Side-by-side specs, scores and live prices. Start over
| General | ||
Released ⓘRefers to the year this camera was officially made available for sale. |
2015 | 2014 |
Announcement date ⓘRefers to the date the manufacturer publicly announced the upcoming release and general specs of this camera. |
06/02/2015 | 15/04/2014 |
| Camera type | DSLR | DSLR |
| Camera size | 152 x 116 x 76 mm | 156 x 117 x 123 mm |
| Camera weight | 930 g | 1550 g |
| Optics | ||
Megapixels ⓘThe higher the number of megapixels, the more detail the cameras sensor can capture. |
50.6 MP050 | 51.4 MP050 |
Image resolution ⓘImage resolution is measured in pixels and megapixels, width by height. The higher the number, the higher its resolution. |
8688 x 5792 | 8256 x 6192 |
Sensor type ⓘThe camera sensor captures light and records the image. Sensors vary in physical size, the number of pixels, and quality. |
CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor size ⓘThe sensor size contributes to the overall quality as well as the dynamic and tonal range a camera can capture. As a rule of thumb, the more surface there is to read the light, the more information it will capture. |
24 x 36 | 32.8 x 43.8 |
Sensor format ⓘRefers to the most commonly used sensor sizes. |
Full Frame | Medium Format |
Continuous shooting ⓘThe number of sequential frames per second the camera can write to the memory card when shooting in burst or continuous mode. |
5 fps045 | 3 fps045 |
Lens mount ⓘThe lens mount will tell you what type of lens range you can fit onto the camera body. Often the same camera company will have different lens ranges for different cameras. |
Canon EF | Pentax 645AF2 |
Image processor ⓘThe image processor in the camera converts the information collected on the sensor for digital storage on the memory card. |
Dual Digic 6 | Prime III |
Aspect ratio ⓘThe aspect ratio refers to the proportional difference between width and height. The most popular aspect ratios are 3:2 and 4:3. |
3:2 | 4:3 |
Min ISO ⓘRefers to the lowest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Lower ISO are less sensitive to light but make a cleaner image. |
10030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO ⓘRefers to the highest native (or 'base') ISO setting. Higher ISO is necessary for low-light situations or night photography, but higher ISOs often introduce grain or noise. |
64003003280000 | 2048003003280000 |
Min ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
5030200 | 10030200 |
Max ISO (expanded) ⓘExpanded (or extended) ISO is a digitally enhanced feature available on some cameras. It allows you to push beyond the native ISO range if necessary. |
123003280000 | 2048003003280000 |
Minimum shutter speed ⓘThe minimum shutter speed will tell you the longest exposure your camera can take without using an external accessory. |
3044080 | 3044080 |
Max shutter speed ⓘThe maximum shutter speed tells you the length inside 1 second the camera will capture. These can sometimes be extended with accessories such as extra external batteries. |
800080032000 | 400080032000 |
Autofocus points ⓘAutofocus points show where the camera is focusing graphically as squares or brackets in Live View or on an electronic viewfinder. These points are also used for light meter readings. |
610300 | 270300 |
In-body stabilisation ⓘIn-body Stabilization means the camera has a certain technology embedded that counteracts camera shake. |
✗ | ✗ |
Viewfinder type ⓘThe viewfinder type is either electronic or optical. Electronic viewfinders will have a small screen in the viewfinder. Optical viewfinders will use prisms and mirrors to look through the lens. |
Optical (pentaprism) | Optical (pentaprism) |
| Viewfinder dots | N/A | N/A |
| Video | ||
Video ⓘIndicates if this camera is capable of recording video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Max video resolution ⓘThe best resolution this camera can capture video in. Modern cameras can capture up to 8K video. |
Full HD | Full HD |
Max video format ⓘVideo resolution measured by the greatest number of pixels possible in each frame, width by height. A higher resolution means more detail or clarity in your video. |
