is crucial when deciding between the Pentax 645Z vs Fujifilm GFX 100S. The Pentax 645Z uses the Pentax 645 mount, which has a well-established lineup of high-quality lenses designed specifically for medium format. Some standout options include the SMC Pentax-D FA 645 55mm f/2.8 for portraits, the HD Pentax-D FA 645 Macro 90mm f/2.8 for close-up work, and the SMC Pentax-FA 645 400mm f/5.6 for telephoto needs. Additionally, the 645Z can adapt lenses from other mounts like Canon EF, Nikon F, and Hasselblad V, expanding your creative possibilities.

The Fujifilm GFX 100S uses the Fujifilm GFX mount, which has a growing but still developing lineup of lenses. Popular choices include the GF 23mm f/4 for wide-angle shots, the GF 45mm f/2.8 for everyday use, and the GF 110mm f/2 for portraits. Fujifilm also offers adapters for Leica M, Canon EF, and Nikon F lenses, allowing you to use your existing glass. While the GFX system is newer, Fujifilm is rapidly expanding its offerings with innovative designs, so it’s worth considering for future-proofing.

Both systems have their strengths. Pentax offers a more mature medium format lens lineup with proven performance, while Fujifilm’s system is catching up quickly with cutting-edge optics. Your choice might depend on whether you prioritize an established system or are excited by the potential of a newer one.

User Interface and Controls

The user interface and controls are where the two cameras differ significantly in their approach. The Pentax 645Z has a traditional menu system that’s straightforward and easy to navigate for those familiar with DSLRs. It offers customizable buttons, allowing you to tailor the camera to your shooting style. The controls are physical and tactile, which many photographers appreciate for their reliability and feedback. However, some might find the menu system a bit dated compared to more modern interfaces.

In contrast, the Fujifilm GFX 100S features a modern and intuitive menu system that’s highly customizable. You can assign functions to various buttons, dials, and even the touchscreen, offering a lot of flexibility. The touchscreen is particularly useful for quick adjustments and navigating menus, making it feel more like using a smartphone or tablet. While some might prefer the physical controls of the 645Z, others might find the GFX 100S’s interface more efficient and user-friendly.

Video Capabilities

When it comes to video, the Pentax 645Z vs Fujifilm GFX 100S comparison shows a clear winner in terms of advanced features. The Pentax 645Z can shoot Full HD video at 1080p up to 30 frames per second, which is decent for a stills-focused camera. It also has a microphone input and focus peaking, which are useful for video shooters. However, it’s clear that video is not its primary strength.

The Fujifilm GFX 100S, on the other hand, offers much more advanced video capabilities. It can shoot 4K video at 30p with F-Log and 10-bit color depth, providing greater dynamic range and color grading possibilities. It also supports high-speed recording and has advanced autofocus capabilities for video, including face and eye detection. This makes the GFX 100S a much better choice for photographers who also want high-quality video capabilities.

Ergonomics and Handling

Handling these cameras can feel quite different due to their design philosophies. The Pentax 645Z, being a DSLR, has a more substantial grip and a layout that might be familiar to those coming from 35mm DSLRs. Its controls are well-spaced, and the camera feels balanced, especially with a lens attached. However, its weight might be a consideration for all-day shoots.

The Fujifilm GFX 100S, on the other hand, has a more compact body with a grip that is contoured for comfort. Despite its smaller size, it doesn’t feel flimsy, and the controls are within easy reach. The addition of a touchscreen makes it very intuitive to use, especially for those who are used to smartphones or tablets.

Both cameras have hot shoes for external flashes, and the GFX 100S also has a PC sync terminal, which might be useful for studio photographers.

Decision-Making Section

In the Pentax 645Z vs Fujifilm GFX 100S debate, there’s no clear winner—it depends on your priorities. If you value higher resolution, advanced video capabilities, and a more compact, lightweight design, the Fujifilm GFX 100S is the way to go. Its 102MP sensor offers unparalleled detail, and its video features make it a great choice for hybrid shooters. Additionally, its modern interface and extensive customization options might appeal to those who like to tailor their camera to their workflow.

On the other hand, if you prefer a traditional DSLR experience with a robust build and excellent battery life, the Pentax 645Z is a solid choice. Its 51.4MP sensor still delivers outstanding image quality, and its lens lineup is well-established. If you don’t need 4K video or the highest resolution, the 645Z might be more than sufficient for your needs.

Consider your budget as well. While both cameras are expensive, the GFX 100S might be more affordable now, especially if you find a used one. However, if you’re investing in a system, think about long-term support—Fujifilm is actively developing the GFX system, while Pentax has discontinued the 645Z.

FAQ Section

1. Which camera has better image quality?
   Both offer exceptional image quality, but the GFX 100S has higher resolution (102MP vs 51.4MP), which might be preferable for those who need the extra detail.
2. Is the GFX 100S better for video?
   Yes, with 4K video at 30p and advanced features like F-Log and 10-bit color, it’s far superior for video.
3. Which is more portable?
   The GFX 100S is lighter (900g vs 1550g) and more compact, making it easier to carry for travel or street photography.
4. Can I use my existing lenses with these cameras?
   Both support adapters. The 645Z can use Pentax 645 lenses and adapt Canon EF, Nikon F, and Hasselblad V. The GFX 100S uses GFX lenses and can adapt Leica M, Canon EF, and Nikon F.
5. Which camera has better autofocus?
   The GFX 100S has a more advanced autofocus system with 425 points and 100% coverage, including face and eye detection.
6. Which has better battery life?
   The Pentax 645Z lasts longer (650 shots vs 460 shots), which is important for long shoots.
7. Which is better for beginners?
   Both are advanced cameras, but the GFX 100S’s modern interface and touchscreen might be more intuitive for those new to medium format.
8. Is one more future-proof?
   Fujifilm is actively developing the GFX system, while Pentax has discontinued the 645Z, so the GFX might have better long-term support.