On 28 August, 2018, Phase One announced three Full Frame Medium Format camera systems that are built upon the revolutionary and expandable Infinity Platform; XF IQ4 150MP, XF IQ4 150MP Achromatic, and XF IQ4 100MP Trichromatic.
We shall review the key features and benefits you can expect that will push your photographic endeavors forward.
BSI 151MP SENSOR
The Sony-engineered Backside Illuminated (BSI) 151 megapixel CMOS sensor in the XF IQ4 150MP and XF IQ4 150MP Achromatic digital backs promises “uninterrupted capture of light within each pixel, directly translating a more accurate render with improved color, detail and noise handling within the RAW file.”.
By eliminating the circuit architecture as a barrier, we can also expect faster frame rates and exposure readings, hence shaving valuable seconds of image acquisition.
The additional 22% increase in resolution from the IQ3 101MP will appeal to professionals who demand high fidelity in image quality and detail, large scale printing possibilities, and cropping flexibilities.
It is worth noting that Phase One is dedicating the IQ4 platform to the full frame medium format (645 image frame) and will henceforth discontinue cropped sensors from future product development.
3 TETHERING OPTIONS
The IQ4 platform now offers no less than 3 future-proof tethering options;
ETHERNET with Power-over-Ethernet (PoE) capabilities: Enables you to incorporate long, inexpensive cables into your workflow ensuring uninterrupted power supply and plenty of working space. Through the expandable Infinity Platform, we expect this will eventually innovate network solutions for users to capture over multiple devices across locations.
USB-C: The main benefits here are that you can now shoot directly into
an external storage drive, or attach an external power bank to extend the duration of your shoot on location.
Wireless: Pretty much self-explanatory and it’s a big one. Shoot without cables and transmit your 151MP RAW files directly to Capture One.
The best part? All 3 options may be combined to your customized workflow.
We will return with tests and findings when we get our hands on a unit.
DUAL STORAGE
Single CF card slots are so last week, and IQ4 digital backs will provide 2 slots that may be used individually or in tandem.
XQD: At 400MB/s read speed and 350MB/s write speed, this is the logical way to capture your 151MP 16-bit RAW images incredibly quickly and reliably.
This slot is future-proofed to adapt the CFexpress storage format in the future, thus ensuring its growth and industry-relevance for years to come.
SD: Not remarkable on its own, but it may be incorporated into your workflow as a mirrored backup to the primary storage, flow-over from the primary storage, or to store JPG files alongside the RAW images.
CAPTURE ONE INSIDE
As if the massive computational power in the IQ platform’s processor isn’t enough,
Phase One has incredibly caged the beastly core of Capture One into IQ4 digital backs.
As at the time of announcement, this integration will deliver;
- IIQ RAW “Style” integration
- JPG processing in-camera
- Improved preview quality
- Improved Live View, faster frame rates and new tools
Your untethered workflow will now be greatly enhanced with the ability to edit
RAW files on the fly directly from the IQ4 digital back…and that is just the beginning!
More enhancements will be added via firmware updates to expand customization capabilities and performance.
TOUCH-SCREEN GESTURES
A feature that isn’t mentioned much in Phase One’s announcement materials is the addition of pinch-to-zoom in preview. This is a small but tremendously appreciated update since it is already second nature to practically everyone with a smartphone. Furthermore, the IQ4 is ready for multi-finger gestures, so we are looking forward to how this may be incorporated.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY
All 3 systems will be available from October 2018. Each IQ4 system will include a camera body + prism, a Blue Ring prime lens of your choice, 5-year warranty and 5-year uptime warranty. Stay tuned for availability and pricing in Singapore.
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