1920 x 1080 | 1920 x 1080 |
Max video frame rate ⓘHow many frames per second your video will capture. Most cameras have options for multiple frame rates, depending on the resolution you shoot in. For a general video, 24p or 30p is the standard, but more serious filmmakers may need a higher frame rate for creative effect. |
30 fps | 60 fps |
Timelapse built in ⓘA built in time-lapse mode will allow continuous shooting throughout a prolonged period of time to be compressed into a sped up video. |
✓ | ✓ |
Video file format ⓘDifferent cameras can record in various video file formats. The File format you record in can impact how you edit and use the files. |
MOV | MOV, AVI |
| Features | ||
Builtin flash ⓘA built-in flash will often be positioned right above the lens. This will automatically pop up when you activate it. |
✗ | ✗ |
External flash ⓘExternal flashes are often connected through a hot shoe at the top of a camera, or a cable at the side of the camera. |
✓ | ✓ |
GPS ⓘGPS features in a camera will include location metadata to each of your photographs. |
✗ | ✗ |
Weather sealing ⓘWeather sealing capabilities will give you more confidence when shooting in unfavourable conditions. |
✓ | ✓ |
| Screen type | TFT LCD | LCD |
Touch screen ⓘTouchscreen allows you to change camera settings and access menus with a swipe of your finger, instead of using buttons. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Screen size | 3.2" | 3.2" |
Screen dots ⓘScreen dots indicate the resolution of the LCD screen by including each sub pixel. |
10400001150001500000 | 10370001150001500000 |
Flip screen ⓘA flip screen (or articulating screen) is a second screen which can flip out from the side or top of the camera. This rotating screen allows you more freedom to take photos at different angles. |
✗ | ✓ |
Live view ⓘLive View feature allows you to see a continuous live video of what is being seen through your lens. |
✓ | ✓ |
Wi-Fi ⓘBuilt-in Wi-Fi allows you to connect your camera and share images wirelessly. |
✗ | ✓ |
Bluetooth ⓘBluetooth capabilities allow you wireless control of your camera with other external devices. |
✗ | ✗ |
| Storage & battery | ||
| Memory card | SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I compatible), Compact Flash | SD / SDHC / SDXC |
| Dual memory card slots | ✓ | ✓ |
| Battery type | LP-E6 | D-LI90 |
Battery life ⓘApproximately how long this cameras battery will last measured by how many photographs you will be able to take. |
700 shots1505000 | 650 shots1505000 |
| USB charging | ✗ | ✗ |
The Pentax 645Z outperforms the Canon EOS 5DS with a score of 73/100 versus 69/100. Both cameras are DSLRs and were released in the mid-2010s, with the Canon EOS 5DS in 2015 and the Pentax 645Z in 2014. They share similarities in dimensions, with the Canon measuring 152 x 116 x 76mm and the Pentax at 156 x 117 x 123mm.
The Pentax 645Z excels with its higher score, but it comes at a significantly higher launch price of $8499 compared to the Canon’s $3700. However, the Canon EOS 5DS has the advantage of being lighter, weighing 930g (2.05lbs) against the Pentax’s 1550g (3.42lbs).
Taking into account the scores, price, and weight, the Pentax 645Z is the superior camera but at a higher cost, while the Canon EOS 5DS offers a more affordable and lightweight option.
The Pentax 645Z wins in optics with a score of 79/100, compared to the Canon EOS 5DS, which scores 73/100. Both cameras have CMOS sensors, processors, and lack image stabilisation. They also share similarities in megapixels, with the Pentax 645Z having 51.4 and the Canon EOS 5DS having 50.6.
The Pentax 645Z outperforms the Canon EOS 5DS with its medium format sensor size, which is larger than the full-frame sensor size of the Canon EOS 5DS. This larger sensor size contributes to the Pentax 645Z’s higher DXOMARK score of 101, compared to the Canon EOS 5DS’s score of 87. The Pentax 645Z also has a 4:3 aspect ratio, which is more versatile for various shooting scenarios than the Canon EOS 5DS’s 3:2 aspect ratio.
