Mamiya DL33 Preview
For those who think APS-C is just a hobby format and that a 24MP full frame DSLR just isn't good enough, Mamiya have introduced a new camera that might make them happy, the Mamiya DL33.
With a sensor that's twice the size of a full frame DSLR (36mm x 48mm) and contains 33 MP, image quality is sure to be pretty impressive. The price is also pretty impressive (and not in a good way...) at $19,999, though Mamiya will throw in an $1100 lens to sweeten the deal a little if you buy one in April or May!
Here's the official press announcement:
New 33-Megapixel Mamiya DL33 Digital Medium Format Camera Announced - Shipping in April
Success of Mamiya DL28 Spawns Bigger Brother
Elmsford, NY – March 17, 2009 – The successful introduction of the Mamiya DL28, in addition to requests from professional photographers throughout the U.S., has prompted Mamiya America to announce the next level in high-end digital camera systems – the .
“In the world of medium format digital photography, many photographers have to choose between price and performance,” states Jeff Karp, Mamiya Product Marketing Manager. “The new Mamiya DL33 Digital Camera System offers the best of both worlds by providing medium format performance at a price that serious photographers can afford.”
The Mamiya DL33 Digital Camera System offers professional features and benefits that are not found in other camera systems. For example, even though the DL33’s resolution is an impressive 33 Megapixels, its large sensor allows a pixel size of 7.2 microns. At 36 x 48mm, the DL33’s sensor is twice the size of full frame DSLR cameras. Larger pixels also produce images with unmatched richness and color accuracy, smooth, subtle transitions from tone to tone and striking highlight and shadow detail. In addition, the larger format produces images with a more three-dimensional look. The 3.5-inch touch screen, the largest in the industry, offers a bright, high-contrast display ideal for outdoor or indoor work.
The DL33 combines the professionally proven Mamiya 645AFD III camera system with the innovative 33 megapixel Aptus-II 7 Digital Back from Leaf. Together they work as an integral unit with an intuitive ease that virtually any photographer will appreciate. The 645AFD III body has a new coreless motor for faster, more accurate autofocusing and an enhanced interface system that provides total communication between the camera, lens and digital back.
With 16-bit capture, 12-stop dynamic range and an ISO range of 50-800, the Mamiya DL33 is a full-featured professional digital solution. The 33 MP back produces a huge 67Mb RAW file that can be converted into jpegs, 8-bit or 16-bit tiff files (a 16-bit tiff file is 190 Mb). Files of this quality deliver the information needed for striking enlargements of virtually any size. And for those times when you can’t get close enough to your subject, you’ll have the confidence to crop a small portion of the image without a noticeable loss in quality.
In addition to using the included Leaf Capture 11.2 software, you can also open Leaf RAW files with commonly used programs including Adobe Photoshop CS3/4 (with the latest version of ACR software), Lightroom 2 and Apple Aperture 2.
When utilizing the fastest compact flash media storage currently available, the Aptus II 7 back can capture images at approximately 1 frame per second. You can also use the included FireWire cable and Leaf Capture 11.2 software to shoot directly to your computer.
“Many digital photographers are realizing that they need the increased performance that only medium format can offer,” says Karp. “That’s why Mamiya is continuing to receive requests for higher resolution digital systems. With the new Mamiya DL33, we can satisfy their demands today.”
Special consumer introductory offer!
During the months of April and May, customers who purchase a Mamiya DL33 will receive a FREE AF 55mm f2.8 or AF 150mm f3.5 lens directly from Mamiya (an $1100 value).
For more product details and the downloadable “Free Lens” coupon, please visit www.Mamiya.com
The Mamiya DL33 will be available April 2009. MAP price is $19,999.