Re: WAS: Nikon Afficionado's New Release Due When?? - who has announced 16 MP sensors?



uw wayne wrote:
Skip, I need to upgrade and I am not a pro, so it will be 2 grand for
the lens, 3 grand for the strobes, 5 grand for the case and what the
body will cost. And I need two complete kits. I need to equal Velvia 50
and print to 20 x 30 minimum. pbase.com/uw_wayne


If you are not a pro, then I don't understand your "need" to upgrade. As long as your old camera works, then keep using it. Since I would guess you were originally happy with your purchase, then your current camera should be good enough. On the other hand, if you originally bought your camera as a compromise, and really wanted a top of the line camera, then perhaps you should save up to get a true top of the line camera. Buying gear in half steps might never be satisfying, though I think if you really do get what you want, then "upgrades" would only happen when that gear failed.

To address the cost issue, consider that all imaging chips contain errors when they are produced. The larger chips have a greater potential for errors, simply due to their size; this makes for a lower yield of good chips. When someone figures out a better manufacturing method, then perhaps the prices will get better for larger chips. Unfortunately chip cost is only one aspect of total cost. There is also development, with that cost spread out over sales of total units using a particular chip.

So the Hasselblad/Imacon or PhaseOne digital back might sell around 1000 units a month (or less), while smaller chipped D-SLRs sell in greater numbers. There is also a factor of processing power in the camera, basically computer(s) to generate ready to go files; the more information from larger MP cameras requires more processing power; adding the ability simply costs more per camera.

Okay, strange new development in digital imaging, and something that probably throws the costs way out. There is a California company that just developed an 11.4 MP motion imaging camera with a half frame size imaging chip (basically same size as 35 mm movie film frame). This soon to be released camera can do 60 frames per second at full resolution, or up to 120 fps at lower resolutions. Expected price is to be under $18k. While this does not explain still camera prices, maybe it will make you question them a bit more.

Ciao!

Gordon Moat
A G Studio
<http://www.allgstudio.com>

.

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