The Canon EOS 5DS has some advantages over the Pentax 645Z. It has a faster shooting speed of 5 frames per second, compared to the Pentax 645Z’s 3 frames per second. This makes the Canon EOS 5DS better for capturing fast-moving subjects. Additionally, the Canon EOS 5DS uses a dual Digic 6 processor, which ensures faster image processing than the Pentax 645Z’s Prime III processor.
To conclude, the Pentax 645Z is the superior camera in terms of optics, with a larger sensor size, higher DXOMARK score, and more versatile aspect ratio. However, the Canon EOS 5DS offers advantages in shooting speed and image processing, making it better for capturing fast-moving subjects.
The Pentax 645Z outperforms the Canon EOS 5DS in video capabilities, with a 13-point difference in their video scores (70/100 for the 645Z and 57/100 for the 5DS). Both cameras share a few common video specifications, such as Full HD video resolution and 1920 x 1080 video dimensions. Additionally, both have time-lapse functionality built in, allowing users to create stunning time-lapse videos with ease.
The Pentax 645Z’s superior video performance stems from its higher maximum video frame rate of 60fps, compared to the 5DS’s 30fps. This allows for smoother video playback and provides the option for slow-motion effects in post-production. The higher frame rate makes the 645Z more versatile for a range of video applications, from fast-paced action shots to capturing subtle movements in nature.
The Canon EOS 5DS, while lagging behind in video frame rate, still offers solid video capabilities. Its Full HD resolution and time-lapse functionality cater to the needs of many photographers looking to incorporate video into their work. However, it does not excel in this area compared to the 645Z.
Considering these factors, the Pentax 645Z emerges as the better choice for those prioritizing video capabilities. Its higher frame rate provides smoother footage and greater versatility for various video projects. On the other hand, the Canon EOS 5DS remains a decent option for photographers who occasionally shoot video, but its lower video score and frame rate limit its potential in this aspect.
The Canon EOS 5DS and the Pentax 645Z both scored 59 out of 100 in their feature comparison, indicating a tie in this category. They share several specifications, including a 3.2-inch screen size and the absence of a touchscreen, GPS, and Bluetooth. However, the Canon EOS 5DS has a marginally higher screen resolution at 1,040,000 dots, compared to the Pentax 645Z’s 1,037,000 dots.
The Pentax 645Z outperforms the Canon EOS 5DS in two key areas: it has a flip screen and built-in WiFi. The flip screen provides added flexibility for composing shots from various angles, while the WiFi functionality allows for easy image transfer and remote control of the camera using a compatible device.
On the other hand, the Canon EOS 5DS does not have any significant advantages over the Pentax 645Z, aside from the slightly higher screen resolution. This minor difference may not have a noticeable impact on the overall user experience or image quality.
Taking these factors into account, the Pentax 645Z emerges as the better choice due to its flip screen and WiFi capabilities, offering users more versatility and convenience. The Canon EOS 5DS, while having a marginally higher screen resolution, lacks these additional features and does not provide any significant advantage over its competitor. Therefore, the Pentax 645Z is the recommended choice for photographers seeking a camera with a strong feature set.
The Canon EOS 5DS and the Pentax 645Z both have a storage and battery score of 65/100. They share similarities in this category, including two memory card slots and compatibility with SD/SDHC/SDXC memory cards. Both cameras lack USB charging capabilities.
The Canon EOS 5DS has a slight advantage in battery life, offering 700 shots per charge compared to the Pentax 645Z’s 650 shots. The 5DS uses an LP-E6 battery, while the 645Z uses a D-LI90 battery. Additionally, the 5DS accepts Compact Flash cards, making it more versatile in terms of storage options.
Although the Pentax 645Z has a marginally shorter battery life, it still provides a respectable 650 shots per charge. However, it does not accept Compact Flash cards, which may limit storage options for some users.
Both cameras have their strengths and weaknesses in the storage and battery category. The Canon EOS 5DS offers slightly better battery life and more storage options, while the Pentax 645Z provides a decent battery life but lacks support for Compact Flash cards.

Are you still undecided about which camera is right for you? Have a look at these popular comparisons that feature the Canon EOS 5DS or the Pentax 645Z: