Pentax 645Z vs Sony WX300: A Comprehensive Camera Comparison for Every Photographer

Choosing the right camera can be daunting - especially when two models are so far apart in size, category, and price that it might seem apples and oranges. Today, we’re putting the Pentax 645Z, a professional medium format DSLR, head-to-head with the Sony WX300, a compact superzoom point-and-shoot camera. Both serve very different purposes, yet comparing them closely reveals invaluable insights for photo enthusiasts at any level.

Drawing from extensive hands-on experience testing thousands of cameras across genres and environments, this comparison illuminates the real-world strengths, compromises, and suitability of each in diverse photography pursuits.

The Pentax 645Z's robust medium format body contrasts sharply with the ultra-portable Sony WX300.

The Cameras at a Glance: Specs and Design

Before diving into use cases and image quality, let's see what these cameras bring to the table in terms of core specs and physical design.

Control layouts showcase the professional ergonomics of the 645Z versus the minimalist shooting interface of the WX300.

Sensor and Image Quality - Medium Format Vs Compact

Sensor Technology and Size

The Pentax 645Z boasts an impressively large medium format CMOS sensor measuring 44 x 33 mm - nearly four times larger than a full-frame 35mm sensor. This sensor size is a key driver of the camera’s breathtaking image quality, offering higher dynamic range, superior color depth, and extraordinary resolution (51 megapixels).

In contrast, the Sony WX300 features a diminutive 1/2.3" BSI-CMOS sensor measuring just 6.17 x 4.55 mm. This tiny sensor inherently limits image quality but allows the entire camera to be pocket-sized with a superzoom lens.

Resolution and Detail

• Pentax 645Z: 51 MP give professional photographers extreme detail for large prints and heavy cropping.
• Sony WX300: 18 MP is respectable for a compact, covering everyday needs and casual printing.

Dynamic Range and ISO Performance

The larger sensor of the Pentax significantly expands dynamic range (14.7 EV DXO score) and color depth (26-bit). It also excels in low-light ISO performance, with usable quality up to ISO 4500.

The WX300’s sensor, while solid for its category, struggles beyond ISO 800, showing more noise and less tonal nuance in shadows and highlights.

Sensor size dramatically impacts image quality and creative latitude.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed

Autofocus Systems Compared

• Pentax 645Z uses 27 autofocus points with phase-detection and contrast detection, supporting face detection and continuous AF tracking. This system is well suited for studio portraits and landscape compositions where precision is paramount.

• Sony WX300 relies on contrast-detection AF with fewer points, plus facial detection. It works well for casual shots but struggles with fast-moving subjects or low-contrast scenes.

Continuous Shooting and Buffer

• Pentax 645Z: 3 fps continuous shooting - modest and tailored toward deliberate shooting rather than sports or wildlife action.
• Sony WX300: Faster 10 fps burst, helping capture spontaneous moments easily.

Build Quality and User Interface

The 645Z features robust weather sealing - dustproof and freezeproof - making it a reliable companion in tough outdoor environments including harsh winter conditions.

The WX300 is a standard compact camera with no weather sealing and basic build quality designed for casual handling.

Ergonomics and Controls

The Pentax prioritizes professional tactile feedback with multiple dials, an illuminated top screen, and a pentaprism optical viewfinder covering 98% of the frame.

The WX300 has a simple, mostly button-driven interface without a viewfinder, relying on the fixed rear screen.

Pentax’s high-res tilting screen outperforms Sony’s fixed panel, important when composing shots at odd angles.

Lens Ecosystem and Versatility

Pentax 645Z:

• Interchangeable lens mount with high-quality lenses optimized for medium format.
• Compatible with several specialized lenses, including wide-angle, telephoto, macro, and tilt-shift options.
• Wider maximum apertures available for creative depth-of-field control.

Sony WX300:

• Fixed 25-500 mm equivalent lens with optical zoom and inbuilt stabilization.
• Convenient for all-in-one shooting with no lens change hassle.
• Aperture ranges f/3.5-6.5, limiting low-light and bokeh capability.

Real-World Photography Discipline Breakdown

Let's examine how each camera fares across key photographic genres and uses, giving you practical insights based on our testing experience.

Portrait Photography

• Pentax 645Z delivers exquisite skin tone rendition thanks to the medium format's shallow depth of field and wide dynamic range. Its selective autofocus and face detection help nail sharpness on eyes - critical for professional portraits. Medium format bokeh can beautifully isolate subjects with creamy backgrounds.

• Sony WX300 can capture decent portraits in well-lit conditions, but its smaller sensor limits background blur and skin tone depth. Autofocus is basic, and low light face detection struggles, so portraits here are casual snapshots rather than refined headshots.

Landscape Photography

The 645Z excels thanks to:

• Massive sensor providing ultra-high resolution for large prints.
• Superior dynamic range capturing scenes with bright skies and deep shadows.
• Weather sealing enabling shooting in challenging climates.
• Broad native ISO range to adapt to diverse lighting.

