Pentax 645D vs Sony A560: A Deep Dive Comparison from a Seasoned Camera Reviewer

In the ever-evolving world of digital cameras, the decision between investing in a high-end medium format DSLR or a versatile entry-level APS-C model can be daunting. Today, I’m going to break down two distinctive beasts from 2010: the Pentax 645D, a professional-grade medium format DSLR aimed at studio pros and landscape virtuosos, and the Sony Alpha A560, an approachable, entry-level APS-C DSLR for hobbyists and enthusiasts seeking decent performance at an affordable price.

Having spent hundreds of hours testing both cameras in real-world scenarios - across multiple photography genres - this comparison goes far beyond spec sheets. We’ll look at practical usability, technical prowess, and true photographic outcomes to help you decide which camera will best suit your photography ambitions and budget.

When Size Matters: Handling and Ergonomics First

Let’s begin with the physical presence and handling - a foundational aspect that shapes your shooting experience.

The Pentax 645D is unmistakably a “large SLR” in every sense. At 156 x 117 x 119 mm and nearly 1.5 kg of solid build, it commands respect. This camera is tailor-made for studio or tripod-based work, where stability and solidity reign supreme. Its weather-sealed body is reassuringly robust, built to endure professional workloads and various environmental conditions. While it lacks built-in image stabilization, its bulk translates to excellent balance, especially with heavy medium format lenses mounted.

Conversely, the Sony A560 is compact, borderline petite by comparison, weighing in at 599 grams with dimensions of 137 x 104 x 84 mm. This camera is nimble, perfect for travelers, street photographers, and those who prefer shooting handheld all day. Its lighter weight and smaller footprint contribute to a discreet shooting experience, especially important for street and candid photography.

Looking at the top plates, the Pentax 645D opts for classic professional ergonomics - dedicated dials for shutter speed, ISO, and exposure compensation. While this might appear somewhat dated compared to modern DSLRs, it delivers tactile feedback and precise control - features many pros will appreciate. However, the lack of a touch screen or articulating LCD limits dynamic operation.

Sony’s A560 boasts a more contemporary control scheme for its time - with a tilting rear screen and more automated shooting modes catering to less experienced users. The tilting screen also supports live view, not present on the Pentax, adding versatility for shooting at awkward angles.

Sensor Technology and Image Quality: The Heart of the Matter

Now the core technical showdown: medium format CCD vs APS-C CMOS.

The Pentax 645D sports a true medium format CCD sensor sized at 44 x 33 mm (sensor area about 1452 mm²), offering a whopping native resolution of 40 megapixels. This sensor architecture is remarkable for delivering an exceptional dynamic range (12.6 EV) and fantastic color depth (24.6 bits), giving images profound tonality and detail fidelity - the kind usually reserved for cinematic or high-end commercial photography.

On the flip side, the Sony A560 features a 23.5 x 15.6 mm APS-C CMOS sensor with 14 megapixels. While much smaller (about 1/4 the size of the 645D’s sensor area), this sensor demonstrates decent dynamic range (12.3 EV) and good color depth (22.5 bits). Additionally, the CMOS tech offers significantly better high ISO performance; the A560 here excels with usable ISO up to 12800 native - ideal for low-light and action shooting.

From my experience stressing both cameras' sensors in studio lighting, landscapes, and indoor events, the Pentax 645D images reveal impeccable nuance, vast tonal gradation, and an immersive “three-dimensional” look that’s hard to beat. However, the Sony A560 shines in higher-ISO, faster-paced environments, delivering clean, sharp photos without the noise hurdles typical of older CCDs.

Autofocus: Precision and Speed in Diverse Situations

Autofocus systems separate the amateurs from pro shooters, especially in fast or unpredictable conditions.

Pentax 645D provides an 11-point phase detection AF system, geared primarily towards selective and center weighted autofocus types. It lacks face or eye detection, has no continuous tracking for moving subjects, and autofocus speed is relatively slow - around 1 frame per second continuous shooting max. This system is adequate for studio portraits or static landscapes but struggles with fast-moving subjects.

In contrast, Sony’s A560 features a 15-point AF system with 3 cross-type sensors and the advantage of face detection. It supports live view AF, making focusing in live view mode responsive and precise. Crucially for action photography, the A560 can continuously shoot at 5 frames per second with predictive focus tracking, making it far superior for wildlife and sports.

For wildlife or dynamic sports, my experience favored the Sony strongly due to faster, more reliable focus locking on erratic subjects. Pentax’s system demands manual finesse and patience.

Build Quality and Weather Sealing: Ready for the Field?

Medium format cameras like the Pentax 645D are engineered for professionals working in varied environments, and it shows.

The 645D boasts environmental sealing - weather resistance that can withstand light rain and dusty conditions (though not fully waterproof or crushproof). Coupled with a die-cast magnesium alloy chassis, this camera is robust, designed for reliability over years of intensive use.

Sony’s A560, while well-built and comfortable, lacks any weather sealing or ruggedization features. It’s best used in fair weather and controlled environments, although its smaller body makes it easier to protect with camera covers or find shelter quickly.

This difference is critical for landscape, outdoor, and adventure professionals who require dependable gear that won’t fail in rough conditions.

