Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 vs Pentax 645Z

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax 645Z
      60
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      73
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 and the Pentax 645Z, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 was introduced in June 2010 and Pentax 645Z was introduced in April 2014. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 Highlights

      • 14.2 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 100 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 9 Focus Points
      • Image Stabilization
      • 2.7" 230k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
      • 2.5 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash

      Pentax 645Z Highlights

      • 51.4 MP Medium format CMOS Sensor
      • No Optical Low-pass Filter
      • 100 - 204,800 Native ISO
      • 27 Focus Points
      • 3.2" 1,037k dot Tilting Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 3.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 25 min Video Recording Limit
      • Wheather Sealed Body
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A290
      4. Advantage of Pentax 645Z
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 and Pentax 645Z.

      PROS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax 645Z

      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Built-in Flash
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Video Capture
      •   Large Sensor
      •   High Resolution Sensor - 51.4 Megapixel
      •   204,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 101
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax 645Z

      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 290 shots
      •   Expensive
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Low Flash Sync Speed - 1/125 sec
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Heavy - 1550 g (3.42 lb / 54.67 oz)


      And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

      AVERAGE

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax 645Z

      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      •   Weight - 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   -3 EV Min AF Detection
      •   27 Focus Points
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Battery Life - 650 shots

      Advantage of Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Sony DSLR-A290
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 over Pentax 645Z.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 vs Pentax 645Z
      Image Stabilization Sensor Shift vs
      Built-in Flash vs
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/160 sec vs 1/125 sec
      Lighter 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz) vs 1550 g (3.42 lb / 54.67 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony Alpha DSLR-A290.

      Sony DSLR-A300
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A390
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A850
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A330
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A350
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A100
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A200
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A580
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      16.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A900
      Image cannot be found

      Full Frame

      24.6 MP

      Sony DSLR-A230
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      10.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A550
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A560
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Advantage of Pentax 645Z

      Pentax 645Z
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax 645Z over Sony Alpha DSLR-A290.

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 vs Pentax 645Z
      Video Capture vs
      Larger Sensor APS-C vs Medium format
      Higher Sensor Resolution 14.2 Megapixel vs 51.4 Megapixel
      Higher Native ISO 3,200 vs 204,800
      Max Image Resolution 4592 x 3056 vs 8256 x 6192
      Timelapse Recording vs
      More Focus Points 9 vs 27
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Screen Type Fixed vs Tilting
      Larger Screen 2.7" vs 3.2"
      Higher Resolution Screen 230k dot vs 1,037k dot
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Live View vs
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 95% vs 98%
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.55x vs 0.71x
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 2.5 fps vs 3.0 fps
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 615 vs 4505
      Higher DxO Color Depth 22.6 vs 26.0
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.5 vs 14.7
      Higher DxO Overall Score 66 vs 101
      Higher USB Speed USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) vs USB 3.2 Gen 1x1 (5 GBit/sec)
      Built-in Microphone vs Mono
      Microphone Input vs
      Environmental Sealing vs
      Dust Proof vs
      Freeze Proof vs
      Longer Battery Life 290 shots vs 650 shots
      More Storage Slots 1 vs 2

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax 645Z.

      Pentax 645D
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      Medium format

      40 MP

      Canon 7D II
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      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Nikon Z8
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      Full Frame

      45.7 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Nikon D70
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      APS-C

      6.1 MP

      Pentax K-01
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      APS-C

      16 MP

      Canon 5DS R
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Canon Rebel T5
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      APS-C

      18.0 MP

      Sony a6600
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon Z30
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Sony a6100
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon D4
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      Full Frame

      16.2 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 Pentax 645Z
        Face Detection
        Live View Autofocus
        HDMI Output Micro Type D
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 Pentax 645Z
        Low Max Continuous Shooting2.5 fps3.0 fps
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has a 2.7" Fixed screen with 230k dot resolution and Pentax 645Z has a 3.2" Tilting screen with 1,037k dot resolution. Tilting screen makes Pentax 645Z very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting.

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      Pentax 645Z with Tilting screen


      Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinderPentax 645Z has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has 95% coverage with 0.83x (0.55x 35mm equivalent) magnification and Pentax 645Z has 98% coverage with 0.56x (0.71x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 features a 14.2 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.6 x 15.8 mm and a total area of 372.9 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 3,200. Pentax 645Z features a 51.4 megapixel Medium format CMOS sensor with dimensions of 44 x 33 mm and a total area of 1089 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 204,800.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      Sensor size chart
      Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
      Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
      Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
      Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
      Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
      Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
      Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

      Photography Features

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 is equipped with BIONZ processor and can take pictures up to 4592 x 3056 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 4592 x 2576, 3408 x 2272, 3408 x 1920, 2288 x 1520, 2288 x 1280 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Pentax 645Z is equipped with PRIME III processor and can take pictures up to 8256 x 6192 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 6912 x 5184, 5376 x4032, 1920 x 1080 with 4:3 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has Sony A lens mount and Pentax 645Z has Pentax 645AF2 lens mount. Due to APS-C sensor in Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 its crop factor is equal to 1.5x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5. Due to Medium format sensor in Pentax 645Z its crop factor is equal to 0.79x, this means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 0.79.


