Hoya Corporation Pentax Imaging Systems Division has finally announced the Pentax 645D medium-format DSLR, a camera that had been the subject of rumours for over a half decade.

The bad news is that you can only pick one up in Japan; no Pentax subsidiary worldwide (including Pentax Canada) has even hinted that it would ever become available anywhere else. The Japanese domestic market suggested retail price of ¥850,000 represents C$9,652.04 as of the day this is being posted.

As of the camera's introduction, there is one purpose-built lens: the smc PENTAX-D FA 645 55mmF2.8 AL[IF] SDM AW. Its main features are Pentax's SDM ("Supersonic Direct-drive Motor") focusing with instant manual override, weather sealing, and a rounded diaphragm. Although more are expected to join it, the new DSLR will work with existing 645 system lenses (Pentax's old film medium format camera introduced in 1985).

At its core lies a 40MP, 44 x 33mm CCD sensor that is about 1.7 times larger than those used in 35mm ("full frame") DSLRs.

The 645D has a body formed of a magnesium-steel-alloy frame and a chassis of diecast aluminum. It also features reinforced glass LCD panel protectors and a dustproof, weather-resistant construction.

Although the CCD sensor is somewhat limited in its light sensitivity (maximum ISO is 1600), it is designed with no low-pass filters, and that augurs for higher image quality. It uses the firm's "PRIME" (PENTAX Real Image Engine) II as its imaging engine. A 14-bit A/D converter is used.

The dust-proof/weather-resistant construction entails 70 seals. Pentax says it will work reliably down to -10°C; while the shutter unit (with a top shutter speed of 1/4000 sec.) is good for 50,000 operations.

Dual SD/SDHC memory card slots help users cope with the mammoth image file sizes, while opening up such options as RAW and JPEG capture in separate cards, or image file backup.

Other features include DR (Dust Removal) II mechanism, a new 11-point wide-frame AF sensor with nine cross-type sensors positioned in the middle, 77-segment multi-pattern metering
, 98% field of view optical VF, and Hyper Program function (a popular feature on Pentax APS-C DSLRs).

The 921k-dot 3" LCD monitor is treated with an Anti-Reflection coating.

Other notable features include a large-capacity, lithium-ion battery rated to enable 800 captures; High Dynamic Range (HDR: a feature introduced on the K7, that creates a composite image from three images with different exposures); and automatic compensation of distortion and lateral chromatic aberration (available in combination with the D FA 645- and FA 645- series lenses).

Although $9,000 puts the 645D well out of the mainstream market for now, pricing can tumble quickly in the world of digital imaging. At 1,480g (3.2 lb.) with two cards and battery, the camera's weight is in line with prosumer full-frame alternatives; and its 6.1" x 4.6" x 4.7" form factor certainly isn't too onerous.

Although Pentax remains mum on the subject as noted above, some hopeful contributors on photography blogs are predicting that the firm would change its mind, especially if Japanese sales prove unusually brisk.

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