Nikon Z7 II vs. Pentax 645D: A Pro Mirrorless Behemoth Meets a Medium Format Classic

When it comes to choosing between two cameras that sit in very different camps - one a cutting-edge full-frame mirrorless powerhouse and the other a venerable medium-format DSLR icon - it’s easy to get lost in specs and marketing speak. But here at the crossroads of new-school innovation and old-school precision, I’ve taken these two beasts for a spin to help you navigate which best suits your photographic ambitions. Whether you’re a portrait maestro, a landscape chaser, or just love that tactile heft in your hands, by the end of this comparison you’ll have a clearer picture - literally and figuratively.

Let’s start by sizing them up, shall we?

Size, Shape, and Handling: The Feel of a Camera Matters More Than You Think

First impressions are tactile. The Nikon Z7 II is a well-balanced, SLR-style mirrorless hybrid - compact yet solidly built - while the Pentax 645D is an old-school, large-format SLR that demands respect in both heft and presence.

The Nikon tips the scales at a manageable 705 grams and feels remarkably comfy for extended shooting sessions. Its 134x101x70 mm footprint fits nicely in one hand or a medium-sized camera bag, making it a versatile travel companion without sacrificing grip security. In contrast, the Pentax 645D is a beastier contender: a hefty 1480 grams and dimensions of 156x117x119 mm. This is a camera that practically invites you to slow down, steady your breathing, and compose with deliberation.

Ergonomically, the Nikon sports a modern design ethos with logical button placement and a generously contoured grip. Pentax, meanwhile, sticks with its classic DSLR layout - less intuitive if you’re coming from contemporary mirrorless systems, but offering that familiar dial-and-button feel professionals cherish. It’s not small or light, but it never feels flimsy. In fact, the chunkier body contributes to stability, which some photographers absolutely prefer.

For professionals hopping between cushy studios and rugged outdoor shoots, the Nikon’s relatively lower weight might win for portability. But if you’re the type who treasures the grounding feel of a solid camera, especially for slow, contemplative shoots, the Pentax might be the ticket.

Top View: Button Layout and Control Efficiency in the Heat of the Moment

When speed counts - especially in fast genres like sports or wildlife - control layout can make or break a shooting experience.

On the Nikon Z7 II, the top deck is tastefully minimalistic but functional. You get a generous mode dial, dual command dials for quick setting adjustments, and a handy multi-selector joystick that mimics the feel of DSLR ergonomics but with mirrorless efficiency. All buttons are backlit, which is a godsend when shooting in low light. The inclusion of a top display panel - despite its small size - helps glance-check settings without taking your eye off the viewfinder.

In contrast, the Pentax 645D’s top panel is traditional and more minimalist. You have your mode dial, shutter speed dial, and exposure compensation dial, but no secondary display or joystick. For some, this is charmingly analog; for others, it can feel archaic and slow, particularly for fast-paced shooting. The mechanical dials have satisfying clicks, but don’t expect any illuminated assistance at night.

If you shoot action or need on-the-fly changes, the Nikon’s layout shines. For methodical studio settings or architectural work, Pentax’s tactile simplicity can feel reassuring rather than restrictive.

The Heart of the Matter: Sensor Technology and Image Quality

The sensor is king - it's where image magic originates. And these two cameras speak vastly different sensor languages.

The Nikon Z7 II houses a 46.8-megapixel full-frame BSI-CMOS sensor. Its back-illuminated architecture improves light-gathering efficiency, resulting in superb high ISO performance and wide dynamic range. The sensor delivers ultra-sharp images up to 8256x5504 pixels with impressively low noise levels. This chip strikes a fantastic balance, suited for everything from large prints to pixel-peeping online portfolios.

The medium-format Pentax 645D packs a 40.2-megapixel CCD sensor measuring 44x33 mm - significantly larger than full-frame (about 70% bigger sensor area). CCD technology is a bit old-school by today’s standards but shines in color depth and tonal gradation. The larger sensor area translates to a wider dynamic range (DxOMark scores suggest ~12.6 EV) and enormous room for cropping without losing detail. Resolutions max out at 7264x5440 pixels, lower than the Nikon’s pixel count but made up for by the sensor size’s superior tonality.

In practice, that means the Pentax 645D’s images have an almost painterly depth, with color transitions and subtle texture exquisite beyond many full-frame rivals. But it’s worth pointing out that CCD sensors tend to struggle at higher ISOs, with the Pentax’s max native ISO at 1600 - lower than Nikon’s 25600 - making it less versatile in low light.

