645d or Nikon d800e - HELP!

Zygonyx · 05-10-2012, 01:14 PM

Well summarized !

Smolk · 05-10-2012, 03:01 PM

The comparison, as always, is between systems in flux. Two years ago, the 645D was just a little bit more expensive than the D3x but with massive more Mp; now, Nikon has the advantage. Btw, in both cases, there were / are valid reasons for either system in spite of the perceived and often absolutised advantages of one over the other.
If Pentax comes up with the 645D2 the pendulum swings once more.

Although there is a law of diminishing returns, and the possibility of new technology as that in the Lytro (Lytro: The Revolutionary Camera is Now on Sale - My Modern Metropolis).

Meanwhile, I could not resist a Rolleiflex.

Smolk · 05-10-2012, 03:14 PM

And one development nearer reality: the new monochrome B&W sensor of Leica. Very interested to see how that new camera holds up, and whether anyone else follows that lead

itshimitis · 05-11-2012, 07:44 PM

Originally posted by CDW

Interesting thread but some postings should be clarified. The Pentax 645d weighs about 970 grams, not much more than the 800e. The 55 and 75mm 645 primes are not any heavier than Nikon or Canon primes in that range, perhaps even lighter. The ergonomics of the 645d are superb and the 645d is weatherproof. I shot in a tropical downpour with my 645d with no ill effects other than trying to keep the lens dry. Also, other reviews and postings of 800/800e images pretty well confirm what MFD shooters already know....lenses without corner sharpness or CA problems stand out like a sore thumb. Not every FF Nikon lens in their catalog will be a candidate for use with the 800. But the Nikon does match the Kodak sensor in the 645d in terms of freedom from grunge and black noise in shadow areas. If you want to see some startling comparisons of the 800 and 5DmkIII, check out Fred Miranda's website for his comparison review.

Finally, I haven't noticed any increase in used 645d availability on the used market. If anything it would be an adjunct to a 645d rather than a replacement. If you judge IQ based simply on resolution charts, then you don't understand MF photography. But in as much as the 645d 25mm is over $5K, an 800e and a Zeiss 21mm would make a nice alternative, and a great backup. I seriously doubt many 645d shooters will be lured to the 800/e although many potential shooters who might have been tempted to move to MF may well elect to stay with FF 35mm DSLR.

+1 Great summary.

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05-10-2012, 01:14 PM	#46
Zygonyx Pentaxian Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Ile de France Posts: 4,033	Well summarized !

05-10-2012, 03:01 PM	#47
Smolk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eerbeek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	The comparison, as always, is between systems in flux. Two years ago, the 645D was just a little bit more expensive than the D3x but with massive more Mp; now, Nikon has the advantage. Btw, in both cases, there were / are valid reasons for either system in spite of the perceived and often absolutised advantages of one over the other. If Pentax comes up with the 645D2 the pendulum swings once more. Although there is a law of diminishing returns, and the possibility of new technology as that in the Lytro (Lytro: The Revolutionary Camera is Now on Sale - My Modern Metropolis). Meanwhile, I could not resist a Rolleiflex.

05-10-2012, 03:14 PM	#48
Smolk Pentaxian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Eerbeek Photos: Gallery \| Albums Posts: 1,857	And one development nearer reality: the new monochrome B&W sensor of Leica. Very interested to see how that new camera holds up, and whether anyone else follows that lead

05-11-2012, 07:44 PM	#49
itshimitis Pentaxian Join Date: May 2011 Location: All over the place Posts: 3,535	Originally posted by CDW Interesting thread but some postings should be clarified. The Pentax 645d weighs about 970 grams, not much more than the 800e. The 55 and 75mm 645 primes are not any heavier than Nikon or Canon primes in that range, perhaps even lighter. The ergonomics of the 645d are superb and the 645d is weatherproof. I shot in a tropical downpour with my 645d with no ill effects other than trying to keep the lens dry. Also, other reviews and postings of 800/800e images pretty well confirm what MFD shooters already know....lenses without corner sharpness or CA problems stand out like a sore thumb. Not every FF Nikon lens in their catalog will be a candidate for use with the 800. But the Nikon does match the Kodak sensor in the 645d in terms of freedom from grunge and black noise in shadow areas. If you want to see some startling comparisons of the 800 and 5DmkIII, check out Fred Miranda's website for his comparison review. Finally, I haven't noticed any increase in used 645d availability on the used market. If anything it would be an adjunct to a 645d rather than a replacement. If you judge IQ based simply on resolution charts, then you don't understand MF photography. But in as much as the 645d 25mm is over $5K, an 800e and a Zeiss 21mm would make a nice alternative, and a great backup. I seriously doubt many 645d shooters will be lured to the 800/e although many potential shooters who might have been tempted to move to MF may well elect to stay with FF 35mm DSLR. +1 Great summary.