... and should Leaf split from Kodak since they don't use the Kodak sensors for most of their digital backs?
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I don't think who owns what really matters, but I do think medium format needs a rethink on where they are going.
As they move more and more to all in one solutions like the dslrs, they need to offer the same convenience as a dslr, such as better lcds, previews, higher isos, more comprehensive lens range (autofocus, not manual).
I also think medium format needs to find a way to trim costs or improve their lower cost models.
Superior image quality or not, just the pricing of most medium format cameras and backs almost guarantees that almost every photographer must have a Canon in the bag for backup.
I know a lot of this is just economy of scale, but starting fresh and putting a pencil to most of the new medium format cameras and backs, vs. buying a new Canon it doesn't take a lot of searching to realize that you can buy two of the latest Canons from the price of one new medium format back and cameras (in some cases 3).
Without a doubt there are a lot of subjects/genres that will be better if they are shot medium format, but there are few subjects/genres that can't be shot with a 21 mpx Canon and in my experience most clients won't or don't care which camera or format you shoot.
I know dealers and makers want to move everyone to the highest and best solution, but I also know from personal experience I can switch back and forth between an 18mpx p21 and a 31 mpx p30 and nobody says or mentions a thing all the way to final output.
Actually the last time I shot with the p21 all the client could say was "wow that shoots fast for that kind of camera", (whatever that means).
Clients do mention if the invoice comes in over estimate or if even 45 minutes was lost changing batteries and restarting software.
We all try to move our work upstream and do it in a lot of ways, but some of the complications of medium format sometimes hinders the process and the camera lcd (or better put the image preview) is a big part of that.
If someone is new to these forums the information probably makes their head spin. Compressed or non compressed, dng conversion, file format conversion, auto correction, 7 batteries for a one day shoot, etc. etc. has got to confuse people, hell it confuses me.
I get the feeling that medium format is so busy trying to one up each other, most of the companies are missing a lot of the bigger picture (no pun intended) as to why a photographer is hired in the first place.
It's rarely because of the camera, make of sensor, or what company owns what camera maker.
JR