Sony NEX-5 vs Pentax 645D

      Sony NEX-5

      Pentax 645D
      60
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      65
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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 NEX-5 and the Pentax 645D, 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 NEX-5 was introduced in June 2010 and Pentax 645D was introduced in March 2010. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Sony NEX-5 Highlights

      • 14 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
      • 200 - 12,800 Native ISO
      • 25 Focus Points
      • 3.0" 920k dot Tilting Screen
      • Optical (Optional FDA-SV1) Viewfinder
      • 7.0 fps Continuous Shooting
      • 1920 x 1080 Video Shooting
      • 30 min Video Recording Limit

      Pentax 645D Highlights

      • 40 MP Medium format CCD Sensor
      • No Optical Low-pass Filter
      • 200 - 1,600 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points
      • 3.0" 921k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 1.1 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Wheather Sealed Body
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Sony NEX-5
      4. Advantage of Pentax 645D
      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 NEX-5 and Pentax 645D.

      PROS

      Sony NEX-5

      Pentax 645D

      •   Video Capture
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   HDMI Output
      •   Light - 287 g (0.63 lb / 10.12 oz)
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Large Sensor
      •   High Resolution Sensor - 40 Megapixel
      •   Live View Autofocus
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      CONS

      Sony NEX-5

      Pentax 645D

      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   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 - 330 shots
      •   No Video Capture
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   Low Flash Sync Speed - 1/125 sec
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      •   Heavy - 1480 g (3.26 lb / 52.21 oz)


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

      AVERAGE

      Sony NEX-5

      Pentax 645D

      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 69
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   DxO Overall Score - 82
      •   Battery Life - 800 shots

      Advantage of Sony NEX-5

      Sony NEX-5
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Sony NEX-5 over Pentax 645D.

      Sony NEX-5 vs Pentax 645D
      Video Capture vs
      Higher Native ISO 12,800 vs 1,600
      More Focus Points 25 vs 11
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Screen Type Tilting vs Fixed
      Live View vs
      Higher Viewfinder Coverage 100% vs 98%
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 7.0 fps vs 1.1 fps
      Higher Flash Sync Speed 1/160 sec vs 1/125 sec
      HDMI Output Mini Type C vs
      Speaker Mono vs
      Lighter 287 g (0.63 lb / 10.12 oz) vs 1480 g (3.26 lb / 52.21 oz)

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Sony NEX-5.

      Sony NEX-C3
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      APS-C

      16 MP

      Sony NEX-6
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Sony NEX-5N
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Sony NEX-5R
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Sony NEX-3N
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Sony NEX-F3
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Sony NEX-5T
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      APS-C

      16.1 MP

      Sony NEX-7
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      APS-C

      24.3 MP

      Sony NEX-3
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Nikon D500
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      APS-C

      20.9 MP

      Nikon D5200
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      APS-C

      24.1 MP

      Sony a9 II
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Advantage of Pentax 645D

      Pentax 645D
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax 645D over Sony NEX-5.

      Sony NEX-5 vs Pentax 645D
      Larger Sensor APS-C vs Medium format
      Higher Sensor Resolution 14 Megapixel vs 40 Megapixel
      Max Image Resolution 4592 x 3056 vs 7264 x 5440
      Timelapse Recording vs
      Phase Detection for Autofocus vs
      Higher Resolution Screen 920k dot vs 921k dot
      Top LCD Screen vs
      Higher DxO Low Light ISO 796 vs 1262
      Higher DxO Color Depth 22.2 vs 24.6
      Higher DxO Dynamic Range 12.2 vs 12.6
      Higher DxO Overall Score 69 vs 82
      Environmental Sealing vs
      Longer Battery Life 330 shots vs 800 shots
      More Storage Slots 1 vs 2

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

      Pentax 645Z
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      Medium format

      51.4 MP

      Canon Rebel T7i
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon 5DS R
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Fujifilm X-S10
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      APS-C

      26.1 MP

      Canon 10D
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Sony a7 III
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Sony a6300
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Sony a7R IV
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      Full Frame

      61.0 MP

      Sony SLT-A68
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony a7R IIIA
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      Full Frame

      42.4 MP

      Canon 70D
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      APS-C

      20.2 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 NEX-5 Pentax 645D
        Live View Autofocus
        Orientation Sensor
      WEAKNESSES Sony NEX-5 Pentax 645D
        High Native ISO200200
        No Face Detection
        No Image Stabilization
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Sony NEX-5 and Pentax 645D have 3.0" screens with 920k dot and 921k dot resolutions respectively. Sony NEX-5 has a Tilting screen which makes it very useful for photography purposes but not so useful for video shooting. Pentax 645D has a Fixed screen


      Viewfinder

      Sony NEX-5 has a built-in Optical (Optional FDA-SV1) viewfinderPentax 645D has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. Sony NEX-5 has 100% coverage magnification and Pentax 645D has 98% coverage with 0.56x (0.71x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

      Sensor

      Sony NEX-5 features a 14 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.4 x 15.6 mm and a total area of 365 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 12,800. Pentax 645D features a 40 megapixel Medium format CCD sensor with dimensions of 44 x 33 mm and a total area of 1089 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 1,600 and expands to 100 - 1,600 in boosted mode.


