The news is now spreading. Mamiya has announced it is selling off its camera division. The Mamiya ZD and Digital Back will not be released in the US (after initial release in select Europe countries), and you will find it very difficult to find the medium format DSLR and back if you're inclined to purchase one as a historical moment in the digital imaging world.

The Death Of Medium Format?

Mamiya's sell-off of its camera business is an interesting event in the ever-evolving history of digital imaging. Just why would Mamiya sell off its entire optical department instead of just formulating another plan--such as making a non-Medium Format digital for consumers. Apparently, Mamiya thinks it is not only impossible to make a comeback into the imaging world, but doesn't feel short-term and even long-term revisions will make any difference either. Does this signal the end of the medium format affordability and availability which was supposed to occur in the near future? Does this mean medium format technology is beginning to die?

In the short-term, it could be MF imagers (Medium Format imagers) are costing way too much money to make, even in 2006, for companies to continue on in the digital world. Compact digital cameras are still flooding the market and the frenzy is taking a toll on companies who used to have exclusive access to the technology.

Inevitably, there are factors looming which are giving the medium format sector a very difficult time. Let's take a look at some of those factors which could be contributing to the Medium Format Exodus.

Increasing Image Quality Of DSLRs

Many years ago, DSLRs were still somewhat new and had a few kinks in the imaging system. Medium format users could easily justify their purchases at that time because the image quality of a medium format photo would be several times sharper and cleaner. Today however, the DSLR has come a long way in technology and its image quality. Currently, DSLR manufacturers have obtained 17MP resolutions, nearing medium format image quality.

Size And Practicality

Mamiya did some great work on reducing the typical medium format size with the ZD announcement. Overall, medium format cameras are not created to be toted around like a DSLR, and certainly not a compact camera. The size of a camera has a lot to do with how many consumers will buy it. Too big of a camera and there will be little consumer interest. Create a camera too small, and you will find the same behavior. No matter how great medium format images may be, they still can't be used in a variety of situations and in variable environments on demand. DSLRs on the other hand can be tossed in a bag at the drop of a hat.

Price

DSLRs of 17MP sell for around $7500, or less with the image quality being compared to medium format. Mamiya was going to release the 22MP medium format DSLR (MF DSLR) in the US at the price of around $12,000. Attracting new users at this price was still way above what the consumer was willing to pay.

Performance

Medium format cameras still are not up to speed, literally, with current DSLRs. A "fast" MF DSLR is considered around 3fps, while a $2000 DSLR can get 5fps, and a few sports DSLRs can get 8fps with variable frames per second adjustment. Auto-focus and image stabilization lenses for getting those tough images is not even within a medium format's capability. Medium format cameras are still mostly used in studio settings and there is a reason for this. They can't compete outside the studio door. On the other hand, DSLRs are increasing in megapixels, image quality, and performance, and are walking into the studio door, beginning to take over studio sessions.

Conclusion

Medium format manufacturers must make some changes to their product. The most important change is creating MF DSLRs which are priced competitively with DSLRs. Second most important is creating MF DSLRs with similar performance of DSLRs. Third most important is creating a product which is similar in size to DSLRs. Even professionals don't like to carry around a lot of equipment and would jump at the possibility of a new system being smaller and lighter.

Mamiya gave the medium format imaging industry a much more serious wake-up call. Medium format companies must begin looking for other means to create capital and attract new users or the medium format imaging sector itself, could become a historical bookmark on photographic trends.