Mamiya Teams Up with Adobe Systems and Introduces the Mamiya ZD 22 Megapixel Digital Back Mamiya Digital announced the release of the new Mamiya ZD 22 megapixel Digital Back. The Mamiya ZD Back is compatible with the Mamiya 645AFD II, 645AFD and RZ67 Pro IID, cameras popular among professional photographers and advanced amateurs. “Mamiya’s careful planning in the design of the communication protocol MSCE (Mamiya Serial Communication for External) has successfully optimized two-way communication between our cameras and the digital back,” states Jeff Karp, Mamiya Product Marketing Manager, “this produces a unified operating experience identical to using a one-piece digital camera.”
From the icon-based white balance settings, to the ability to shoot at 1.2 frames per second, to the option of controlling the camera through a computer, the Mamiya ZD Digital Back provides the features and tools needed to easily produce beautiful images. To make this experience even easier, Mamiya will include Adobe Photoshop Lightroom with all ZD Backs.
Save files as RAW, JPEG or both at the same time
The advantages are significant. For optimum results you should save your shots in RAW format. This allows maximum post-shooting manipulation. For high quality images that need to be placed into other programs, use JPEG mode. No special programs or “processing” is needed. However, when you need highest quality plus a file that can quickly be used for positioning only (FPO) in layouts, or quick review, you can shoot both at the same time and process the RAW file later.
Compact Flash and SD Card Compatible
By having the choice of cards (both can be inserted at the same time) you get additional flexibility of storage options. You could tell the back to record to CF, then to SD without the need to remove/replace the card. This lets you keep shooting. It also guarantees you will be able to go to any store in the world and find a compatible storage card. A 4 GB card can store approximately 100 frames of RAW images.
Exclusive Interchangeable IR/Low Pass Filter System
To suit a variety of photographic scenes, the standard IR (infrared) cut filter can be interchanged with the optional Low-Pass filter. The Low-Pass filter reduces or removes moiré effect which makes unusual patterns when photographing clothing and also fixes aliasing. Aliasing is seen when a thin straight line is slightly tilted with respect to the array of pixels. The line will be on one line of pixels, then jump to the next, then to the next, producing a “stairstep” effect. The ability to decide which filter to use guarantees the best possible results over a wide range of situations.
Lightroom software included with the ZD Back
Mamiya is the first camera manufacturer to include Lightroom software with every Mamiya ZD Digital Back. Lightroom is an all-new digital imaging solution for serious and professional photographers. Its ease of operation and ability to read Mamiya RAW digital files makes it the perfect choice for photographers looking for a modular, task-based and streamlined program that delivers a complete photographic workflow solution.
