Olympus E-400 vs Pentax 645Z: A Deep Dive into Two Distinct DSLR Worlds

Choosing a camera is never just about specs on paper. It’s about how those specs translate into your photographic journey - from the weight you carry to the images you capture. Today, we compare two DSLRs that could hardly be more different in purpose, design, and performance: the modest and lightweight Olympus E-400, an entry-level DSLR launched in 2006, and the powerhouse medium-format Pentax 645Z from 2014, designed for professional use.

Having personally tested thousands of cameras across genres and used them in real shoots, I’ll guide you through how these models perform in the field - from sensor technology to ergonomics, shooting versatility, and value for your budget. Whether you’re stepping up from a smartphone or aiming for professional excellence, understanding these cameras’ strengths and limitations will help you make an informed choice.

Let’s begin by looking at the physical design and handling, as that sets the tone for your photographic experience.

Compact Classic vs. Professional Heavyweight: Handling and Ergonomics

The Olympus E-400 was designed for beginners who demand a lightweight DSLR without sacrificing the fundamentals of photography. It brings a compact form factor that’s easy to handle on the go. In contrast, the Pentax 645Z is a substantial professional tool, built to deliver uncompromising image quality and robust performance in demanding conditions.

• Olympus E-400: Weighing in at a mere 435 grams and measuring 130x91x53 mm, it feels more like a compact camera than a bulky DSLR. This makes it a fantastic companion for travel and street photography where low weight and portability matter. The grip is smaller but comfortable for most hand sizes.

• Pentax 645Z: At 1550 grams and with a hefty 156x117x123 mm body, the 645Z demands respect. Its size reflects its professional ambitions - medium format sensor, substantial weather sealing, and a robust chassis. The grip and control placement cater to longer shoots and stability, especially with heavy lenses.

Looking at the top view design and control layout further emphasizes their different approaches:

• The E-400 sports a minimalistic top plate focused on simplicity, geared towards new users who prefer an uncluttered interface.
• The 645Z is professional-grade, sporting dedicated dials for shutter speed, ISO, exposure compensation, and a top screen to display shooting data - features that streamline workflow for seasoned photographers.

In my hands-on experience, the Olympus E-400 invites casual, spontaneous shooting, while the 645Z commands a more deliberate and controlled approach. This hands-on feel is crucial for deciding which camera matches your shooting style.

Sensor Technology: Pixels and Image Quality Unveiled

When it comes to imaging, sensor size and technology dictate the core capabilities. The Olympus E-400 utilizes a Four Thirds system CCD sensor measuring 17.3x13 mm with 10 megapixels, while the Pentax 645Z boasts a much larger medium format 44x33 mm CMOS sensor with a whopping 51 megapixels.

Olympus E-400 Sensor Highlights:

• Four Thirds 10 MP CCD sensor
• Sensor area: 224.9 mm² (significantly smaller)
• Antialiasing filter applied to reduce moiré
• Native ISO up to 1600
• Aspect ratio 4:3 with max resolution of 3648x2736

Pentax 645Z Sensor Highlights:

• Medium format 51 MP CMOS sensor
• Sensor area: 1452 mm² (over 6x larger surface area)
• No antialiasing filter for maximum sharpness
• Remarkably high ISO range up to 204,800
• Aspect ratio 4:3 with max resolution of 8256x6192

Real-World Impact:
I tested each camera shooting the same scenes under varied light conditions. The Pentax clearly delivers superior image quality, with greater detail resolution, richer color depth, and vastly improved dynamic range (DxOmark scores: color depth 26 stops, dynamic range 14.7 stops for 645Z). The high ISO performance on the 645Z is also exceptional: clean images at ISO 6400 and beyond, suitable for low-light or night photography without excessive noise.

The Olympus E-400’s CCD sensor, while decent at base ISO, struggles with noise and dynamic range beyond ISO 400. Images exhibit softness partly due to the antialiasing filter and smaller pixel pitch. Still, for casual landscape snaps with ample light, it serves well.

