Mamiya has announced that its DM33 and DM56 professional modular digital SLR systems are to be joined by a 40 megapixel, large sensor version. The DM40 brings together the expertise of Schneider-Kreuznach, Leaf Phase One and of course Mamiya to offer users a choice of two shutter systems, a lush 16 bit/channel color palette, touchscreen display and powerful supporting processing software.
Combining a large 44 x 33mm CCD sensor with a 16 bit/channel color palette is claimed to give users "exceptional color accuracy and rich high dynamic range photographs in just a single capture". Mamiya's own DF technology features two user-selectable shutter systems, giving users the facility to switch between the high speed flash capabilities of three new Schneider-Kreuznach designed leaf-shuttered lens systems or choose from 15 Mamiya focal plane optics when more conventional situations dictate.
The DM40 has an image capture rate of 0.8 frames per second to Leaf Mosaic HDR-type RAW output and a sensitivity range from ISO80 to ISO800. Output is to a CF card or tethered via FireWire 800 and previewing and management of files can be taken care of on the 3.5in touchscreen display. Of course the modular system caters for third party hardware versatility via optional adapters.
The DM40 will be available later this month, the kit (which includes a Mamiya 80mm f.2.8 D lens) is priced at US$21,990 and the back only for US$19,990. Both flavors include Phase One's powerful raw converter and workflow suite Capture One as well Leaf Capture software to help ready photographs for onward transmission or print but photographers are of course free to use other image manipulation solutions.