Steve,
Come on, the Aptus screen is not bad at all and beats any other in usability - excellent histogram and feedback and largest screen in business. For good photos we do not shoot in strong bright sunlight anyways, do we? Mine has worked perfect fine and I am happy with it. When buying my Aptus 65 I compared to P30, and the Aptus screen beat that one hands down to me. That the Aptus II has improved screen is very good but the origial Aptus was already good. The question should be for a buyer if the new screen is worth spending a few extra thousand on a Leaf than buying a used Aptus? The digital back and screen is a tool simply. A hand usually helps to shield, and when too strong light not to read it then it has been too bright contrasty light for photos per my experience.
Is there any difference in actual image quality of Aptus II versus original Aptus line??
Anders
Um, Anders, you do realize I sell Leaf, right? And have been for the past 8 years? I also sell Phase One but nowhere did I mention that the Leaf screen is worse than the Phase One screen, in fact didn't mention Phase One at all.
I'll stand by my assessment of the original Aptus screen - practically invisible in daylight. Yes, if you're not viewing in direct sun, it is better, dimly visible. I presume the time someone may shoot a good photo might be anytime...sort of depends on what one is trying to put across with the photo. In any event, shading is extremely helpful....on any screen. I even shade my 5DMK II.
I didn't make any comment about functionality but I have always felt the functionality and the touch screen interface on the Aptus series was one of the best things Leaf has ever done.
So, whether the new screen is worth spending a few extra thousand, I can't answer that. It's better, no question about it. A new product would have brand new warranty, that's not a bad thing. In addition to warranty protection, it ensures that any firmware-based upgrades are compatible. And the capture speed is faster and sustained. Is the image quality better....or worse? Without comparing directly an Aptus to an Aptus II, but having seen files, I would say they're very similar. I did see a difference between Aptus and Aptus-S, the original Aptus seemed to my eye to have just a hair better resolved detail. Whether the Aptus II has pushed back in the other direction is hard for me to say as I haven't yet done a direct comparison of files.
But considering it is the same sensor, and the chassis is at least very similar other than the FW800 port, I would expect any image quality differences would be minimal.
Steve Hendrix