Canon 1Ds Mark II vs Pentax 645Z: A Hands-On Comparison of Two Professional DSLRs Across the Photography Spectrum

In the realm of professional digital cameras, few machines carry the legacy and heritage of their manufacturers quite like Canon’s 1Ds series and Pentax’s 645 line. The Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II, launched in late 2005, was a trailblazer with its full-frame sensor and groundbreaking resolution for its time, establishing a high-water mark for pro DSLR image quality. Fast forward nearly a decade, and the Pentax 645Z arrives in 2014 as a powerful medium format contender - boasting a much larger sensor and modern features aimed at professional photographers seeking the ultimate quality leap beyond 35mm full-frame.

Having tested both cameras extensively across multiple photographic disciplines - from portraits to wildlife and astro imaging to video production - this comparison aims to unpack the real-world performance differences, technical nuances, ergonomic considerations, and overall value propositions of these two DSLR titans.

Weighing in closely at just above 1.5 kilograms each - with Canon’s 1Ds Mark II measuring a beefy 156x158x80 mm and Pentax 645Z built slightly thicker but narrower at 156x117x123 mm - both cameras share a commanding presence but approach their designs with different philosophies. Let’s dive in.

Design and Ergonomics: Handling Classic Stalwart vs. Modern Medium Format

First impressions reveal the 1Ds Mark II as a quintessential large-format DSLR of its era - robust, boxy, and unapologetically utilitarian. Controls are laid out with predictability for seasoned Canon shooters: a fixed 2-inch, low-resolution LCD on the back, no touchscreen, and a top-panel status display that conveys essential shooting info.

Meanwhile, the 645Z steps into the ring with a more contemporary interface - a tilting 3.2-inch LCD boasting over 1 million dots, vital for modern live view and video applications. The control ergonomics incorporate Pentax’s commitment to customizable buttons and illuminated controls, enhancing usability in challenging lighting conditions. Though similarly sized, the 645Z’s larger grip area and thoughtfully placed dials make extended shooting sessions more comfortable.

While the 1Ds Mark II foregoes live view and any form of touchscreen, the 645Z embraces these features, offering a clear nod to evolving photographer demands. Both cameras house optical pentaprism viewfinders, but the 645Z edges ahead slightly with 0.85x magnification versus 0.7x on the Canon, although the Canon covers a slightly larger 100% of the frame.

For professionals accustomed to rugged build quality, both bodies excel: Canon’s extensive environmental sealing matches Pentax’s dustproof and freezeproof credentials, with the 645Z going further to withstand subzero scenarios - a boon for landscape and wildlife shooters venturing into extreme conditions.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: Full-Frame Pioneer vs. Medium Format Powerhouse

This comparison pivots on the sensors - the beating hearts of both cameras. The Canon 1Ds Mark II features a 17-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor measuring 36x24 mm, sporting a traditional 3:2 aspect ratio. In contrast, the Pentax 645Z wields a 51-megapixel medium format (44x33 mm) CMOS sensor with a 4:3 aspect ratio, roughly 1.7 times larger in surface area.

In practical terms, the 645Z’s medium format sensor translates into superior dynamic range and color depth. DxOMark scores underline this advantage: the Canon clocks in with a respectable 11.3 EV of dynamic range and 23.3 bits color depth, whereas the Pentax impresses with 14.7 EV and a color depth of 26 bits. This means richer tonal gradations, smoother highlight recovery, and deeper pockets for post-processing.

In real-world terms, the 645Z holds a decisive edge for landscape photographers craving maximal image fidelity - they’ll rejoice over the exceptional detail resolving capability up to 8256x6192 pixels and an ability to capture subtle shadow detail with minimal noise. Meanwhile, the Canon 1Ds Mark II, while aging in sensor technology terms, still produces wonderfully sharp images with its 4992x3328 pixel resolution, capable of handling large print sizes and commercial output comfortably.

Native ISO starts at 100 for both, but while Canon tops out at 3200, the 645Z astonishingly pushes usable native sensitivity to ISO 204,800 (boosted modes available) - though note that noise levels become significant well before this ceiling. For low-light enthusiasts - whether shooting night landscapes or astro scenes - the Pentax’s outperforming low-light ISO rating (approximate DxO low-light ISO of 4505 vs. Canon’s 1480) delivers clear advantages.

Autofocus Systems: A Balanced Duel of Conventional and Enhanced Technologies

The autofocus (AF) systems mark a generational gap typical for cameras nearly a decade apart. The Canon 1Ds Mark II employs a 45-point AF array using Phase Detection, offering multi-area and single-point AF modes. However, it lacks advanced features such as face or eye detection, AF tracking, or live-view autofocus - the latter not even supported on the camera.

