The difference with multi-shot is indeed very apparent. I still shoot with an ancient 16MP multi-shot, as well as a 5D2, D800, H3d31, and H4D40, they all have their place in my opinion.
Nick-T
The additional advantage of 396C Imacon (I suspect that's what you use), with respect to
jewellery is that the square frame is ideal for it, thus, the use of an Imacon 528c (that's what I use) or a Sinarback 54H, would add nothing to the particular project. Besides, 396c is considerably cheaper and easier to find in the S/H market. Extremely reliable too. I will insist, (despite Doug's objection) that one that does jewellery,
needs an MS back, further more than achieving the optimum result for the job, he will never have to upgrade again for still photography… Of course if one chooses to invest on a (rare to find because of its advantages) 528c, or 22MS, or even the (4x only) 39MS, he may find that the extended image area can provide a very capable single shot back too, to the extend that "upgrading" (in single shot only)
may not worth considering, since he will have
the ultimate in all his still life shots and a very capable back for the (usually less demanding) single shot ones… If the pro however
doesn't do still life at all (rare but it happens), but only single shot, then he may have a different perspective of things.
P.S.Pity that Sinar doesn't do "self-contained" MS capable MFDBs… I think they should consider that possibility now that they are with the Leica ship, there is a great "orphan" market there among pros after the discontinuation of the CF series of backs.