Mamiya have announced their latest digital camera, and if you’re a slave to megapixels then you won’t be disappointed.  The Mamiya DM40, as the name suggests, has a 40-megapixel sensor with a new “DF” camera-core that can use leaf or focal-plane shutter systems.  It’s also capable of 0.8-second-per-frame peak capture rate, and sustained 60 frames-per-minute sustained capture rate.

That makes it the industry’s fastest large-sensor DSLR, Mamiya reckon, and we won’t argue with them.  To go with the leaf shutter system, the company has worked with Schneider-Kreuznach on three new lenses – 55mm, 80mm and 110mm – which can sync with flash speeds of up to 1/1600th of a second.

Of course, 40-megapixels and these sort of specs don’t come cheap, and the Mamiya DM40 arrives this month priced at $21,990.  Mamiya will also be offering the DM40 Digital Back on its own, for use with existing Mamiya or large-format cameras, priced at $19,990.

Press Release:

Mamiya Introdces New DM40 Large-Sensor DSLR

Elmsford, NY – March 1, 2010 – Mamiya today announced the addition of the new Mamiya DM40 to its lineup of professional large-sensor DSLRs. Featuring a resolution of 40 megapixels with a peak capture rate of .8 seconds per frame and a sustained capture rate of 60 frames per minute, the Mamiya DM40 is the industry’s fastest large-sensor DSLR.

The heart of the DM40 system is the new “DF” camera-core technology, developed by Mamiya, featuring two user-selectable shutter systems: leaf or focal plane. In demanding daylight situations, photographers can use predictable high speed flash synchronization to fill-in or overpower even the brightest ambient light on one of three new leaf-shuttered lenses designed by Schneider-Kreuznach and manufactured by Mamiya. The lenses – available in focal lengths of 55mm, 80mm, and 110mm – deliver an effective maximum flash sync speed of up to 1/1600th of a second. For more conventional situations, photographers can choose any one of 15 other world-class Mamiya optics, from 28mm to 300mm APO, designed for use with the cameras’ focal plane shutter system.

Also newly announced, the Mamiya DM40 Digital Back will be available for those customers who wish to obtain the latest in high-speed and resolution digital capture for their existing Mamiya or large format camera. Supported cameras include: Mamiya 645AFD series, 645DF, Mamiya RZ series (via optional adapter), Mamiya RB series
(via optional adapter), and 4×5 view cameras
(via optional adapter).

Specifications Highlights
CCD: 44 x 33mm, 40 Megapixel
Largest file size: 240 MB 16 bit TIFF
ISO: 80-800
Capture rate: 0.8 sec/frame
Digital imaging user interface: 6×7cm LCD touchscreen

Pricing and Availability
The Mamiya DM40 DSLR kit will be available in the U.S. at $21,990, including Mamiya 80mm f.2.8 D lens. The Mamiya DM40 Digital Back, also available in the U.S. at $19,990. Both are expected to be shipping in March, and include Capture One and Leaf Capture software.

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