Display and User Interface: Navigating Your Settings

The Pentax has a fixed 3-inch TFT color LCD with 921k dots and AR coating, but no touch or articulation means the user interface relies on actual buttons and dials. It also lacks a top LCD for exposure info. While some veteran photographers favor these traditional controls for reliability, newcomers might find the interface somewhat laborious.

Sony’s A560 shines here with its tilting 3-inch 922k dot LCD, perfect for composing shots at odd angles and reviewing images more flexibly. The interface is more beginner-friendly, supports live view with face detection, and offers intuitive menu systems.

In my testing, the Sony’s back display made longer shoots less fatiguing, especially for macro and street photographers who rely on framing versatility.

Lens Ecosystem and System Compatibility

Choosing a camera is often also about the available lenses - a critical factor impacting creative freedom.

Pentax 645D uses the Pentax 645AF2 mount with six native lenses available at launch. While these lenses are optically superb and built for high resolution, the lens ecosystem remains niche and limited compared to more mainstream systems. Medium format prime lenses tend to be large and expensive - reflecting boutique-level craftsmanship.

The Sony A560 benefits immensely from the Sony/Minolta Alpha mount, with over 140 lenses currently compatible (including Minolta originals). This includes everything from ultra-wide primes to telephoto zooms, many available at affordable prices. The wide selection, coupled with third-party support, makes it easy for photographers to build a diverse kit.

For image-makers considering focal length versatility and cost-effectiveness, the Sony system offers noticeably more options.

Battery Life and Storage

Pentax’s D-LI90 battery offers an estimated 800 shots per charge, which is solid for medium format machinery. Given the camera’s slower operation and studio emphasis, this battery life is adequate for a day of shooting without frequent swaps.

Sony’s A560, designed for active enthusiast use, impresses with a rated 1050 shots per battery using its NP-FM500H pack - excellent stamina considering the live view and video capability demands.

Both cameras have dual card slots - Pentax supports SD/SDHC, Sony adds SDXC and Memory Stick formats, providing flexibility for professional workflows.

Connectivity, Video, and Modern Features

Here lies a stark difference.

Pentax 645D, true to its 2010 medium format roots, offers no video capability, no wireless connectivity, HDMI, or USB 3.0 - it has only USB 2.0. It is unapologetically a still-photography tool designed for ultimate image quality over versatility.

Sony A560 is far more modern with Full HD (1920x1080) video at 60 fps, microphone port, HDMI out, and wireless Eye-Fi card connectivity. This makes it appealing for casual multimedia shooters or vloggers on a budget.

Performance Scores Summed Up

Let’s look at the summarized quantitative evaluations.

While Pentax scores highly in image quality (thanks to its large sensor and excellent color depth), it falls behind in speed, autofocus, and video features. Sony offers a better balance for general photography needs especially in speed and multimedia capabilities.

How They Excel: Genre-Specific Performance Smackdown

• Portrait Photography: Pentax’s medium format sensor produces unmatched bokeh quality and skin tone rendition. The Sony’s face detection aids candid portraits but can’t match the 645D in subtle tonal nuance.
• Landscape Photography: Pentax dominates thanks to sensor size, dynamic range, and weather sealing. Ideal for high-res, large prints.
• Wildlife and Sports: Sony’s faster autofocus, higher ISO range, and 5 fps shooting rate blow Pentax out of the water.
• Street Photography: Sony wins for discretion, size, low light ability, and quick responsiveness.
• Macro Photography: Sony’s tilting live view and sensor stabilization tip the scales here; Pentax suffers from lack of IBIS and slower AF.
• Night/Astro: Pentax’s dynamic range excels in astrophotography, but Sony’s better high ISO makes handheld night work easier.
• Video: Solely Sony offers Full HD and microphone input.
• Travel: Sony’s lightweight body and generalist abilities make it more travel-friendly.
• Professional Commercial Work: Pentax’s demanding studio image quality and durability are unmatched.

Real-World Photo Samples Tell the Story

Seeing is believing.

Pentax 645D front Pentax 645D screen back Sony A560 front Sony A560 screen back

The medium format results show rich details and depth, while the Sony images feel punchier with better sharpness in less ideal lighting.

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Do You Need?

Pentax 645D is for:

• Experienced professionals prioritizing absolute image quality and detail
• Portrait, studio, and landscape photographers targeting large print or commercial work
• Users requiring weather sealing and a robust build for challenging conditions
• Those with medium format lens investments or needing a boutique system

Sony A560 is for:

• Enthusiasts and hobbyists seeking a versatile, affordable DSLR
• Wildlife, sports, street, and travel photographers valuing speed and portability
• Hybrid shooters who want entry-level HD video capabilities
• Photographers building an expansive, affordable lens lineup

Both cameras came from 2010 but offer worlds-apart experiences. Pentax 645D remains a niche flagship for those demanding maximum image fidelity without compromise. Sony A560 represents a sweet spot balancing features, price, and ease of use.

Whichever you choose, your photography will benefit from the strengths and charm each system offers. My advice: define your priorities clearly - speed or detail? Mobility or grandeur? Because these two cameras answer quite different calls.

I hope this detailed analysis helps you confidently determine which of these classic DSLRs matches your photographic dreams best. Feel free to reach out if you want further advice tailored to specific shooting situations!