I'm making the switchover from MF film (Mamiya) to digital and strongly leaning towards Canon since MF Digital is so pricey and I think that I can meet my image requirements with current 35mm full frame format digital.

I'm switching over right now because I'm still not happy with the quality of scans I can make. I have a Nikon ED-8000 scanner which now needs repair work or replacement and don't relish the thought of that.

The dilema is that I don't want to purchase 2 year old techology in the form of the 5D or the 1Ds series when Canon has to have something coming up on the near-term horizon, but I need a camera until that occurs. I don't require two bodies or I'd probably just spring for a 5D now.

Thoughts? Any hint as to when Canon may actually release something? I figured summer and then 2-3 months until you can actually pick something up.


Thanks,

Eric

Here is an idea...perhaps you already have Mamiya 645 lenses.

http://www.digitaltransitions.com/promo/q4_promo.htm

Perhaps a used body with some life left. It might fill in until your expected Canon ship comes in and serve as a backup after that. Hopefully, one lens outfit will fit both.

hi
i am selling my 1ds mark2 on ebay right now, i love it but i finally got some money for a MF back.
i think holding on to a8MP canon is worth it, but would consider other choices for more res.
many people dont like the canon wide angle lenses. i personally have shot canon since day one and love the system. i would really like to see canon develop some digital glass for their cameras, and what the future holds for canon doesnt intrigue me. i think the format is preatty much maxed out for res now.

that P20 would be a great choice, even cropped down. i have often heard that a lower MP MF back is a much better file than a 1ds2.

cant beat the big viewfinder on 645...the canon sometimes gives me problems..even the MF backs that have a 1.3 crop on them is not that bad of a crop, just a little on the edge, the 1.1x crop backs are practically FF 645, just a hairline literally.

one the Phase one line the P30, P21 are 1.3x, the P 25, P45 are 1.1x.

save the 1ds money towards a back and a good 8MP rig for the moment will get you by.

The 5D debutted one year ago--not 2 years ago--and is still cutting edge image quality. Plus it is the only FF camera in its class. It wouldn't surprise me if a 5D MK II was in the works for Fall 2007. However, if you can't wait, and want the newest thing--albeit not the best--go for the Rebel XTi. Personally I find the 5D not wanting of much in terms of image quality and performance. I wouldn't mind ECF and DEP mode but those are minor grips. Its image quality bests quality scans of MF so I don't think you'll be disappointed several years out.