Thank you, Doug, for your magnificent answers, which I accept entirely. But, as you say, my budget is a factor that I have to apply. For that reason, I have to question the ability to use the Aptus II as far as possible to make sure it will not suit me. The larger sensor (even though focusing is more critical) and the rotating back are pluses for me.
The sensor of the Aptus II 12R is the same full-frame sized sensor as the Credo 60. Do you mean the additional resolution?
To my mind, is an incredible shame that with all the tablets and smartphones around, we still have to take a laptop into the field to act as a server.
Well that's basically the reason the Credo/IQ have a screen and user interface good enough to forgo the laptop.
What is often missed in these discussions of wireless/hand-device tethering is just how long these backs are likely to be in useful service. We still have many customers using H25 backs which were released in 2003. I suspect many Credo 60 and Credo 80 units will still be in active service a decade from now.
With that in mind think about the Leaf Valeo 17wi released in 2004. It came with an iPaq handheld device which worked with both wired and wireless (bluetooth) tethering. At the time it was released it was revolutionary and
ahead of it's time. It only took literally a year or two before the iPaq seemed a bit dated, and only a few years before the iPaq it was compatible with was no longer available or serviceable.
While I think tethering direct from camera to iPad would be fantastic and will be a boon to the first company that can make it happen. But I also understand how difficult it is to do this in a way that is reliable, fast, and future proof.
And the situation will not improve because the tablets and the smartphones that I have experience with do not have firewire and, even if they did, it is doubtful, from your comments, that they would have enough power to work with an Aptus II. I don't knpow whether the power issue will also limit the devices the Credo's can work with. I have seen a MacBook Air users' discussion thread who cannot use many types of USB 3 hard drives possibly because of lack of power output. They are not happy!
The Credo and IQ run off their internally batteries and, when enough power is available, charge over firewire. There is no issue running from computers with lower voltage (other than you may have to change batteries more often since they are charging slower/not-at-all).
The dealer did mention Phase One backs and the availability of Focus Mask but said that those backs are about USD8,000 more expensive. Do you think there is a chance that Focus Mask might come to the Credo's?
Credo 60 --> IQ160 is about $4.5k (bit more or less depending on promos, warranties, bundles etc). I think that makes the Credo a great deal assuming you don't need Sensor+, hard buttons, or focus mask, or auto-horizon correction in post.
I would not expect focus mask to come to the Credo, as it is one of the main differentiators between the two products. But only time will tell. Both platforms are likely to gain new features as the platform itself has processing power up the wazooh and a great interface to program for.
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