Many MF systems already accomodate digital, so I think they core issue is if
the MF film system you invest in today will 'upgrade' with a well-integrated
digital back in the future. Right now you can do it, but the backs alone
cost thousands... that cost will likely drop rapidly.
I think MF has enough critical users that the film side of it will persist
for a long while, but there are already digital backs for major MF systems
that approach mainstream film quality (I mean MF negatives scanned on a
normal MF scanner i.e. 4000dpi. I think you can get more from MF negatives
in a high-end drum scan than you can get from digital backs at this time).
What I'd be looking for is a system that currently integrates smoothly and
well with the $10,000 digital backs now available; that implies that that
system may likely be compatible with improved and lower cost (due to Moore's
law) digital backs available in the future.
--
Jim Brokaw
OM-'s of all sorts, and no OM-oney...
on 1/19/03 12:15 PM, Jan Steinman at Jan@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx wrote:
>> From: AG Schnozz <agschnozz@xxxxxxxxx>
>>
>> It's time to get serious in the search for a new MF rig...
>
> You've got to consider the 800-pound gorilla over in the corner of the room:
> digital.
>
> Already, scanning backs rival MF quality.
>
> Based on Moore's Law, I predict that digital will achieve price/performance
> parity with 35mm within 3 years, with MF, within 6 years, and with 4x5, within
> 9 years.
>
> So the question becomes: can I get six years of fun/investment return/whatever
> out of a new MF system? Because in six years, there will be no such thing as
> new MF film gear.
>
> (Pax to film lovers: I'm actually one of you! There will continue to be a
> small niche for fine-art film photography, but it will be small, and digital
> WILL overwhelm the vast majority of film usage.)
>
> --
> : Jan Steinman -- nature Transography(TM): <http://www.Bytesmiths.com>
> : Bytesmiths -- artists' services: <http://www.Bytesmiths.com/Services>
> : Buy My Step Van! <http://www.Bytesmiths.com/van>
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