22 Megapixel camera released

Mrfrog840

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Oct 7, 2000
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Sample Pictures... Wow

Announced in 2004 at Photokina, two years later Mamiya has finally announced the availability of the 22-million pixel ZD. The Mamiya ZD medium format digital SLR features a large 48 x 36mm CCD sensor which can capture a 35MB RAW file, is compatible with 645AF lenses and has two memory card slots using CF I/II and SD cards.

Mamiya launch ZD camera

JP Distribution, the UK?s exclusive distributor Mamiya are pleased to announce the launch of the Mamiya ZD Digital SLR, which was recently previewed at Focus On Imaging 2006 at the NEC, Birmingham.

Since 1940, Mamiya have designed and manufactured high quality cameras and lenses with excellent reliability and ease of use. It is these attributes that Mamiya has focused on to create the Mamiya ZD and ZD camera.
Mamiya ZD Launched

Mamiya ZD Digital SLR Camera

The Mamiya ZD is the latest evolution in professional medium format cameras. Inheriting the same high quality that has made Mamiya the leader in professional imaging, the 22 million-pixel Mamiya ZD comes with a 48 x 36mm CCD that achieves exceptional image quality to rival it?s earlier film counterparts. Mamiya has also designed the camera with outstanding handling and ease of use, which are achieved through a new ergonomic body designed around the photographer.

By utilising the very latest digital technology and high quality optics then combining it with a new ergonomic body Mamiya has created a digital camera for the new generation.

Specification

22 Mega Pixel CCD

Utilising the large Dalsa 48mm x 36mm CCD in conjunction with the ASIC processing engine, the Mamiya ZD captures a 35MB RAW file. It can be saved as a RAW file or processed to a JPEG on the fly. These large files offer the quality and resolution imperative for professional imaging.

ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit)

Developed exclusively for the Mamiya ZD. The ASIC processor optimizes image data from the CCD in real time. The ASIC engine also uses power saving technologies to prolong battery life and provides accurate white balance.

IEEE1394/Video Out

The Mamiya ZD can be operated tethered to a computer via four-pin IEEE 1394 cable for high-speed transfer. The camera also has a Video Out jack for reviewing images on a television monitor.

1.8? TFT monitor and LCD information panel

A large 1.8 inch TFT monitor is located on the back of the camera for reviewing images. It displays a 100% of the image are with full brightness control.

A second LCD screen located below the TFT monitor shows camera information such as image quality, ISO, white balance, storage media, and more.

Dual Memory Card Slots

The Mamiya ZD camera has two memory card slots. Compact Flash card (Type I and Type II), and SD card.

Removable Low Pass Filter

Mamiya is the only camera company in the world that gives the photographer the option of removing the Low Pass Filter. The filter is sealed in a protective cartridge, preventing it from dust and scratches.

Strong and lightweight Construction

Magnesium alloy is used to cover the camera?s prism and electronic circuitry providing secure protection in a lightweight material.
The camera?s body is made from a lightweight, high strength die cast aluminium alloy shell providing the maximum amount of protection in a lightweight material.

1.2fps Continuous shooting

Because of the high-speed ASIC processor and large memory buffer the Mamiya ZD is capable of firing at 1.2 fps. at a maximum burst rate of 10 shots (regardless of image size).

All Metal Shutter up to 1/4000sec

The durable all metal vertical-travel focal plane shutter gives the camera the ability to shoot at a top shutter speed of 1/4000 of a second. It provides a flash sync. speed of 1/125 of a second.

Price and Availability

The Mamiya ZD will retail for £7000 ($12,000) body only excluding VAT and is available now through authorised Mamiya ZD dealers.
 

OdiN

Banned
Mar 1, 2000
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Originally posted by: rudder
As long as the lenses don't cost too much... I'm in.

About $11,900

EDIT - OOps - was thinking you were asking price of camera.
 

edro

Lifer
Apr 5, 2002
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Those sample photos are nothing special. All camera manufacturers take exceptional sample photos. Take a look at any of Canon's sample photos. All of them are far above anything a normal individual can do.

It's still pretty badass that it is 22 MP though.
 

DBL

Platinum Member
Mar 23, 2001
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Originally posted by: edro
Those sample photos are nothing special. All camera manufacturers take exceptional sample photos. Take a look at any of Canon's sample photos. All of them are far above anything a normal individual can do.
It's called paying a professional.

