For more than 20 years we at Phase One have been pushing the limits of digital image quality to help our customers stand out. With the XF 100MP Camera System, everything we’ve been working on finally comes together in one system. Ultimate Image quality combined with the ultimate creative freedom to help our customers create new masterpieces.
We’ve always strived to offer our customers the ultimate photographic flexibility. We were the first to offer Full Frame Medium Format CCD systems and now we’re proud to be the first to offer a Full Frame Medium Format CMOS solution. The Phase One XF 100MP Camera System offers the same great advantages of full frame usability with the added benefits of CMOS. No lens crop factors, no focus screen masks, just uncompromised image quality from edge to edge.
The 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.
Amazing ISO sensitivity Get high quality images shooting at ISO 100, 6400 or anywhere in between. With this digital back you can capture unique images in available light anytime.
Fluid and responsive Live View With the fluid and responsive high quality Live View of the IQ250 you will have great composition and focus assistance whether you are using Live View directly on the digital back, connected via USB3 to Capture One, or wirelessly to Capture Pilot.
50 megapixels captures Capture images of 50 megapixel resolution and of outstanding quality.
14 f-stops dynamic range Capture the most demanding scenes in one shot and retain details in highlights and shadows with the IQ250 thanks to its abundant 14 f-stop dynamic range.
Long exposures up to an hour The IQ250 digital back gives you a phenomenal exposure time range, as fast as 1/10000s and as long as one hour (the actual exposure time range is limited by the camera attached).
Principal firmware architect behind the IQ250 digital back, Søren Ilsøe, introduces the unique features and capabilities of the CMOS sensor. The CMOS sensor is found at the core of the new IQ250 digital back.
• Amazing ISO range from ISO100 to ISO6400 • Incredible 14 f-stops dynamic range • 50 megapixel captures • Continuous capture flow • Fluid and responsive Live View
"This brand new IQ250 uses the world's first medium format sized CMOS sensor.
What this means for photographers is that it can shoot with highest ISOs ever in medium format.
Because of the sensor they can get an exceptionally low noise level but at a very high resolution.
The use of this sensor when combined with our IQ2 platform is truly groundbreaking.
With the IQ250 you get an incredibly large pixel size of 5,3 micrometers. And its dimensions of 44 by 33 mm makes it 68 percent larger than the 35 mm sensor you will find on a DSLR.
Not only do these large pixels mean cleaner images but they also create the opportunity for capturing an amazing 14 stops of dynamic range across all ISO settings.
The 250 is also member of the IQ2 family of digital backs so it shares a lot of great features including WiFi connectivity, a high resolution touch screen, location data integration and lightning fast USB3.
It is a perfect back to combine with the intuitive handling and great ergonomics of the Phase One DF+ camera body.
It also benefits from the extremely fast flash sync speed capabilities when used with one of our leaf shutter lenses.
The IQ250 is a truly revolutionary product and there really is nothing else like it on the market."
Follow action and sports photographer, Tim Kemple, on his very first day shooting with the new Phase One IQ250 digital back and witness one of the craziest days Tim has had as a photographer.
"My first day shooting with the IQ250 was one of the craziest days I've ever had as a photographer.
On paper the idea was pretty simple: Mount the camera to a helicopter and capture pictures of mountain biking like people had never seen it before. But even though we planned for days and days, things didn't work out as we expected. I knew from the beginning that it wouldn't be easy but I'm always pushing myself to capture images that are truly unique.
We planned everything great. We had two of the world's best mountain bikers, Kyle Strait and Tyler "T-Mac" McCaul. They showed up early and they were stoked to ride. There is just something about shooting with professional athletes that is hard to describe but it really pushes me as a photographer.
We got off to a fast start and things were looking amazing. I was just getting in the groove but then the worst happened. Tyler went down hard. Everyone was really worried. Do we need to go to the hospital? Should we call an ambulance? You just don't know. Really what T-Mac needed was just a few moments to get his wits about him and he was good to keep on riding.
At that point it was about midday. We had gotten the camera all balanced and ready to fly but that is when the next challenge hit us. On the very first pass the behind the scenes team clipped a branch and crashed the helicopter right into a tree. I'm an optimist but things were not looking good. And to make matters worse, it started to rain hard.
At that point I thought we were done for the day but I looked over and Kyle and T-Mac were psyched. We have come all this way, let's figure out a way to get this done.
So we're in a full on rainstorm right now. The helicopter did not like the wind, it did not like the rain and we have moved on to plan B which is a ladder.
The sun is setting, the rain is pouring down and we are throwing mud all over the place trying to get this ladder dug into the hillside. And then Kyle and T-Mac start throwing massive tail whips off this jump and they are coming within inches of me.
It's getting dark so I'm having to turn up the ISO on my camera. I'm looking down and I just can't believe how incredible these images are looking. These weren't the images I had pictured in my head at the start of the day but because of the rain and the weather, they are better.
And that was my crazy wet and wild first day with the IQ250."
Watch action and sports photographer, Tim Kemple, tell about his route to becoming a professional photographer, and how his work has allowed him to travel to the farthest corners of the world: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mlOpsq...
Phase One lenses - http://www.phaseone.com/lenses Get a view behind the walls of Schneider-Kreuznach and the development of leaf shutter lenses.
Phase One and Schneider-Kreuznach are collaborating closely to provide high quality lenses to the demanding professional medium format photographers.
The resolution of the lens depends on the pixels size of the sensor. To gain a good resolution the tolerances of the lens get very tight. You'll have to think about other methods in assembly to reach this high position.
Digital systems require a totally different lens construction than the large format lenses or even the old medium format lenses for analog film. The most important difference for those lenses is chromatic aberration. On a standard silver film you can't see chromatic aberration of 30 or 40 microns because it's not visible by three, or ten times enlargement.
If you have the chromatic aberration of forty microns on an actual digital back wich has a pixel size of 6 microns, then you can see this chromatic aberration in about five to six pixel lengths.
For this kind of lenses you have a very high resolution at a very high contrast, and this even at full open iris.
Editor