Michael Reichmann over at the Luminous Landscape website has published his thoughts on the Canon EOS-1Ds Mark II Digital SLR and the Phase One P25 digital back.

“OK. Let’s cut to the chase. Which is the better camera system - the Canon 1Ds Mark II, or the Phase One P25 on a medium format camera like the Contax 645?

Once again, I’m afraid that I’ll have to disappoint. There’s no absolute winner. Each one has its strengths and weaknessess, and based on this, as I’ve detailed above, if you’re lucky enough to be able to afford one or the other, you’ll have to make your own decision based on your particular photographic needs.

If you’re looking for the finest absolute image quality then the P25 gets the nod. There are more pixels, the photosites are bigger, and therefore the images are a bit crisper and capable of being printed larger. There is a bit more dynamic range, and at low ISOs the shadows have more detail and “depth”.”

Website: Luminous Landscape - Canon 1Ds MKII Vs. Phase One P25