Phase One Introduces The XF Camera System
EditorThe XF Camera System is built using full-frame Medium Format sensors 2.5 times larger than the ones found in high-end DSLRs. Sensors this large deliver a powerful combination of the highest possible resolution together with large, high dynamic range pixels and exceptional wide angular response. The XF is quite literally the best of all worlds when it comes to digital image quality.
The XF Camera System is available in multiple configurations, up to 80MP. Resolution this high not only delivers incredible detail but also provides creative flexibility, accommodating virtually any application requirement, be it print or digital.
Balancing colors is equal parts art and science. We have been working for over two decades to achieve perfection in colors across hardware and software, and the XF System is a direct reflection of that. You won’t find better color depth or rendering than with an XF Camera System.
Using large sensor technology, the XF Camera System delivers unparalleled dynamic range, retaining unmatched detail in both highlights and shadows.
With our new and exclusive 80 megapixel imaging sensor, the XF Camera System delivers extreme long exposures of up to 60 minutes across 50MP, 60MP and 80MP configurations. An amazing creative tool, used by many of the world’s leading photographers.
Being the first to embrace new technology and integrate a touch based user interface to a digital back, we are proud to continue the tradition with the XF Camera System. We call it the OneTouch UI.
The OneTouch UI on the XF camera is a seamless combination of intuitive dials, keys and touch screen interactions. Each operation is used only where it makes sense and where you want it. OneTouch UI is designed with the goal of making controls so simple that photographers will feel at home within moments of getting started.
The XF camera can be operated either from the camera itself or from a tethered computer. To achieve this, we have removed all hard-coded button functionality including any physical markings on the camera. This allows complete freedom to configure the systems controls to best fit your individual needs.
Two separate, yet fully integrated, touch displays are now available on the XF Camera System. The 1.6” grip screen is designed for clear visibility in any lighting condition using a transflective capacitive touch display. The back screen is a retina touch screen designed to show high-quality image previews, providing the ability to zoom to 100% with a simple tap. With 3.2” inch there is ample space to compose and review, as well as operate advanced tools.
As if the brightest full frame prism viewfinder wasn’t enough. Make room for a re-born classic!
The waist-level finder is convenient for many styles of photography, be it in studio or on location. With the ability to retain the connection between photographer and model or simply to attain a more effective working position, the waist-level finder is a great addition to the creative toolbox.
Light metering is typically done through a cameras Prism viewfinder, a challenge that until now hasn’t been solved in a waist-level finder. The XF Camera System can measure the light on the newly designed HAP-1 autofocus platform. Using this ability, light metering is now available with our waist-level finder. Issue solved.
With a solid glass prism, the 90° viewfinder is the brightest of its kind and has virtually no loss of light. Together with nearly 100% frame coverage, the prism viewfinder displays a perfect view of the scene and comes standard on all XF Camera Systems.
The XF Camera System marks an important milestone for Phase One. It is the introduction of a new patent pending and fully controlled in-house autofocus system. The Honeybee Autofocus Platform, or HAP-1.
HAP-1 is designed with a brand new custom processor, coupled with a high-resolution CMOS AF sensor. Combining a unique floating-point architecture and a fully programmable interface, HAP-1 is easy to expand and will allow us to continuously tailor the autofocus system to meet your needs, providing user-accessible software updates for years to come.
The initial configuration of HAP-1 is built for precision in typical professional environments. Using a new white spectrum focus assist light and Phase One developed focusing patterns; Auto Focus is more accurate than ever, right out of the gate.
When photographers require the maximum allowable depth of field, the optimal technique used is to apply a hyperfocal distance measurement. Depending on aperture and lens used, the optimal Focus Point is typically a few steps under infinity. With the new Hyperfocal Point Focusing, it is now possible to set the ideal Hyperfocal Point for each lens and have HAP-1 automatically return to that specific point on demand.
Phase One Systems have been used for decades in some of the most demanding professional and aerial applications. With the XF Camera System we have upgraded all moving parts and materials to match that level of professional demand, delivering the fastest, most robust and most reliable camera ever.
The XF introduces an all-new electronic architecture. Designed in-house by Phase One, the XF is built using faster processors, newly designed sensor advancements, including gyroscopic sensors and accelerometers, and an integrated wireless Profoto flash trigger.
One of the most important elements of great photography is timing. With the latest iteration on mechanics introduced with the XF Camera System, we have significantly reduced shutter latency and shutter recycle time, making it our most responsive camera ever.
While most photographers are familiar with interchangeable lenses, the XF System takes modularity a significant step further. Camera body, viewfinder and digital back are all interchangeable, providing options to match the particular needs of a photographer, shoot or workflow.
With the brand new range of IQ3 Digital Backs, together with the previous IQ range of Digital Backs, it is possible to find a XF Camera System that fits your exact needs. Click on “explore configurations” to find information on XF System configurations.
A benefit of modularity is photographer’s ability to easily upgrade a single component at a time. With a modular design there is no need to discard a perfectly good system only to gain features related to the camera body. The XF camera body is fully compatible with previous generation IQ Digital Backs, allowing existing IQ customers to easily access the new XF camera platform.
The XF Camera System is compatible with all generations of IQ Digital Backs. We already prepared the IQ2 range of Digital Backs for the XF Camera System, so they get almost full access to the same features as the IQ3 range, simply by applying a firmware upgrade. The IQ1 range of Digital Backs gains access to the same level of functionality as they have on current systems, but with the many added benefits of the XF Camera Body, such as improved speed, reliability, sensors and autofocus.
Contrary to most camera systems, we do not design our systems as short-lived disposables. We build camera platforms on which photographers can extend, build, exchange and grow throughout their career.
The software running on the XF is designed as an independent and upgradeable operating system. This allows for easy and fast upgrades, providing both new features and unique customization. By using our new Camera OS, photographers will be able to upgrade their XF System at regular intervals in order to benefit from the new opportunities of technology.
HAP-1 is designed with a brand a new custom processor, coupled with an independent high-resolution CMOS AF sensor. Combining a unique floating-point architecture and a fully programmable interface, HAP-1 is easy to expand and will allow us to continuously tailor the autofocus system and release user-accessible software updates for years to come.
The XF Camera System is founded on modern hardware and an open platform philosophy, allowing us to continuously add new upgrades in accordance with the changing pace of technology. Additionally, other manufacturers can interface with each individual component so we can offer photographers with a future proof platform.
When we say that our product life cycles are long, it's a proven fact. Customers, who invested in Phase One P backs in 2004, have received additional functionality as late as in 2014, from both Firmware upgrades and Capture One processing software.