medium format digital backs

[edgar_njari]

I hope this topic is alowed in this forum

 

I have a question about digital MF backs.

Which one of all the backs would you consider to be the best or

among the best in image qualitty. (not just resolution, but more

important, dynamic range, realism, subtle gradations etc. etc.)

And I mean regular backs, not scanning backs.

(I'd like to hear many opinions)

[mag_miksch]

sinar

[scott_fleming1]

Go here: http://www.robgalbraith.com/ubbthreads/postlist.php?Cat=&Board=UBB24

 

Much info and discussion. There is also another page on their main board about 'other'

digital backs.

 

Also luminous-landscape.com has much discussion of backs and has posted articles.

Do a search from their main board. They have a discussion forum with a digital backs

page as well.

[mark_tomalty]

Edgar

 

In the last 5-6 weeks I've had the opportunity to test three of the main players

22Mp backs-Leaf Valeo22,Imacon 132C,and PhaseOne H25.

 

All three are more than capable of captures that could easily look like they were

taken with well-scanned 6x9 chrome film only with more initial dynamic range

and no noise.Some would suggest 4x5 would be a better comparison but I don't want

to go that far given my limited experience. Initial 16x20 inkjet comparison prints

between a 22Mp back and 100Mb 4x5 scan would seem to be a dead heat in

many ways.

Of the 3 the momentum seems to suggest the replacement of the H25,the P25, will be

the one to beat for sheer portability and workflow concerns.It is the only fully contained

back that will shoot with CF cards and has onboard batteries. It is also the most expensive

at the moment.

The Imacon,with current vendor deals factored in,is the most economical option but

one is required to connect the back to a combo storage drive/power supply for field

use and for some photographers styles this could be seen as a bit of an obstacle.

Others see it as an asset as the drive can accept over 1000 images shot every couple of

seconds or so.

The Valeo falls somewhere inbetween as it requires a clip on storage drive(much

smaller than the Imacon) and battery.Battery life is shorter with the Leaf vs. Imacon.

Pricepointwise,the Leaf also falls in between the other two backs.

In my view,the Imacon offers a considerable advantage in that it uses adapter plates

to allow cross-platform compatability with different camera systems.

The others are somewhat limited in this regard.

 

To wrap up,all three are excellent products but you do have to play with each for a bit

to determine which works best for your specific needs.File wise you won't be

disappointed with any.

 

Hope this helps a bit.

Mark

[hendrik]

The PhaseOne H25