While Nikon and Canon slug it out below, Phase One handles the cutting edge.
The brand just revealed their latest medium format line, the Phase One XF Camera System.
It might seem like overkill to a photography enthusiast, but what sweet, sweet overkill it is.
The Phase One XF is a special kind of beast.
What does a photographer get by investing in a Phase One XF?
Resolution, dynamic range and optics.
The Phase One XF camera system qualifier is an important point of distinction.
If youre new to digital medium format photography, these systems come in three parts.
Hence the phrase camera system instead of the back-and-body DSLRs were used to.
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What does a photographer get by investing in a Phase One XF?
Resolution, dynamic range and optics.
The most practical value of this massive sensor is its dynamic range performance.
Dynamic range is a key phrase that should interest photographers a lot more than the megapixel count.
First, the IQ3 digital back on the Phase One XF can provide 80 megapixel resolution.
Its important to note, however, that this isnt just a factor of the megapixel arms race.
The sensor on this camera is 2.5 times larger than your typical full frame Canon or Nikon.
But this sensor and its megapixels arent just suited to low light or massive print photography.
The most practical value of this massive sensor is its dynamic range performance.
Dynamic range is a key phrase that should interest photographers a lot more than the megapixel count.
If you dont have a strong handle on what f-stops represent, heres an easy primer.
If you lower an exposure by one stop, its exactly half as bright as it was before.
Now consider that on an exponent scale 14 times.
This is your take-away on the Phase One XF, dear reader.
Last, the optics available for the Phase One XF are something to behold.
Schneider Kreuznach produces some of the finest (and costliest) lenses money can buy.
This writer has used a few during food shoots, especially the 90mm Schneider Kreuznach tilt shift.
If you knew nothing about photography, youd think they were either sculpture or weaponry.
On the camera, they produce the sharpest, most flexible optics money can buy.
Speaking of money, thats the rub.
The 80MP version of the Phase One XF and the IQ3 digital backare available for $48,990.
Well leave it at that.
Phase One XF Introduction Video
Phase One XF Camera System | Gallery