The WX300 is limited here. Its small sensor can't match detail or tonal range for dramatic landscapes. Portable and easy to carry, but image quality falls short for serious work.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

• The 645Z’s autofocus, though accurate, is slow at 3 fps, limiting its usefulness for fast wildlife action or sports.

• The WX300’s faster 10 fps burst rate helps capture fleeting moments, but autofocus speed and telephoto reach are limited. Its 25-500 mm zoom assists in framing distant subjects but lacks professional-grade precision.

Neither camera is ideal for professional sports shooters; dedicated APS-C or full-frame DSLRs with fast-phase detection AF perform better.

Street Photography

Sony WX300 wins in terms of portability and discretion - ultra-compact, lightweight, and easy to pull out in candid situations. The fixed lens covers a useful zoom range for variable framing.

The 645Z is bulky and conspicuous, best suited for planned shoots rather than spontaneous street captures.

Macro Photography

The Pentax system with dedicated macro lenses is your go-to. Manual focusing precision paired with high resolution ensures minute detail capture.

Sony’s compact system lacks specialized macro functionality and falls short in focal length flexibility and sensor detail.

Night and Astro Photography

The 645Z’s large sensor, low noise at high ISO, and robust exposure modes make it a top performer for night and astrophotography.

The WX300’s sensor struggles in low light with noise limiting image quality after ISO 800; astrophotography is not really feasible.

Video Capabilities

• Pentax 645Z: 1080p video recording at 24p to 60i; microphone input enables enhanced audio capture; no in-body stabilization means lens or rig stabilization needed.

• Sony WX300: 1080p video up to 60 fps recording with built-in optical image stabilization; no microphone jack limits audio control.

For dedicated videography, neither camera offers 4K or advanced video features found in modern mirrorless cameras.

Travel Photography

The WX300’s compact size, long zoom, and lightweight design make it an excellent travel companion.

The 645Z provides professional versatility but is heavy and bulky, better suited for planned shoots rather than backpacking or casual sightseeing.

Professional and Workflow Considerations

Pentax 645Z supports:

• RAW image capture for maximum editing flexibility.
• Dual SD card slots for fail-safe storage.
• USB 3.0 connectivity for fast file transfers.
• Optional GPS for geo-tagging.

Sony WX300 shoots only JPEG, limiting post-processing latitude, and has only a single card slot.

Pentax 645Z front Pentax 645Z screen back Sony WX300 front Sony WX300 screen back

Technical Deep Dive & Testing Insights

Image Quality Metrics from DXO

• Pentax 645Z scores 101 overall, ranking among the best cameras tested, thanks to exceptional color depth (26 bits), dynamic range (14.7 EV), and low-light iso performance (score 4505).
• Sony WX300 has no official DXO test but likely scores modestly due to sensor size constraints.

Autofocus Evaluation

Our experience with the Pentax 645Z’s 27-point AF system revealed precise focus locking in studio and daylight outdoor conditions but slight hunting in low contrast or tracking fast subjects.

The WX300 autofocus is contrast-based and contrast-detection only. It locks onto faces reliably in bright light but hunts noticeably in dim or complex scenes, which impacts street and casual use.

Battery and Storage

• Pentax boasts about 650 shots per charge with a high-capacity D-LI90 battery, suitable for extended shoots.
• Sony WX300 uses an NP-BX1 battery with no official rating but typically averages around 300 shots per charge.

Dual card slots on the 645Z give professionals extra security, while the WX300 has a single slot with hybrid memory stick compatibility.

Connectivity

The Pentax lacks built-in wireless or Bluetooth, expecting professional workflows to handle file transfer post-shoot via USB 3.0.

The WX300 offers built-in Wi-Fi for simple social media sharing but omits NFC or Bluetooth.

Pricing and Value: Professional Investment vs Casual Convenience

At roughly $5,000, the Pentax 645Z represents a serious investment targeting professionals requiring top-of-the-line image quality, reliability, and a durable, weatherproof body.

The Sony WX300 retails around $330, offering casual shooters accessible zoom versatility and compact portability.

Choosing between them is a matter of prioritizing your photographic ambitions and budget.

Summary and Recommendations

Final Thoughts: Which Camera Should You Choose?

If you aspire to professional quality, unparalleled detail, and durability for studio, landscape, and fine art projects - the Pentax 645Z is a medium format workhorse that rewards serious photographers willing to invest.

For hobbyists, travelers, or those wanting an easy-to-carry camera with a powerful zoom for everyday shooting, the Sony WX300 offers convenience and respectable performance at an accessible price.

No matter your choice, I recommend checking both cameras in person if possible. Feel the ergonomics, test autofocus speed, and review image samples firsthand. Selecting a camera is a deeply personal choice aligned with your creative goals.

Want to Dive Deeper?

• Explore specialized lenses and accessories for the Pentax 645Z to unlock its full potential.
• Experiment with the Sony WX300’s zoom range on your next trip or street shoot.
• Test both cameras’ video capabilities for your vlog or multimedia projects.

Happy shooting, and may your next camera be the perfect partner on your creative journey!

This detailed evaluation draws on our extensive hands-on testing and industry knowledge to help you make informed decisions - because great photography starts with the right tools tailored to your vision.