It's still pretty badass that it is 22 MP though.
They have had higher MP MF cameras for a while, although the price on this one is more competitive with high-end 35mm DSLR.

 

DBL

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Mar 23, 2001
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Originally posted by: Garth
True resolution depends on the pixel size, not the number of them.

That's simplistic to the point of being incorrect. Would one huge pixel resolve more detail than 22M ones? Obviously, it's a balance of both factors and others.

Besides, this is a MF camera, meaning that pixel size and density will far surpass anything else, including the best 35mm DSLR out there.
 

Cerpin Taxt

Lifer
Feb 23, 2005
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Originally posted by: DBL
Originally posted by: Garth
True resolution depends on the pixel size, not the number of them.

That's simplistic to the point of being incorrect.
No, its not. It's a fact.

Would one huge pixel resolve more detail than 22M ones?
The true resolution would be equal if the sizes of the pixels are equal, but you didn't specify the difference in pixel size in your question.

Obviously, it's a balance of both factors and others.
The only other pertinent factor is magnification. True resolution = pixel size / magnification.

Besides, this is a MF camera, meaning that pixel size and density will far surpass anything else, including the best 35mm DSLR out there.
Do you know what the pixel size is? I couldn't find it anywhere.

 

DBL

Platinum Member
Mar 23, 2001
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Originally posted by: Garth
Originally posted by: DBL
Originally posted by: Garth
True resolution depends on the pixel size, not the number of them.

That's simplistic to the point of being incorrect.
No, its not. It's a fact.

Would one huge pixel resolve more detail than 22M ones?
The true resolution would be equal if the sizes of the pixels are equal, but you didn't specify the difference in pixel size in your question.

Obviously, it's a balance of both factors and others.
The only other pertinent factor is magnification. True resolution = pixel size / magnification.

Besides, this is a MF camera, meaning that pixel size and density will far surpass anything else, including the best 35mm DSLR out there.
Do you know what the pixel size is? I couldn't find it anywhere.

You have no idea what you are talking about. I would not even know where to begin.

I will say this though. 1 pixel no matter how large will produce 1 RGB value and nothing more. Of course, you would need at least 4 photosites on the sensor in order to arrive at an approximate accurate average color for the whole scene (although it really would not even be accurate).


 

dugweb

Diamond Member
Oct 17, 2002
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amazing pictures! that one of the model is nuts... You can't even get that kind of detail grabbing a girls face and examining it! :Q
 

Koing

Elite Member <br> Super Moderator<br> Health and F
Oct 11, 2000
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The photos look very nice.

It is a MF camea with STUDIO SHOTS. The lighting setup will be nearly 100% perfect. But then again it will be used for studio type shots and the more hardcore landscape photographer!

Price is cheaper then other MF digitals :thumbsup:

Koing
 

DBL

Platinum Member
Mar 23, 2001
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Originally posted by: Garth
Originally posted by: DBL
Besides, this is a MF camera, meaning that pixel size and density will far surpass anything else, including the best 35mm DSLR out there.
Do you know what the pixel size is? I couldn't find it anywhere.

The pixels on this camera are 45% larger than on a 16MP Canon 1Ds MII. It's a medium format camera, which is why your comment was puzzling.
 

Cerpin Taxt

Lifer
Feb 23, 2005
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Originally posted by: DBL
You have no idea what you are talking about.
Yes, I do. Nothing I have posted is false. If it were, you could show me quite easily.

I would not even know where to begin.
I wouldn't know where to begin attempting to falsify true statements, either.

I will say this though. 1 pixel no matter how large will produce 1 RGB value and nothing more. Of course, you would need at least 4 photosites on the sensor in order to arrive at an approximate accurate average color for the whole scene (although it really would not even be accurate).
That's great. Unfortunately, it doesn't change a thing about what I've said.

 

DBL

Platinum Member
Mar 23, 2001
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Originally posted by: Garth
That's great. Unfortunately, it doesn't change a thing about what I've said.

You said resolution is only a measure of pixel size. I said that is false. To demonstrate I explained that a 1pixel camera would never resolve more detail than a 22MP camera regardless of the size of the pixels.

The fact is there is no easy measure of "True" resolution. It's a combination of
[*]Pixels
[*]Pixel density
[*]Processing Algorithms
[*]Lens
[*] ISO (or gain)
[*] shooting conditions

The last 4 being equal, it's still a measure of a combination of the 1st two and not one or the other. Sorry.