Hi Deb & All,
I've read all the suggestions posted and realize there are many ways for Deb to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each. I'm firmly in the camp that although some medium format digital cameras and backs have similar resolution to high end DSLR's like the D800, they do present a different look (and I might add a preferable one in my case) and for many applications provide a attractive alternative for many uses. I found this was quite consistant when I shot both the Pentax 645D and Nikon D800e, side by side.
I don't want this to come across as self promotion (that's not my intent), since as many know, I am currently selling my lightly used studio backup Pentax 645D body. For far less than half of the $8200 budget Deb is contemplating for the Phase system she mentioned, she could purchase a LN Pentax 40MP 645D body and have plenty of funds left over from her original budget to purchase a fine core selection of Pentax autofocus or manual focus 645 lenses and accessories. The 40MP resolution differs little for the just released Pentax 645Z. Whereas the 645Z has better high ISO performance, live view and additional refinement and features, the 645D has CCD output which some prefer for its look, good higher ISO performance up to 800 and 1200+ which is workable too.
It's drawback is of course is that its not a detachable back, so no tech use. Of course being an all in one unified body, has some nice advantages too.
Just one of many alternatives presented here, economical without a break the bank approach in case medium format is not ultimately the direction Deb wants to take down the road.
Dave (DA&)
I've read all the suggestions posted and realize there are many ways for Deb to analyze the advantages and disadvantages of each. I'm firmly in the camp that although some medium format digital cameras and backs have similar resolution to high end DSLR's like the D800, they do present a different look (and I might add a preferable one in my case) and for many applications provide a attractive alternative for many uses. I found this was quite consistant when I shot both the Pentax 645D and Nikon D800e, side by side.
I don't want this to come across as self promotion (that's not my intent), since as many know, I am currently selling my lightly used studio backup Pentax 645D body. For far less than half of the $8200 budget Deb is contemplating for the Phase system she mentioned, she could purchase a LN Pentax 40MP 645D body and have plenty of funds left over from her original budget to purchase a fine core selection of Pentax autofocus or manual focus 645 lenses and accessories. The 40MP resolution differs little for the just released Pentax 645Z. Whereas the 645Z has better high ISO performance, live view and additional refinement and features, the 645D has CCD output which some prefer for its look, good higher ISO performance up to 800 and 1200+ which is workable too.
It's drawback is of course is that its not a detachable back, so no tech use. Of course being an all in one unified body, has some nice advantages too.
Just one of many alternatives presented here, economical without a break the bank approach in case medium format is not ultimately the direction Deb wants to take down the road.
Dave (DA&)