Hey guys,
Sinar Captureshop had its own propriety file format for many years until they entered the "portable" shooting arena with the Emotion 54, 75. Upon which more and more people were complaining about the limitations of the files. The excuse as far as I can remember was that the STI is able to supply a better quality file. I might be wrong, but thats what I seem to remember.
There was a file converter that came out, such as Braumber tools. which was quite a difficult thing to use. I am not sure if it was only for the emotion dDB's or for the 54H too. I never tried... The Braumber software was later was implemented by Sinar in a collaborated effort from its creator (I seem to remember?) to make DNG accessible to Sinar users. Then came Sinar eXposure. This was both MAC and WINDOWS compatible and was open to Sinar DB's. So there has been a software compatible with windows.
Finally they came out with Sinar Captureshop 6.1.2 and the DNG file was implemented into this software, I assume based on popular demand. eXposure was discontinued. Im a little rusty on all the facts and can only tell you what I remember or was exposed to. If I am incorrect in any of my points here please correct me.
I was in the market for a used 54H with Firewire and a Mamiya back and when I learned this I forgot it because I couldn't afford a back and a Mac - being a Windows guy and all.
@andyptak buying an old used Mac is relatively inexpensive in comparison to the 54H system. Especially if you are using it for the sole purpose of the camera and its software. If you are willing to invest in a 54H system and have the funds for it, I can 100% vouch that you will not be doing wrong by extending your budget a little, and get a decent second-hand Mac. This will complete the system perfectly and you will not be disappointed with the quality. Provided your lenses are equal to the task. I have found that the software nor the shooting process takes a lot of computing power. So if you can source the oldest compatible mac laptop that can take the latest Sinar software and the correct firewire port, you're in business. If the opportunity comes up again, look into it. Its hard to part with cash for such old hardware now days though when comparing what money can buy. So its easy for me to stand for what I already have. I can say that my 54H has been in regular use for over 10 years and is still "wowing" my clients with quality. Ive had 3 canons between that. They're okay.
Regards