I almost got the IQ180 but thought it was an overkill so I settled for the IQ160 instead.
To be honest, after spending big bucks, I've now decided that it's not worth the money as all the shortfalls of cheaper cameras can be fixed during post processing. The RAW files straight off the IQ160 are excellent but give me an extra 5 minutes per image and I can make the images from my D3 just as good on screen or when printed up to A3. For A0 size posters, nothing beats the Phase One but I've never printed such a large poster in my life.
What I do like about having 60 megapixels to play around with is that it gives me plenty of latitude when it comes to cropping.
I know IQ180 price over performance is too small. IQ180 is just too expensive. Having 60 MP with medium format, you are assure to beat all DSLR for the next 10 years. Even if DSLR would to go to 60MP, your sensor will still thrash them. Yes, the massive size means you have to upgrade your computer, you must build a hacktintosh, with a water cool system, and massively overclocked CPU and a 7970 in it, it will help you.
you dun print big poster, but when you are in front of your professional screen, and you zoom in on an detail, it will bring smile on your face.
it does for me, at least with my puny 21MP 5dmk2.
Not just the latitude of cropping, also the highlight and shadow detail you can bring out using such a massive sensor.
my shadow detail from 5d mk2 is a joke, just bring out noise. i hate it. d800 look promising.
I seen the photo of cheapest medium format and it thrash the most expensive DSLR. Make Dslr look like a toy. The only medium format i can afford is pentax 645d, do you think it is a good buy now with d800e out?