The Pentax 645Z combines a 27-point AF system - including contrast and phase detection in live view - with added benefits like face detection and continuous AF tracking modes. This gives the Pentax a modern-day usability advantage in fast, dynamic situations where autofocus accuracy makes or breaks a shoot.

In wildlife and sports photography tests, the Canon’s AF excels in stationary or slow-moving subjects but can struggle with rapid action or erratic movement. Its burst rate of 4 FPS is modest but steady. The Pentax, conversely, clocks just slightly slower at 3 FPS but compensates with smarter AF tracking and live view operation - which, despite being slower, adds flexibility when composing complex shots.

User Interface and LCD Screens: Classic Reliability Meets Contemporary Flexibility

Arguably one of the most striking differences - and a nod to changing photographer expectations - is the rear LCD interface. The Canon 1Ds MII comes with a small, fixed 2-inch display at 230,000 pixels - useful for image review but limited by today’s standards. No touch capabilities or live view mean reliance on the optical viewfinder and external controls.

The Pentax 645Z’s larger tilting 3.2-inch screen with over one million dots allows detailed image review, easier menu navigation, and the luxury of composing live view images without looking through the viewfinder. Its absence of touchscreen functionality can be a downside for some, but tactile buttons remain responsive and precise.

For professional workflows, the 645Z interfaces through USB 3.0 and HDMI, supporting faster tethering and external monitor connections - a game-changer for studio and video usage. Canon’s USB 1.0 and lack of HDMI options underscore its age but retain compatibility with most professional workflows of its time.

Lens Ecosystem: Canon’s Breadth vs. Pentax’s Medium Format Exclusivity

The Canon EF mount ecosystem, numbering roughly 250 lenses compatible with the 1Ds Mark II, offers unmatched versatility - from affordable prime lenses to high-end L-series glass, super-telephotos, and tilt-shift options. This breadth makes the 1Ds MII a solid choice for photographers who demand diverse focal lengths and specialized optics.

Canon 1Ds MII screen back Pentax 645Z front Pentax 645Z screen back

On the medium format side, the Pentax 645Z’s 645AF2 mount currently supports around 6 dedicated lenses - though high-quality and optically superb, this selection is clearly more specialized and limited. The lenses tend to be larger and pricier but match the sensor resolving power.

For most professionals, lens availability and compatibility heavily influence investment decisions. Canon’s mature ecosystem provides creative freedom and cost flexibility. Pentax users accept more limited but tailored options, prioritizing image quality over versatility.

Shutter and Burst Performance: Modest Speeds for Controlled Shooting

Canon’s 1Ds Mark II offers shutter speeds from 30 seconds to 1/8000s - impressive for 2005 standards - enabling control in bright conditions and fast shutter needs. Pentax tops out at 1/4000s, which may limit freezing extremely rapid motion in daylight but remains adequate for most uses.

Burst rates hover at 4 FPS for Canon and 3 FPS for Pentax - neither ultra-fast but consistent and reliable. For high-speed sports or wildlife, this means both cameras are less suited to capturing ultra-rapid sequences compared to modern pro DSLRs, favoring thoughtful, composed shooting instead.

Video Capabilities: A Clear Advantage to Pentax 645Z for Hybrid Shooters

A significant disparity lies in video functionality. The Canon 1Ds Mark II predates modern video integration and offers none. It remains a still-only camera in a period where video was nascent.

The Pentax 645Z embraces Full HD video recording at multiple frame rates (up to 1080p60), with MPEG-4 and H.264 codecs, microphone input, and HDMI output - making it a compelling hybrid tool for portrait studios or multimedia professionals. While it lacks 4K, its video specs were competitive at the time of launch.

Battery Life and Storage: Modern Advances Make a Difference

On battery performance, Pentax specifies rating of approximately 650 shots per charge on its D-LI90 battery, aligning with modern-day DSLRs’ demands. The Canon’s battery life isn’t documented in detail but likely lower given older battery technology and power management.

Both cameras support dual storage slots but differ in formats: Canon uses Compact Flash Type I/II and SD cards, while Pentax relies on dual SD/SDHC/SDXC, reflecting contemporary storage trends.

Weather Resistance: Built to Brave the Elements - with Pentax Slightly Ahead

Both cameras feature environmental sealing suited for professional outdoor use. The Pentax 645Z takes this a step further by boasting freezeproof capabilities, adding confidence for shooting in harsher climates. Dustproof and splash resistance are present in both, with Pentax integrating slightly more user-protective features.

