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Phase One Introduces Infinity Platform With 'Capture One Inside'
28 August 2018
Phase One has introduced a new and expandable Infinity Platform available on its three full-frame medium format XF IQ4 camera systems. The new platform moves" the core of Capture One's imaging processor into the IQ4 itself," the company said. In short, you can now edit Raw images in the camera itself.
Infinity Platform. Capture One software in the camera itself.
"Our customers drive us to break down barriers and keep pushing forward," said Henrik O. Håkonsson, CEO and president, Phase One, A/S. "With the Infinity Platform we are completely dedicated to grow the IQ4, adapting and expanding incrementally to match the pace of technology -- making it unique in the photographic world -- a camera investment that pays back with years of cutting-edge operation. We dedicate the new XF IQ4 Camera System to these individuals whose passion for perfection is unlimited."
KEY FEATURES
The IQ4 Camera System features:
- 151-Megapixel Backside Illuminated Sensor: The IQ4 150MP and IQ4 150MP Achromatic models feature an ultra-efficient pixel design that delivers unprecedented image quality and detail. A world first in full frame medium format photography.
- 'Capture One Inside': The core of Capture One's Raw imaging processor has been integrated into the Infinity Platform, opening a multitude of customizations and imaging possibilities. Key for expanding workflow efficiency, images can now be processed by the camera itself. 'Capture One Inside' enables Improved preview quality, JPEG processing, IIQ Style integration and improved Live View, faster frame rate and new tools.
- Three New Tethering Options: Wireless, USB-C and Ethernet offer greater control of connectivity and workflow. In addition, users will be able to interface directly with accessories such as hard drives, NAS storage, network solutions, mobile devices, etc. New ports (Ethernet and USB-C) can offer charging capabilities of the camera system or sustained power from compatible devices. Each tethering option brings its own unique workflow benefit, such as speed, extended cable length, evolving camera control and freedom from cabling.
- Dual Storage: Support for both XQD and SD memory cards can be combined with the above tethering options to provide a multitude of workflow solutions.
- Open Platform: Time-lapse and bracketing tools now operate independently of the camera body, enabling sequencing options across other camera bodies such as technical cameras.
FAQ
The following series of questions and answers was produced by Phase One. It has been reformatted for Photo Corners but has not been edited.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Is the new backside illuminated sensor CMOS?
A. Yes.
Q. A BSI sensor can increase light sensitivity, but color response can be trickier, can't it?
A. The assumption is correct that this makes color response "trickier." Previously we have addressed this with the Trichromatic Sensor on the Front Side Illuminated sensor. However, now, we are utilizing Capture One Inside to manage the bulk of the color response processing and interpretation. This ports the strength of Capture One directly into the hardware itself, elevating the power, control and image quality. In regard to color response, Capture One Inside is our solution to ensuring the best possible quality.
Q. Is the Infinity Platform a new updated physical camera XF camera body or is it just to do with the new digital backs?
A. The Infinity Platform is related to the new digital backs.
Q. Will it be possible to access the embedded version of Capture One from any computer with, let's say a dedicated utility? As, for example, Fujifilm does for the X-Trans family of APS-C hybrids with Fujifilm X-Raw Studio (macOS and Windows) which uses the inside processor of the camera to translate Raw?
A. To summarize simply, this (similar to Fuji described above) is and has always been available with Capture One software. With Capture One Inside, a similar ability (though more dynamic) is now available within the IQ4 Hardware. There is no separate utility, there is Capture One to facilitate this. Any image shot with an IQ4, opened through Capture One, has compatibility to any future embedded engine. Capture an image on the same IQ4 5 years from now, preview and process it it in Capture One under any of the available engines from Capture One 11 engine and forward.
Q. Can the Infinity platform be considered as the Operating System of the cameras?
A. No, the Infinity Platform is the hardware itself.
The Operating System is installed on top of the Hardware.
For example, the XF camera body is hardware and represents an expandable platform (like the new IQ4 Infinity Platform) that can be updated (bringing new features and functionality) through new versions of the operating system, as the XF Platform has been in the Phase One Feature Updates (1, 2, 3, & 4).
The best explanation here goes back to Feature Updates. These are incremental updates to our "Operating System." The Infinity Platform is the hardware on which they are installed, built to a specific and robust degree that we can ensure our Feature Updates (OS updates) well into the next decade.
Q. Will pricing be also in Euros?
A. Pricing will be available only in USD.
Q. Is the new IQ4 Trichromatic 100MP featuring a new sensor or is it the same sensor as the IQ3 100MP Trichromatic?
A. It is the same sensor as the IQ3 100MP Trichromatic. However, it is now running on the Infinity Platform and controlled by Capture One Inside. We have taken a customized hardware sensor and given it a new life and new possibilities with the Infinity Platform and Capture One inside so we can take its color excellence even further.
Q: Does moving to 151-megapixel sensors have any impact on recommended or compatible lenses? That's an immense amount of resolving power and I wonder if some lenses might not have been designed to such an exacting standard.
