Thank you everybody, I really appreciate your input.
It looks like the P30+ is ahead of the pack
(for my requirements).
What's the difference (aside from interface) between the P+ backs and Leaf one? More exactly, are there any benefits of one over the other? Are they the same with only the interface that's different? Spec wise they look similar, but it's hard to quantify the performance from that alone.
Quality wise the Phase One P30+ and similar Leaf offerings are going to be generally very similar, especially at low ISOs. The differences originate from the fact the P30+ uses a Kodak sensor with microlenses and the Leaf backs use a Dalsa sensor without microlenses.
Some prefer the color (especially skin), tonality, and other very subtle and hard to define characteristics of the Dalsa sensor while some prefer the Kodak. If you had to pin me down I'd be in slight favor of the Dalsa sensor in this regard (all Leaf backs and the P40+/P65+). However the differences here are subtle/nuanced.
The Kodak sensor is much better at long exposures and with Phase's talent for long exposures the 30+ can run an hour long exposure (or more/less depending on ambient temperature) whereas the Leaf backs all max out at 30 seconds or so. Sounds like this wouldn't be very important for your intended use.
The Kodak sensor have aggressive microlenses which give it a stop or so of "free" ISO (the only drawback - it's not suitable for use on a view camera or technical camera - doesn't sound like it would matter given your intended uses).
Leaf's UI is a large touch screen and provides better focus-check (view at 100%) and a significantly larger preview than Phase's significantly smaller LCD. Leaf's UI is deeper and allows more control in the field (e.g. you can set up file names and folders while shooting) but is a bit slower to access basic functions like ISO. The Phase UI is ultra-simple, and while it does not provide many advanced features it does provide a very quick/easy way to access ISO and other basic functions, and since it uses large buttons is easier to use with gloves on.
Leaf backs have tended to shoot faster shot-to-shot for any given file size, especially tethered, but the 30+ is quick snappy shot to shot so I don't foresee that being a big issue for you. The Leaf battery can be purchased in multiple sizes, and if you're willing to use the largest (triple deep battery) it will last a long time.
All digital backs systems can only do "live preview" when tethered to a computer and only perform well in controlled lighting situations (e.g. food/still-life/product/table-top). Leaf's Live Preview is a full step ahead of the P30+ Live Preview. Dalsa sensors do Live Preview better than Kodak sensors, but even so the two Dalsa-based Phase One backs (the 40+ and 65+) do not have as nice a Live Preview as Leaf. Again, doesn't sound relevant to your use - it's more a tool for still life / product shooters.
Digital backs are very reliable and not prone to "fail" but should you be unlucky you should know that most Leaf repairs can be done in the US compared to Phase where most repairs must be done in Denmark, and Leaf repair bills are generally less expensive. Hopefully neither system would ever need any repairs but I want to be thorough.
Really there are very few "bad" systems in this space. The 30+ just seems the best fit for your needs. The only thing that would give me pause would be skin-tone and skin-tonality out of the box (which Leaf is a slight edge for) and LCD (which Leaf has a much larger one of). But the ISO performance of the 30+ to me trumps any other consideration. The only real way to be sure would be to rent or otherwise get your hands on one of each. Guy/Jacks workshops, our studio locations (Atlanta/Miami), our reimbursable evaluation rental program, a friend/colleague that has one would all be good ways to get real hands-on time to make a final decision.
Doug Peterson
(e-mail Me)
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Head of Technical Services, Capture Integration
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