The Mamiya ZDb Digital Back is a sophisticated tool that goes far beyond plain pixel counts, delivering truly special images for professionals and advanced hobbyists.
Seasoned photographers in the digital age are well aware that more pixels do not necessarily equate to better images-what is far more critical is the size of the image area, and the ZDb's large 36 x 48mm 22-megapixel CCD is capable of capturing details (particularly in skin tones) that are simply impossible with smaller system cameras. Displayed at any size beyond a typical drug store print, they'll have a presence to them that's unmatched with 35mm-type SLR cameras.
The ZDb's equipped with a standard infrared filter, but also has an optional low-pass infrared filter (for dealing with moiré patterns) as well as an infrared-specific filter for specifically capturing infrared light as opposed to avoiding it (used in combination with infrared lens filters for forensic/scientific images).
As delivered, the ZDb can be attached to 645AFD III/AFD II. The RB67 ProS/SD requires the HX702 adapter, and RZ67 Pro IID requires the HX701 adapter. With optional interfaces it can work with a large variety of view cameras. Because of the self-contained battery and memory systems, the ZDb is as practical in the field for use as is many a small SLR system camera.
Designed exclusively for Mamiya 645AFD III/AFD II, RB67 ProS/SD cameras.
| Imaging Sensor | 36.0 x 48.0mm 21.8 Megapixel CCD |
| Effective Resolution | 21.5 million pixels |
| Color Depth | 14-Bit RGB |
| Dynamic Range | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Image File Formats |
RAW & JPEG (Exif 2.2) JPEGs adjusted via Large/ Medium/Small image size & Fine/Normal/Basic quality RAW & JPEG can be recorded simultaneously |
| Recorded Resolution | 4008 x 5344 pixels |
| File Size |
~35 MB in RAW JPEG unspecified |
| Image Recording System | CompactFlash Card & SD/SDHC |
| Sensitivity | ISO 50-400 in 1/3rd steps |
| Exposure Time | Not applicable (can capture Bulb exposures only limited by battery power) |
| Capture Rate | 1.2 frames/second |
| LCD Display | 1.3" Polysilicon TFT LCD (~13 million pixels) |
| Video Out | NTSC & PAL |
| Computer Interface | FireWire 4-pin (IEEE1394) |
| System & Software Requirements | Not Specified by Manufacturer |
| Power Source |
Internal lithium-ion battery Optionally-available AC adapter |
| Compatible Cameras |
Mamiya 645AFD III/AFD II, RB67 ProS/SD and RZ67 Pro IID, and many view cameras with optional adapters The Digital Back Adapter HX701 is required for the RZ67Pro-IID. The Digital Back Adapter HX702 is required for the RB67Pro-SD |
| Dimensions | 4.2 x 3.5 x 2.4" (107 x 89 x 61mm) WxHxD |
| Weight | 15.9 oz (450g) |
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Comments about Mamiya ZDb 22 Megapixel Digital Back:
I am a semi-pro photographer with a studio in my basement. I bought this to replace my Kodak DCS 16MP Pro Back which was starting to give me problems.Having used to the Mamiya system for so long the learning curve was simple. This digital back has an excellent all round sensor and I only use it in RAW mode. I have Mamiya AFD and AFDII bodies and use this new back only on the AFDII.The images are crisp and the color is superb. There is a tendency for slight fringing at the edges however this has more to do with the lenses I am using than the sensor.I do not like the small LCD but I shoot tethered mostly so it is not an issue, and because I am using RAW I do not have to deal with the LCD menu system. The digital back, even double-buffered is slow so do not expect to shoot action photography with it.It is ideal for in-studio medium format portraits and is excellent for landscapes when you have time to compose and are not in a hurry.Battery life is good. I did have some issues finding a compatible CF II card, but the SD cards all worked fine.Bottom line, this is the best deal out there if you buy it from B&H. You can get good deals on the AFDII bodies and at around [$] this back is well worth the money.If money is no issue then the Phase One backs are better products in my opinion.
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