As many of you know by now, I am a professional photographer in Denver, Colorado. While I have always had the best cameras and lenses that Canon has had to offer, I'm really a large format sensor fan. That's why an announcement this week from Leica really caught my eye.
Leica has today unveiled a brand new autofocus DSLR system designed for professional users, which is configured around a 30x45mm sensor (i.e. 56% larger than 35mm full-frame). The S-system will utilize an advanced new dual shutter, with both an in-body focal plane shutter for fast lenses, and in-lens leaf shutters for high flash sync speeds. The first camera, the S-2, will feature a 37.5 megapixel CCD sensor in a weatherproof body which is similar in size and handling to conventional 35mm-type DSLRs. The new ‘Maestro’ image processing system provides twice the operating speed of current medium-format backs, significantly reduced power consumption, and allows production of in-camera JPEGs. The company has also developed a range of nine new lenses, including macro, ultra-wideangle, and tilt-and-shift designs.The lens range will consist of 24mm ultrawide, 30mm tilt-and-shift, 35mm wide, 70mm standard, 30-90mm standard zoom, 100mm short tele, 120mm macro, 180mm telephoto, and 350mm telephoto optics (all of which will apparently incorporate leaf shutters).
Basically a large format camera with a DSLR form factor, combined with Leica lenses - this thing sounds like a winner.
Why large format (larger digital sensor) vs. just more megapixels with an new Canon 5D II?
- More options with Depth of Focus
- Less noise
- Larger/brighter viewfinder
- Generally cleaner images
- A unique look that differentiates your images from other digital shooters
Drawbacks of course are that a camera like this could never be used for action/sports, and you'd have to invest in a whole new rig.
Currently I'm leaning toward the Mamiya 645AFDIII for my high-end bridal portraits, but this new Leica might just give me pause.
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