Thanks for the response Raphael. About the bits, I have read numerous times that the extra two bits are empety - i.e., no useful info there. Anyway bits and d.r. are not directly linked, right? Who knows, and it's easy to start down the tech talk path, which is why I just want to SEE what others have found, if it's available. In my experience shooting 1Ds3 and Phase 31mp and 39mp backs, I have not seen the difference in D.R. Even when pushing the files in post.
[a href=\"index.php?act=findpost&pid=224382\"][{POST_SNAPBACK}][/a]
Lisa,
I'll give you my real world assessment, based on Aptus 22 and Phase P30+ files versus the new breed of 14 bit 35mm digital (1ds3, D3, soon to be 5DII). For stills I shoot for magazines. Glossy mags. I'm shooting portraits, fashion and beauty.
For editorial work, it doesn't matter. A 5D or P30+, whatever, it all looks the same when compressed into a dynamic range of a web press printed magazine page. Its a fact. The only reason to shoot MFDB on an editorial is for the look of medium format. I sold my P30+ for many reasons, although I loved the back. One was that I couldn't justify the cost for editorial, which what I mainly shoot. I usually work with an OK budget. I can rent a back, mark it up, or even better, just shoot some 400nc or 160c, cut out much of the post work.
For commercial work, I can rent whatever I want with a tech. I just don't shoot enough where an MFDB is required, such as cosmetics and hair, to justify carrying the cost.
Another consideration is that shooting with MFDB is a pain. From ISO limitations to the Frankencamera problems with sync, shutter lag, lock ups, etc, its just not a fluid process, although the Phase backs are as good as it gets. Shooting film is easier. Shooting 35mm digital is even easier. Less pain more pictures.
To get specific w/r/t your question regarding dynamic range, well, the P30+ is a little better than the 1ds3. The Dalsa backs (Sinar and Leaf) are a little better than the P30+. The MFDB files still show cleaner shadows, sort of. They are more pliable in post, and for this your retoucher will thank you. Color is better with the MFDB. It almost matches well scanned film.
We just ordered, or pre-ordered, four 5dmkII cameras. The files I've seen show the same smoothness that you see in the P30 files, and I've just seen full size jpgs. All that being said, I plan on picking up a used P21+ real cheap in a year or so, because I do really like the look of MFDB files. Now that MFDB are coming down in price and appear to be going after usability to a degree, they are headed in the right direction.