A: All of our Blue Ring lenses are able to resolve for the 151-Mp sensor with no quality concerns. The lenses perform as they are designed. Lenses such as the 28mm Schneider Kreuznach LS however are not Blue Ring lenses. Although they are compatible and tests show they perform well on the 151-Mp sensor, they are not up to our standards and will therefore be investigated for replacement.
While Phase One says "the Infinity Platform is the hardware itself," it is probably more accurate to say the platform is a combined hardware/software solution. In short, the new IQ4 backs that enable Capture One Inside interface with exisitng XF camera bodies.
While we haven't seen it in action (other than the video above), we suspect it relies on a touch screen (there being no other interface available). That would provide an experience much like using any image editor on a smartphone.
PRICE, AVAILABILITY
The XF IQ4 150MP, IQ4 100MP Trichromatic and IQ4 150MP Achromatic Camera Systems, will be available in October through Phase One partners.
Prices for the XF IQ4 Camera Systems (including XF camera body and prism, a Blue Ring prime lens of your choice, 5-year warranty and 5-year uptime guarantee) are:
- The XF IQ4 150MP: $51,990
- The XF IQ4 100MP Trichromatic: $47,990
- The XF IQ4 150MP Achromatic: $54,990
For more information see the news release below.
Phase One's New XF IQ4 Camera Systems Introduce 'Capture One Inside' and Enable Unmatched Workflow Flexibility and Resolution
COPENHAGEN -- Phase One has announced a giant leap forward in photography: Phase One XF IQ4 Camera Systems are built upon the new and expandable Infinity Platform. Three full frame medium format camera systems, based on the Infinity Platform, include the IQ4 150MP (151-megapixels), the IQ4 100MP Trichromatic (101-megapixels) and the IQ4 150MP Achromatic (151-megapixels). Each delivers a flexible and customizable photographic solution designed to evolve and adapt over time. The IQ4 features a new level of workflow optimization, integration and support for all photographic applications.
With the Infinity Platform, Phase One has moved the core of Capture One's imaging processor into the IQ4 itself. 'Capture One Inside' offers unprecedented Raw file control. Image editing and processing -- once possible only in the Capture One software application -- can now be controlled within the IQ4. The Infinity Platform also allows Phase One to challenge fundamental imaging concepts, such as the limitations of dynamic range. Additionally, the IQ4 delivers new tethering and storage options, wireless integration and performance improvements.
"Our customers drive us to break down barriers and keep pushing forward," said Henrik O. Håkonsson, CEO and president, Phase One, A/S. "With the Infinity Platform we are completely dedicated to grow the IQ4, adapting and expanding incrementally to match the pace of technology -- making it unique in the photographic world -- a camera investment that pays back with years of cutting-edge operation. We dedicate the new XF IQ4 Camera System to these individuals whose passion for perfection is unlimited."
Phase One is widely known for its modular, open-platform approach. Like the Phase One XF camera body, introduced in 2015, the Infinity Platform of the IQ4 has been engineered to anticipate developments in technology and expand functionality to support customers' changing workflow demands.
Key Features and Future-Forward Innovations
Building on 25 years of digital imaging innovation and the success of the XF Camera System, the IQ4 introduces:
- 151-Megapixel Backside Illuminated Sensor: The IQ4 150MP and IQ4 150MP Achromatic models feature an ultra-efficient pixel design that delivers unprecedented image quality and detail. A world first in full frame medium format photography.
- 'Capture One Inside': The core of Capture One's Raw imaging processor has been integrated into the Infinity Platform, opening a multitude of customizations and imaging possibilities. Key for expanding workflow efficiency, images can now be processed by the camera itself. 'Capture One Inside' enables Improved preview quality, JPEG processing, IIQ Style integration and improved Live View, faster frame rate and new tools.
- Three New Tethering Options: Wireless, USB-C and Ethernet offer greater control of connectivity and workflow. In addition, users will be able to interface directly with accessories such as hard drives, NAS storage, network solutions, mobile devices, etc. New ports (Ethernet and USB-C) can offer charging capabilities of the camera system or sustained power from compatible devices. Each tethering option brings its own unique workflow benefit, such as speed, extended cable length, evolving camera control and freedom from cabling.
- Dual Storage: Support for both XQD and SD memory cards can be combined with the above tethering options to provide a multitude of workflow solutions.
- Open Platform: Time-lapse and bracketing tools now operate independently of the camera body, enabling sequencing options across other camera bodies such as technical cameras.
More information about the IQ4, Infinity Platform and supported XF Camera System configurations can be found here: http://www.phaseone.com/IQ4
Availability and Pricing
The XF IQ4 150MP, IQ4 100MP Trichromatic and IQ4 150MP Achromatic Camera Systems, will be available in October through Phase One Partners: http://www.phaseone.com/partners.
The Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for the XF IQ4 Camera Systems (including XF camera body and prism, a Blue Ring prime lens of your choice, 5-year warranty and 5-year uptime guarantee) are:
- The XF IQ4 150MP Camera System: $51,990
- The XF IQ4 100MP Trichromatic Camera System: $47,990
- The XF IQ4 150MP Achromatic Camera System: $54,990
For more information, go to: http://www.phaseone.com or book a demo on http://www.phaseone.com/DemoSignup.