Georg,Seems I need to throw the S2 into the debate to get things going :ROTFL::ROTFL::ROTFL:
Seriously, unless it's beyond the budget of the OP, it should be part of the matrix.
In any event, I think that any differences in image quality from all Hassi, Phase, and S2 are minute and that all of these systems are capable of producing superbe files with the photographer being the limiting factor. The differences are in handling ergonomics etc, and that in my view is a personal issue.
As said on many other threads by many others: test before buy.
Good luck.
Georg
I couldn't agree more. As I've said before, at this level of camera, image quality should be a given; it's everything else that you will deal with on a daily basis that starts to matter more and more.
These factors can include battery life, viewfinder brightness, the speed of image review, whether or not you need tech camera movements with tilt/shift, the size, feel and balance of the body in your hand, what software is used to process the Raw files, available lens choices, shutter speed range, the sound of the mirror and shutter, etc.
A camera isn't merely an image capture device; it is a tool that a photographer uses to create images. Anyone who is serious or passionate about a particular craft or trade usually has very strong feelings towards the tools they use. Chefs are particular about their knives, yet any cheap knife will still cut a carrot. Driving enthusiasts prefer different brands of cars, yet any car will get you from point A to point B. Artists like certain brushes, woodworkers cherish their chisels and planes, fly fisherman prefer particular hand-made rods, etc.
Tastes and preferences are, by their very nature, personal to the individual. So, yes, definitely do your research and try out the various cameras first hand in your typical shooting environment (not a camera store parking lot). If possible, use each system for at least a few days so you can get over the initial learning curve and then decide if you can live with the system every single day. Will it be a good partner or constantly annoy you with that one thing every time you pick it up?
And, yes, I am personally biased towards the S2 and I do shoot with one. For me, the S2 represents a perfect balance of the factors that are important to me.
David