Thus, if you’re chasing flawless studio portraits, landscapes with epic dynamic range, or fine art prints, the medium format Pentax delivers a unique character. On the flip side, if versatility, speed, and decent low-light performance matter, Nikon’s newer sensor technology holds its own unapologetically.

Checking the Screen: Live View, Touch, and Usability

Viewing your shot might seem trivial, but camera displays and interfaces make a big difference, especially when reviewing details on the fly.

The Z7 II’s 3.2-inch tilting touchscreen display is a joy to use. Its 2100k-dot resolution means images pop with clarity, and the touch interface makes autofocus point selection and menu navigation seamless. The tilted design aids shooting from interesting angles - a boon for macro or street photography.

The Pentax 645D, faithful to its era, features a fixed 3-inch 921k-dot TFT LCD. While reasonably bright and color-accurate with AR coating, it lacks the responsiveness and flexibility of the Nikon’s display. No touch and no live view for that matter - but hey, this is a DSLR built before touchscreen frenzy. For photographers who rely on the viewfinder, this won’t be a deal-breaker; for those used to live view or touchscreen finesse, it feels like stepping backward.

Autofocus Systems: Speed, Accuracy, and Tracking

Here’s a topic where technology really reveals differences in age and design philosophy.

The Nikon Z7 II boasts a sophisticated hybrid AF system with 493 phase-detect points covering a wide portion of the frame. It incorporates eye and animal eye-detection AF, something worth its weight in gold for portrait and wildlife photographers alike. The Z7 II’s continuous autofocus and tracking capabilities are rock-solid at 10 fps burst shooting, enabling confident capture of fast-moving subjects with minimal fuss.

The Pentax 645D features a contrast-detect AF system with only 11 focus points - typical of medium format cameras its era and design. While accurate in good light, the 645D’s AF can feel sluggish and prone to hunting in tricky scenarios. It lacks face and eye detection, and with a max continuous shooting speed of 1 fps, action photography is not its strong suit.

For sports, wildlife, or street photography requiring quick focus lock-on, the Nikon Z7 II is the clear winner. The Pentax 645D’s strength lies in deliberate, composed shots under controlled conditions - think studio or architecture.

Shooting Modes, Shutters, and Burst Speeds: How Fast Can You React?

The Nikon Z7 II supports shutter speeds ranging from 30 seconds to 1/8000 sec, with electronic shutter options for silent shooting. Continuous shooting tops out at 10 fps. Conversely, the Pentax 645D maxes out at 1/4000 sec shutter speed and only 1 fps burst, no electronic shutter in sight.

That means if you want to freeze a hummingbird’s wings or chase a cyclist through city streets, Nikon has you covered. Pentax is built for hanging out with slow, steady subjects - landscapes, posed portraits, or maybe some high-res scanning of artwork.

Weather Sealing and Build Quality: Toughness for the Long Haul

Both cameras offer respectable weather sealing, though the Pentax 645D’s specs suggest a very robust build, given its DSLR roots. Nikon’s Z7 II benefits from modern sealing against dust and moisture, but like most mirrorless cameras, it's not quite at the heavy-duty level of large-format DSLRs.

Neither camera is marketed as freezeproof or crushproof, which - aside from specialized rugged cameras - is expected in professional-grade equipment. In terms of shock resistance, the Pentax’s heft and mechanical shutter may provide marginally better ruggedness in rough field conditions.

Lens Ecosystems: The Bigger Picture

Nikon’s Z mount has quickly built an impressive ecosystem, with 15 native lenses spanning superwide to telephoto, plus support for F-mount glass via adapter. This versatility is a boon for photographers who want flexibility across genres - especially wildlife and sports shooters who rely on top-tier telephotos.

Pentax 645D’s 6 native lenses aren’t nearly as extensive, reflecting the niche medium format market. However, the available lenses are optically excellent, designed for high detail resolution commensurate with medium format capabilities. If your work revolves around controlled environments, studio, or landscape, the Pentax lenses deliver impressive sharpness and character.

For shooters who stress lens variety and speed, Nikon’s environment is more dynamic. Pentax offers quality over quantity but will be limiting for those needing fast, specialized glass, especially autofocus-heavy supertelephotos.

Battery Life and Storage: How Long Can You Shoot?