If image quality and detail are your highest priorities - especially for large prints or commercial use - the 645Z is in a class of its own. For learning photography fundamentals or casual shooting, the E-400’s sensor suffices.

Mastering the View: Display and Viewfinder Experience

Your interaction with composition and settings often comes down to viewfinder clarity and screen usability.

• Olympus E-400: Features a fixed 2.5-inch LCD screen with 215k dots resolution - subpar by today’s standards but typical of its era. The optical pentamirror viewfinder offers 95% frame coverage and 0.46x magnification - serviceable but limited precision for critical framing and manual focus.

• Pentax 645Z: Boasts a large, tilting 3.2-inch LCD with 1.03 million dots for sharp live composition and menu navigation. Its pentaprism viewfinder provides 98% coverage with 0.85x magnification, delivering a bright and detailed view that facilitates manual focus and exposure control.

From practical testing, the 645Z’s screen and viewfinder make tasks like fine focus confirmation, face detection autofocus, and evaluating depth of field very effective. Conversely, the E-400’s smaller screen and less precise viewfinder encourage reliance on optical focus and composing with a degree of estimation.

Autofocus and Speed: Tracking and Precision Across Genres

Autofocus (AF) is pivotal depending on your photography type - quick, accurate AF benefits wildlife, sports, and street photography, whereas precision AF is crucial in portrait and macro work.

• Olympus E-400 AF System:
  A simple 3-point phase detection AF system with selective area AF but no eye detection or AF tracking. Continuous AF is supported but limited by the less sophisticated sensor and processor.

• Pentax 645Z AF System:
  A much more advanced 27-point AF system combining phase detection and contrast detection, with face detection, AF tracking, and live view AF options.

In my testing, the E-400 is modestly responsive in good light but slow to lock focus in complex scenes or low light. It works well for static subjects but is unreliable for fast-moving wildlife or sports.

The 645Z’s AF keeps pace with moderate action and excels in portrait and studio setups, locking onto eyes and faces for sharpness. Its ability to maintain focus tracking is helpful for shallow depth of field images where precision matters.

Shooting Versatility: How These Cameras Support Different Genres

Portrait Photography

• E-400: Limitations include no eye-detection AF and smaller sensor affecting background blur quality. However, pairing with fast Micro Four Thirds lenses can still deliver pleasing portraits. Skin tones are natural but less nuanced.

• 645Z: Superior depth of field control c/o medium format sensor, no antialiasing filter for utmost sharpness. Face detection and tracking autofocus assist portrait sessions. Skin tone rendition is rich and painterly - ideal for pro portraits.

Landscape Photography

• E-400: 10 MP resolution and smaller sensor size limit large print potential and dynamic range. No weather sealing.

• 645Z: Exceptional dynamic range and 51 MP resolution produce superb large-scale landscapes. Environmental sealing protects on-location shoots. The camera’s larger sensor area captures more tonal detail and color fidelity.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• E-400: Slow burst speed (3 fps) and 3-point AF make it unsuitable for demanding action.

• 645Z: Also capped at 3 fps, the 645Z is not a fast-action camera. However, its AF system and ISO range allow reasonable performance for slower wildlife or studio action shots.

Street Photography

• E-400: Compact size favors discreet shooting. Lower noise at base ISO and smaller sensor noisy at higher ISO could hamper low-light street shots.

• 645Z: The size and weight make the 645Z less practical for candid street photography despite excellent image quality.

Macro Photography

• Neither camera offers focus stacking or bracketing, but the 645Z’s resolution and precise AF benefit macro details significantly over the E-400.

Night and Astro Photography

• The 645Z’s high ISO range and dynamic range excel for night sky and astro shots; E-400 is generally unsuitable due to noise and limited exposure options.

Video Capabilities

• E-400: No video functionality.
• 645Z: Offers full HD video with multiple frame rates, external microphone port, and HDMI connectivity.

Build, Weather Resistance, and Durability

The Olympus E-400 has a plastic body with no weather sealing, making it vulnerable to harsh conditions. The Pentax 645Z offers robust weather-resistant sealing, dustproofing, and freezeproof rating making it ready for demanding shoots outdoors.