      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 NEX-5 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, 3344 x 2224, 3344 x 1872, 2288 x 1520, 2288 x 1280 with 3:2, 16:9 aspect ratios. Pentax 645D is equipped with PRIME II processor and can take pictures up to 7264 x 5440 resolution.


      Lens Mount

      Sony NEX-5 has Sony E lens mount and Pentax 645D has Pentax 645AF2 lens mount. Due to APS-C sensor in Sony NEX-5 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 645D 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 645D

      There is no optical low-pass filter (OLPF), also known as an anti-aliasing filter, in front of the sensor on Pentax 645D. 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.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Sony NEX-5 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Pentax 645D nothing can be done. On Pentax 645D it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Sony NEX-5 nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs and HDMI Outputs

      Both models have USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) inputs for data transfer. connector for video signal output.


      Battery

      Sony NEX-5 comes with NPFW50 battery pack with battery life of 330 shots and Pentax 645D comes with D-LI90 battery pack with battery life of 800 shots.


      External Storage Slots

      Sony NEX-5 has a single SD/SDHC/SDXC, Memory Stick Duo/Pro Duo/Pro-HG Duo card slot. Pentax 645D has Dual SD/SDHC card slots.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Sony NEX-5, and up to 1/4000 sec on Pentax 645D. Sony NEX-5 can shoot continuously up to 7.0 fps. Pentax 645D can shoot continuously up to 1.1 fps.


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Pentax 645D ranges from +2 to +21 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±2 EV range on Sony NEX-5 and ±5 EV range on Pentax 645D. You can also do and manual exposure adjustment on Sony NEX-5 and exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Pentax 645D.


      Flash

      Cameras have no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected to both of them via Smart accessory Terminal to Sony NEX-5 and via Hot Shoe (P-TTL or high speed sync available) or wireless with PENTAX dedicated flash or X-sync socket to Pentax 645D. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/160 sec on Sony NEX-5 and 1/125 sec on Pentax 645D.

      Physical Parameters

      Sony NEX-5 body has dimensions of 111 x 59 x 38 mm (4.37 x 2.32 x 1.5") and Pentax 645D body has dimensions of 156 x 117 x 119 mm (6.14 x 4.61 x 4.69"). Sony NEX-5 weighs 287 g (0.63 lb / 10.12 oz) and Pentax 645D weighs 1480 g (3.26 lb / 52.21 oz).

      Sony NEX-5

      Pentax 645D

      111 mm

      59 mm

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      156 mm

      117 mm

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      59 mm

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      117 mm

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      38 mm

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      119 mm

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      Size comparisons of Sony NEX-5 and Pentax 645D

      Sony NEX-5 and Pentax 645D 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 NEX-5

      Pentax 645D

      GOOD
      70
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      EXCELLENT
      86
      •   Large Sensor
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Sony NEX-5

      Pentax 645D

      AVERAGE
      59
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      63
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   Battery Life - 800 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Wildlife Photography

      Sony NEX-5

      Pentax 645D

      AVERAGE
      57
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots
      •   Orientation Sensor
      AVERAGE
      65
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Battery Life - 800 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Portrait Photography

      Sony NEX-5

      Pentax 645D

      GOOD
      73
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor
      GOOD
      77
      •   Large Sensor
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Flash Sync Speed - 1/125 sec
      •   Orientation Sensor

      Street Photography

      Sony NEX-5

      Pentax 645D

      GOOD
      83
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 287 g (0.63 lb / 10.12 oz)
      GOOD
      70
      •   Large Sensor
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1480 g (3.26 lb / 52.21 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Sony NEX-5

      Pentax 645D

      GOOD
      83
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 287 g (0.63 lb / 10.12 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots
      AVERAGE
      58
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1480 g (3.26 lb / 52.21 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 800 shots

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Sony NEX-5 and Pentax 645D and give them scores of 60 and 65 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 NEX-5

      Pentax 645D

      OVERALL
      60
      OVERALL
      65

      Sensor

      Sony NEX-5

      Pentax 645D

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 14 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   12,800 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 69
      GOOD
      80
      •   Large Sensor
      •   High Resolution Sensor - 40 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 82

      Photo

      Sony NEX-5

      Pentax 645D

      AVERAGE
      55
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Max Continuous Shooting - 7.0 fps
      •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/160 sec
      GOOD
      71
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 1.1 fps
      •   Low Flash Sync Speed - 1/125 sec

      Video

      Sony NEX-5

      Pentax 645D

      BAD
      16
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Video Resolution - 1920 x 1080
      •   Low Video Recording Limit
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Sony NEX-5

      Pentax 645D

      AVERAGE
      62
      •   25 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus
      GOOD
      71
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   Live View Autofocus

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Sony NEX-5

      Pentax 645D

      GOOD
      77
      •   Tilting Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 920k dot
      GOOD
      73
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Screen Resolution - 921k dot

      Connectivity

      Sony NEX-5

      Pentax 645D

      AVERAGE
      65
      •   HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth
      POOR
      52
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Sony NEX-5

      Pentax 645D

      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Light - 287 g (0.63 lb / 10.12 oz)
      •   Short Battery Life - 330 shots
      GOOD
      70
      •   Environmental Sealing
      •   Heavy - 1480 g (3.26 lb / 52.21 oz)
      •   Battery Life - 800 shots
      •   2 Storage Slots


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

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