hebig.org/blog

Several new cameras have been introduced to the market, including the Canon 20D (marketing driven), the Konica Minolta Maxxum 7D (a 300D/D70 class DSLR that looks promising), the Nikon D2X (marking Nikon's migration from CCD to CMOS sensors, possibly a strategic decision) and the Leica Digital Modul R, a digital back for the R8 and R9 (for the Gentleman Photographer). But which one really to watch?

A, the Mamiya ZD digital medium format camera working with Mamiya 645AF interchangeable lenses. This is not only the first time that a MF camera maker comes up with a completely digital model, but also the first time that €10k buy an entire MF camera with digital back (sans lenses). Read: three years from now, digital medium format photography will be affordable for the non-pro.

B, the Fujifilm S3 Pro. Fujifilm DSRLs are the "silent third" beside Nikon and Canon cameras, and both the S1 and S2 turned out to be excellent solutions in a number of situations. Now, we finally see the full integration of camera and digitizing parts - and a new sensor that is said to offer "almost two stops more dynamic range than conventional CCD." For this, Fuji employs two photodiodes of different size and sensitivity per pixel: a smaller diode of lower sensitivity captures details above the saturation point of the much larger high sensitivity diode, the camera then combines both information and thus extends the sensor dynamic range nearly to that of a negative film. €2.5k list price, €2.0k street price, calculate at least the same amount for lenses of appropriate quality.