This affects what kind of assignments you can confidently tackle - from studio portraiture to rugged landscape or fieldwork.

Battery Life and Storage

• E-400: No official CIPA rating, but the small body likely limits shooting duration. Use Compact Flash or xD cards.

• 645Z: Rated for 650 shots comfortably, dual SD card slots provide backup and storage flexibility - important for professionals.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility

• Olympus uses the Micro Four Thirds mount with 45 available lenses including primes, zooms, and macro optics. The smaller sensor allows for lighter lenses.

• Pentax 645Z uses Pentax 645AF2 medium format mount with only 6 lenses at release, focusing on high-quality professional-grade glass.

Your choice here weighs heavily on existing lens investment and shooting goals.

Connectivity and Extras

Neither camera offers wireless connectivity, Bluetooth, or GPS by default. The 645Z supports optional GPS modules, USB 3.0, and HDMI output - augmenting workflows.

Pricing and Value Assessment

• At launch, the Olympus E-400 was priced around $600 - affordable and accessible to hobbyists.

• The Pentax 645Z commands a hefty $5,000+ professional price, justified by medium format imaging, build quality, and feature set.

Your budget and intended use are critical determinants here.

Summarizing the Strengths and Limitations

Olympus E 400 front Olympus E 400 screen back Pentax 645Z front Pentax 645Z screen back

Who Should Buy Which Camera?

Choose the Olympus E-400 if you:

• Are a beginner or enthusiast on a budget
• Want a lightweight, easy-to-carry DSLR
• Shoot mostly in good light, casual portraits, or travel snapshots
• Prefer a simple, straightforward interface
• Are not concerned with ultra-high resolution or professional-grade features

Opt for the Pentax 645Z if you:

• Demand exceptional image quality for professional or fine art applications
• Require a large sensor for exquisite detail and dynamic range
• Shoot landscapes, portraits, studio, or medium-speed action with precision
• Need robust build quality and environmental resistance
• Want advanced video capabilities and flexible workflow tools
• Have a budget that supports high-end medium format investment

How I Tested These Cameras

My evaluation is based on extensive real-world use, including studio setups, landscape expeditions, and everyday shooting scenarios. I tested the Olympus E-400 with several Micro Four Thirds lenses and various lighting to understand its limits. The Pentax 645Z was assessed in natural lighting, professional portrait sessions, and controlled high ISO tasks.

Autofocus tracking was evaluated using moving subjects under different lighting. Image quality was benchmarked via standardized test charts and real-world images compared side by side.

This hands-on approach ensures I’m sharing insights beyond specs or marketing - delivering practical knowledge you can rely on.

Performance by Photography Discipline

• The Pentax 645Z dominates in resolution, dynamic range, and professional versatility.
• The Olympus E-400 performs respectably in travel and street photography for beginners.
• Neither excels for sports or fast action shooting; look elsewhere if fps and AF speed are priorities.

Final Thoughts: Practical Recommendations

The Olympus E-400 is a charming gateway DSLR for those discovering photography’s fundamentals. It’s physically accessible and ethically priced but showing its age in sensor tech, autofocus capabilities, and lack of video.

Pentax’s 645Z is among the medium-format stalwarts offering stunning image fidelity, professional tools, and durability - an investment into serious photography beyond mere hobbyism.

If you’re upgrading from a smartphone or point-and-shoot and desire DSLR control without complexity, the E-400 remains a sensible budget route (if you find it used and in good condition). If, however, you seek to produce gallery-quality image prints, work commercially, or need rugged reliability, the 645Z is among the best in its niche.

Before buying, ask yourself: what genres do you shoot? How important is portability versus image quality? Does your budget align with your photographic goals? This comparison should make those answers clearer.

I hope this in-depth analysis helps you confidently navigate the drastically different worlds of the Olympus E-400 and Pentax 645Z - two cameras separated by nearly a decade and distinct philosophies, but connected by one purpose: enabling creativity through photography. Choose wisely, and happy shooting!