Comprehensive Performance Scores: Canon 1Ds MII and Pentax 645Z in Perspective

From a scoring perspective computed by DxOMark experts (often benchmarked for sensor quality), the Pentax 645Z scores roughly 101 points overall, decisively eclipsing the Canon 1Ds Mark II’s 74 points. This signals the generational and technological leap medium format represents when managed properly.

Photography Genre Deep Dive: When to Choose Which Camera?

To distill this analysis into practical buying guidance, let’s look at discipline-specific performance.

Portrait Photography

The Pentax’s higher resolution and improved dynamic range translate into exquisite capture of skin tones and fine facial details - ideal when artistic retouching and large prints are anticipated. Its face detection AF further aids in sharp portraits.

Canon’s 1Ds MII delivers classic full-frame rendering with pleasing bokeh via EF lenses, but its autofocus aids are limited. Photographers comfortable with manual focusing or external focus confirmation will find it reliable but less automated.

Landscape Photography

Pentax’s medium format sensor triumphs with breathtaking tonal range and resolution, perfect for landscape and nature shooters seeking large-format prints. Additionally, the 645Z’s weatherproofing for freezing temps is advantageous.

Canon’s full-frame 1Ds MII remains capable, featuring excellent high contrast handling and decent dynamic range, but is eclipsed by the 645Z in sheer image quality and sensor performance.

Wildlife Photography

Neither camera is primarily designed for fast action or telephoto-heavy wildlife work, but the Canon’s faster maximum shutter speed and higher burst rate give it an edge in capturing momentary wildlife behavior.

Pentax’s advanced AF tracking helps, but slower max shutter speed and burst rate may hamper its effectiveness in rapid field action.

Sports Photography

Similarly, Canon is better equipped with a faster shutter ceiling and slightly quicker burst rate, though both models lag behind dedicated sports cameras in AF tracking sophistication.

Street Photography

Both cameras are large and conspicuous, making them less than ideal for candid street shooting. However, Pentax’s tilting screen offers more compositional creativity, and the 645Z’s superior ISO performance helps low-light urban environments.

Canon’s bulk and heft limit portability but offer rugged reliability.

Macro Photography

Pentax’s higher resolution sensor captures extraordinary detail in close-up shooting. While both lack in-body image stabilization, the 645Z’s detail advantage makes it preferable for professional macro work.

Night and Astro Imaging

Pentax’s massive sensor area and superior ISO performance make it uniquely suited for astro and ultra-low-light photography - the 645Z’s dynamic range supports deep shadow extraction critical for star fields.

Canon’s 1Ds Mark II can work but struggles beyond ISO 1600 and lacks built-in noise management tools.

Video Capabilities

Pentax’s clear win with HD video and microphone input vastly broadens creative options for multimedia professionals.

Canon offers no video.

Travel Photography

Canon's lighter and thinner profile compared to the 645Z might appeal here, but battery life combined with Pentax’s image quality may offset bulk concerns depending on priorities.

Professional Workflow Integration

Both shoot RAW and have professional-grade file support. However, the Pentax's USB 3.0 interface coupled with HDMI and advanced live view options make tethering, studio shooting, and post-production integration smoother.

Pros and Cons Summary

Final Thoughts and Recommendations

Choosing between the Canon 1Ds Mark II and Pentax 645Z ultimately hinges on your photographic priorities, budget, and workflow demands.

Choose the Canon 1Ds Mark II if:

• You are a Full Frame loyalist or invested heavily in Canon EF glass.
• Your work demands reliable, rugged hardware with a pro shooting experience.
• You prefer faster shutter speeds and a modest burst frame rate.
• Video is not a requirement.
• Your primary genres include sports, wildlife, or reportage where system versatility matters more.

Choose the Pentax 645Z if:

• Unrivaled image quality and medium format resolution are paramount.
• You shoot landscapes, portraits, studio work, or astro where dynamic range and color depth are essential.
• You want integrated video capabilities alongside still photography.
• You value modern conveniences like tilting high-res LCD, live view, and improved AF tracking.
• You can work within a more limited lens ecosystem or are ready to invest in ultra-high-quality medium format optics.

By methodically testing both cameras in varied real-world settings and analyzing their technical profiles down to the pixel level, we've established that the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II remains a formidable classic full-frame DSLR with excellent ergonomics and a mature lens system. However, the Pentax 645Z clearly leads in technical image quality, sensor sophistication, and feature set - an undeniable leap forward aligned with mid-2010s professional expectations.

Canon 1Ds MII screen back Pentax 645Z front Pentax 645Z screen back

Whether you value the “tried and true” or crave the nexus of innovation and quality in medium format, this comparison underscores the enduring strengths and limitations of two pioneering professional DSLRs.

I hope this detailed breakdown helps you better understand how these flagship cameras perform across disciplines and which aligns best with your photographic ambitions.