      No Low-Pass Filter on Pentax 645Z

      There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor on Pentax 645Z. This results in a slightly sharper image but may also introduce moiré patterns and aliasing artifacts when photographing subjects with fine, repetitive patterns or details.


      In-Body Image Stabilization on Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has a built-in Sensor Shift in-body image stabilization (IBIS). This means that you are still getting vibration reduction when camera is paired with non-image stabilizied lenses. It also works with lenses with optical image stabilization and in combination can achieve even better compensation.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB inputs for data transfer. Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has an HDMI and Pentax 645Z has a Micro Type D HDMI connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 comes with NP-FH50 battery pack with battery life of 290 shots and Pentax 645Z comes with D-LI90 battery pack with battery life of 650 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has a single SD/SDHC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card slot. Pentax 645Z has Dual SD/SDHC/SDXC (UHS-I) card slots.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Pentax 645Z has Mechanical Focal Plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A290, and up to 1/4000 sec on Pentax 645Z. Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 can shoot continuously up to 2.5 fps. Pentax 645Z can shoot continuously up to 3.0 fps.


      Focusing

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has 9 focusing points and Pentax 645Z has 27 focusing points. Pentax 645Z has detection range from -3 to +18 EV.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Pentax 645Z ranges from -1 to +21 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±2 EV range on Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 and ±5 EV range on Pentax 645Z. You can also do and manual exposure adjustment on Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 and exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Pentax 645Z.


      Flash

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 has a built-in flash with maximum range of 10.00 m at ISO 100 and also accepts external flash which can be connected via Hot Shoe. Pentax 645Z has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Hot Shoe or X-Sync Terminal. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec on Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 and 1/125 sec on Pentax 645Z.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 body has dimensions of 128 x 97 x 86 mm (5.04 x 3.82 x 3.39") and Pentax 645Z body has dimensions of 156 x 117 x 123 mm (6.14 x 4.61 x 4.84"). Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 weighs 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz) and Pentax 645Z weighs 1550 g (3.42 lb / 54.67 oz).

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax 645Z

      128 mm

      97 mm

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      156 mm

      117 mm

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      97 mm

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      117 mm

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      86 mm

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      123 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 and Pentax 645Z

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 and Pentax 645Z for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax 645Z

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      EXCELLENT
      90
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax 645Z

      AVERAGE
      67
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 290 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      78
      •   204,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   27 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Battery Life - 650 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax 645Z

      AVERAGE
      59
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 290 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      74
      •   204,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   27 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 650 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax 645Z

      GOOD
      80
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      84
      •   Large Sensor
      •   27 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   Low Flash Sync Speed - 1/125 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax 645Z

      GOOD
      80
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)
      GOOD
      75
      •   Large Sensor
      •   27 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1550 g (3.42 lb / 54.67 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax 645Z

      GOOD
      81
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 290 shots
      AVERAGE
      56
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1550 g (3.42 lb / 54.67 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 650 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony Alpha DSLR-A290 and Pentax 645Z and give them scores of 60 and 73 out of 100 recpectively. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax 645Z

      OVERALL
      60
      OVERALL
      73

      Sensor

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax 645Z

      GOOD
      71
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 66
      GOOD
      82
      •   Large Sensor
      •   High Resolution Sensor - 51.4 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   204,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   High DxO Overall Score - 101

      Photo

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax 645Z

      GOOD
      70
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.5 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      GOOD
      73
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.0 fps
      •   Low Flash Sync Speed - 1/125 sec

      Video

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax 645Z

      BAD
      0
      •   Image Stabilization
      BAD
      15
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit

      Focusing

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax 645Z

      GOOD
      75
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      EXCELLENT
      85
      •   -3 EV Min AF Detection
      •   27 Focus Points
      •   Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax 645Z

      AVERAGE
      64
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.7"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      GOOD
      78
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Large Screen - 3.2"
      •   Screen Resolution - 1,037k dot

      Connectivity

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax 645Z

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Built-in Microphone
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      GOOD
      77
      •   High USB Speed
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sony Alpha DSLR-A290

      Pentax 645Z

      BAD
      39
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 549 g (1.21 lb / 19.37 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 290 shots
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1550 g (3.42 lb / 54.67 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 650 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots


      For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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