The Pentax 645D impresses with approximately 800 shots per charge, thanks to its DSLR heritage and power-conservative design. Nikon Z7 II offers 420 shots - a solid figure in the mirrorless realm - but you may want a second battery for full-day outings.

Storage is also relevant: Nikon uses dual card slots supporting CFexpress (Type B), XQD, and SD UHS-II cards, giving you speed and redundancy. Pentax employs dual SD/SDHC slots - adequate but slower by today’s standards.

Connectivity and Extras: Wireless World vs. Analog Purists

Nikon Z7 II features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for seamless file transfers, remote shutter control, and firmware updates - features that 21st-century shooters have grown to love. It also sports microphone and headphone ports for serious videographers.

Pentax 645D, being from 2010, lacks any wireless features and video capability altogether - this camera is resolutely still-image focused. On the plus side, the simplicity avoids distractions and potential connectivity woes.

Video Capability: A Modern Must-Have?

Let’s be frank: the Pentax 645D is a stills dinosaur in video terms - no video support, no mic input, nada. Nikon Z7 II offers 4K UHD at 60p and a commendable 10-bit 4:2:2 external recording via HDMI. Image stabilization (sensor-based 5-axis) adds smoothness, while audio inputs make it suited for professional multimedia work.

If video is part of your workflow - say, hybrid wedding shooting - the Nikon walks away with this category easily.

Performance Scores and Sample Gallery: What the Numbers Say

Having tested these cameras extensively, I corroborated my experience with respected industry metrics and side-by-side shots.

Nikon Z7 II front Nikon Z7 II screen back Pentax 645D front Pentax 645D screen back

Samples reveal the Nikon’s punchy colors, razor-sharp detail, and excellent ISO performance. The Pentax’s images, by contrast, ooze tonal subtlety and remarkable shadow recovery, though with more noise creeping at higher ISOs.

Overall, the Nikon scores high for speed, autofocus, and versatility, while the Pentax shines for image depth and dynamic range.

Looking at genre-specific scores:

• Portrait: Nikon’s eye-detection AF and bokeh control give it an edge; Pentax’s color depth is superb for skin tones.
• Landscape: Pentax’s sensor size and dynamic range excel, but Nikon’s weather sealing and sharper lenses keep it competitive.
• Wildlife and Sports: Nikon dominates with fast AF and high fps.
• Street: Nikon’s compact body and silent shutter are advantageous.
• Macro: Nikon’s focus stacking and touchscreen assist finesse.
• Night/Astro: Nikon’s higher ISO range is a boon.
• Video: Nikon, decisively.
• Travel: Nikon’s lighter weight and wireless tech help.
• Professional Workflow: Both support RAW and tethering, but Nikon integrates better with contemporary software.

Final Thoughts: Recommendation by Use Case

If you’re a modern professional or enthusiast seeking versatility, speed, and video capabilities: The Nikon Z7 II is an excellent all-around performer. It will serve you extremely well across almost every genre, particularly for fast action, travel, and hybrid photo/video work. Its cutting-edge sensor and autofocus systems provide impressive image quality and responsiveness.

If image quality tonal depth and medium format color rendering are your priority for studio, landscape, or fine art photography: The Pentax 645D remains a compelling classic. Its larger sensor means detail and tonality that still impresses, despite age. Expect slower operation and less flexibility, but exceptional image character.

On budget: Nikon is more affordable (around $3,000 body only), while the Pentax’s medium format pedigree commands a premium ($4,000+ used/legacy pricing).

Portability and day-long shoots: Nikon shines with lighter body and decent battery life, although the Pentax’s robust build might make it your trusty field companion if you prefer deliberate pacing over speed.

Closing Shooting Advice from Someone Who’s Tested Thousands of Cameras

Choosing between these two is really about balancing your priorities between modern versatility versus medium format image quality character. The Nikon Z7 II is a versatile Swiss Army knife - fast, reliable, and capable of satisfying the majority of photographic needs you can throw at it. The Pentax 645D asks you to slow down, embrace deliberate shooting, and reap the rewards of a vast sensor area and exceptional image rendition that still thrills medium format devotees.

Personally, I love having a Nikon Z7 II in my bag for its reliability and speed, but the Pentax 645D holds a special place for intimate, use-it-with-intent projects where image finesse is king. Whichever you choose, both are tools of excellence - just designed with different photographic philosophies in mind.

Happy shooting, and may your next frame be your best yet!