Given that there are several different programs (XYZ?) that can be used to convert RAW files from the Mamiya ZD's raw format for further image processing - I am trying to figure out which one will enable me to retain as much of the original data from the camera as possible (i.e. best handling of noise, preserving available highlight and shadow details, treatment of difficult (ie over 160asa) files etc).

My usual workflow is the following:

Mamiya ZD > conversion using XYZ? program > convert to 16 bit TIFF > fine tuning in Photoshop

Which is the best XYZ? program to use for this purpose? I guess this is complicated as different programs probably use different algorithms - so the result is not more or less data being retained - but different ways of processing it with different results. Am I right?

I have heard that the software that comes with the Mamiya ZD is poor in this respect (or is it just poor in terms of user friendliness and post-conversion processing support?). Currently I am experimenting with the downloadable trial version of Silkypics, which seem to be positive in this respect. Now I have just read on Adobe website that the latest version of Adobe DNG Converter can also convert raw files from Mamiya ZD to DNG format, which I could then convert to 16-bit TIFF. How does this Adobe route compare with Silkypics?

I am not interested at this point in which program is best to use to manipulate the data once I get it out of the camera (levels, curves, etc etc), as I am happy with Photoshop. Plus I figure it is best to try and solve one problem at a time, since my brain is small.

So any advice most appreciated.