Dear all:
I would like to call for your collective wisdom on the following. In order to add a digital back to the Hy6, I am considering either a Leaf AFi-II (most likely 7; 10 seems hard to come by) or a Sinar eSprit 65.
Both do have their specific advantages and issues from what I can see:
Sensor size:
Leaf AFi-II 7 has wider sensor with 48x36 (6726x5040 pixels, 33 MP resolution) compared to Sinar eSprit 65 with 44x33 (6496x4872 pixels, 31,6 MP resolution). Practical result is the lesser crop factor of the Leaf vs the Sinar.
(AFI-II 10 would even be 56x36)
LCD display:
Both have large displays. However, the eSprit has 3" with 640x480 pixels (280 ppi) while Leaf AFi-II has even larger 3,5" (no information on pixel size).
Moreover, Leaf has a tilting display.
Sinar operates via buttons and scroll wheel, while Leaf uses touch screen (not sure what works better, however).
ISO:
Sinar eSprit 65 has 200-800 ISO, Leaf AFi-II 7 has 50-800.
File output:
Leaf AFi-II has Leaf RAW proprietary format, which must be processed with Leaf Capture or PhaseOne Capture One and is also recognized by programs such as Apple Aperture.
Sinar eSprit 65 has Sinar RAW proprietary format, which must be processed with Sinar eXposure, but is additionally capable of native DNG and JPEG format, which is obviously the most open format.
Vertical use:
Leaf AFi-II 7 uses an internal solution whereby the sensor itself rotates, while Sinar eSprit 65 uses a revolving adaptor whereby the whole back rotates. Am not sure what is the best solution, it would seem the Leaf one as the Sinar rotating adaptor has a higher probability of getting dust inside.
System integration:
Leaf AFi-II 7 has better integration with the AFi/Hy6 body in terms of its power management (back operated from the body's main switch), while the back and body have to be switched on separately on the Sinar.
Battery:
Batteries are not interchangeable between Sinar and Leaf due to their different contacts. Sinar uses Varta type with connector pins (2200 mAh), while Leaf uses slightly more powerful Samsung type with flat contacts (2350 mAh).
Looks:
Not the prime factor obviously, but here the Sinar eSprit 65 gets the clear advantage over the Leaf AFi-II as its scheme matches the body better.
Availability:
The Leaf AFi-II can only be purchased used or demo, while the Sinar eSprit 65 is still sold new.
Future support:
Quite unclear at the moment. Leaf has officially dropped its AFi series but obviously existing back owners will be further supported. Sinar has pledged full support for the Hy6. Not sure, however, what the medium-term support beyond say the next 5 years would look like. Also in terms of continued software support.
Based on all this, I would almost opt for the Sinar eSprit 65 as it seems a more future-proof back (open file format) but its smaller sensor and higher crop factor, as well as the fact that the power must be switched on/off independently from the camera body, put me off. The Leaf AFi-II is in this respect the better choice.
Any views and recommendations would be most welcome as these are expensive items. Thanks.
