Dynamic range is not just a function of the maths and electronics. There is the fundamental issue of pixel size. The larger the pixel the greater the dynamic range which is why dMF scores so well on this front. I've no idea about the latest Nikon but the Canon 1D has a DR of 9.5 stops and my 30D doesn't even have it specified in the instruction manual, but the cheap and cheerful ZD blows the socks off both of them with a DR of 12. Phase One, off the record, are talking about 14 in their latest backs.
Certainly I found the leap from the dSLR to the dMF gives me far more latitude in exposure and I am finding that it can be as forgiving as Portra 400, probably more so when shooting RAW. This does away with the need for a 1,001 fancy metering modes which, let's be honest, are only there to make up for the shortcoming's of the chip.
Camera marketing has been based on an arms race of pixel count. This, I believe, is drawing to a close and it will be the DR that the admen will latch on to as being the new best thing for a camera to have.
Justin.
