I feel that only you will be able to make the decision and ideally will need to see and handle both cameras. As Paul has just said, it is not just about raw spec, but the way in which these capabilities are met, the camera being a tactile tool. Whether these seeming compromises are worth the financial saving in your eyes will be different from the decisions made by others. Not sure on logistics but if you cannot get to a dealer, with your reputation/standing, might be able to negotiate a camera on approval?
I have owned two Ebony cameras and they have been a joy to own and use and am in no doubt that they are major factors in improving the standard of my picture taking enormously.
Of course, it is relatively easy to be a profligate spender with others' money. I found this out to my (great) expense! Joe Cornish encouraged me to spend an extra £1000 for an Ebony 45SU over the Ebony 45S saying that I would not regret it. I bit the bullit and got the SU. He was not wrong. I reasoned that should I buy the 'S' and subsequently decide that I did need the capabilities of the SU, trading up would then cost significantly more.
The main reason for the recommendation being the asymmetric movements on the rear standard. They are a revelation and so good that I seldom use the axis movements on the front standard.The extra extension enables a 300mm non-tele lens.
The focussing process is so much quicker. Place distant focus point on dotted etched line, tilt or swing so that near point comes in on the other dotted etched line, check focus which very occasionally needs slight tweak and that's it!
Another consideration might be the choice of a non-folding camera which is great for those like yourself and myself who shoot outdoors where often we need to set up very quickly and need a rigid design. Ebony offer 4 models RSW, SW, S and SU in order of movements and growing price.
They are far quicker to set up than traditional folding designs, which is especailly benficial in transient and fading light (GG is very bright). I leave my 90mm lens mounted. Assuming a simple shot with near horizontal or simple POF, I can place rucksack on ground, mount camera on tripod compose, and focus in well under two minutes and given sufficient adrenalin, could (and have) probably do in half this!
Of course the range and number of movements is extensive and offers masses of creative opportunities. Such images are not made in 120s or less!
If you did decide to change from 4x5, I would suggest that the return on your investment would be rather better and quicker for the Ebony than the Shen-Hao. When they do come on the market, they get snapped up rather rapidly.
Happy shopping.
