Q.What is the size of the sensor?

A.   36 x 48mm

Q.What is the magnification factor for Mamiya lenses on the 645AFD/AFD II?

A. Approx. 1.15. For example: a 28mm lens is 32mm on the ZD Back

Q. Why is there a difference?

A. The size of the ZD’s sensor is smaller than film, so less of the lens is being used.

Q. What is the size of the pixel?

A. 9 microns

Q. How does this compare to other cameras: highend 35mm Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) cameras like?

A.  The Canon 1Ds Mark II (16 megapixel) have a pixel size of 7.2 microns, the Nikon D2Xs (14 megapixels) is 5.49 microns.

Q. Does pixel size make a difference?

A. Yes, a larger pixel has higher light sensitivity, wider dynamic range (ability to show a smoother range of tones and colors). With a smaller pixel, the camera lens must be very sharp or there are limited advantages to the extra pixels. As pixels get smaller, the demands on the lens increase significantly.

Q. What formats can be used to save files on the ZD back?

A. You can save as Mamiya RAW, jpeg or both RAW and jpeg.

Q. Why is this an advantage?

A.  This option is commonly seen in 35mm DSLRs, but, unique in medium format digital backs. The advantages are significant. For optimum results you should save your shots in RAW format - this allows the maximum degree of post-shooting manipulation. For high quality images that need to instantly be placed into other programs, simply use jpeg mode. For highest quality plus a file that can quickly be used for positioning only (FPO) in layouts, or quick review, shoot both at the same time and process the RAW file later.

Q. How do I open the Mamiya RAW file?

A.  You can use the Mamiya PhotoSuite or Adobe Photoshop Lightroom programs included with the ZD Back. You can also use Adobe Photoshop CS3.

Q. What is RAW?

A. A RAW file is the original, un-manipulated image as it was shot. No enhancements or modifications (white balance, compression, etc.) have been made to the file. A RAW file is larger than a jpeg file because it has more data that can be used when the image is “processed.” A RAW file providesThe RAW file cannot be changed – when you open the RAW file,  a “copy” of the file is actually opened and can be adjusted as needed. Once you have made your adjustments, you will be asked by the program to decide which file format you want to save the modified image in (jpeg, tiff, etc.).

Q. What is jpeg?

A. A jpeg file is a compressed (smaller) file than RAW files. The advantages of jpeg is the smaller size, faster downloading and the ability to be viewed by all browsers and image adjustment software, without special processing software. In order to make the file smaller, details in the image need to be reduced. A high resolution jpeg file can produce images very similar in appearance to RAW files (although the tonal range and color accuracy will not be as precise). As you select higher compression ratios you will end up with smaller files that are fine for viewing on a computer monitor or making small prints. If you need to make big enlargements or will crop the images, it is strongly recommended to use less compression or RAW files for best results.

Q. What is Image Quality?

A.  Image Quality has to do with the amount of pixels the back is actually using (ie – jpeg L(arge) uses 5,328 x 4,000 pixels (approx. 22 megapixels); jpeg M(edium) uses 4,096 x 3,072 pixels (approx. 13 megapixels); jpeg small uses only 3,008 x 2,256 pixels (approx. 7 megapixels). Using less pixels lets you take store images on the CF or SD card.

Q. What is File size?

A.  File size has to do with the level of compression (how much information is lost) you use when storing an image.  Compressing a file allows you to take more images on a card, however, the more compressed the file, the lower the quality. If you are only going to print 4x6 in prints, you can use a M(edium) or S(mall) quality mode. If you need best quality, want to do big enlargements or will crop a portion of the image, you should use the L(arge) quality mode.