i wonder if the ZD will be relevant....if/when it is ever released in the U.S. When it was first announced TWO YEARS ago it seemed interesting to see a 22MP SLR that took 645AF lenses. I wonder, now that 20MP backs are not even cutting edge, if it makes sense to invest in a Zd rather than a 645AFD with a 20MP back.( quickly coming down in price)..at least the 645 AFD can be upgraded easily with a larger digital back...and has the added benefit of using film as well

I daresay that by the time the Zd actually becomes available in the US that Nikon or Canon will have already released a 20MP DSLR that will cost 1/2 the price. Admittedly there are significant differences between 645 digital backs and 35mm DSLRs, but for many medium format users the differences cannot justify the price difference, the added bulk of this back/lens combo and the limited lens selection of this system vs traditional 35mm style systems. Lets face it, this camera is SQUARELY targetted at the 35mm SLR user..,.,.,and I wonder if the "hard core" users..the ones who use the 645 backs now..and keep wanting more...I wonder if they would ever be satisfied with a ZD when the 645AFD offers more flexibility.

Im a huge Mamiya fan....and have owned their cameras for over 20 years....but i truly think the ZD is dead in the water unless it can come in at an UNBELIEVABLE price point. I daresay that the projected $11,000 price point doesnt looks too terribly attractive to me.

thoughts?