Together with Sony, Phase One developed a 100MP CMOS sensor for the XF camera

Introducing Phase One XF 100MP 

Phase One XF 100MP Overview

In the words of Phase One, “The ultimate camera system has arrived.” Just recently, the company announced their new 100MP CMOS digital sensor for the XF camera system. The sensor was developed in partnership with Sony, a dominant force in sensors in the photo industry. The 100MP back was “engineered to perform well beyond 100MP imaging.”

The new sensor from Phase One is described as a full-frame sensor, it’s actually 53.7 x 40.4mm. Meaning, the back is larger than the 135mm format ascribed for the full-frame term.

Phase One’s 100MP XF camera system provides 16-bit color output, as well as 15 stops of dynamic range. The sensor also features 101 active high-quality pixels, live view capturing with HDMI output, an ISO range of 50 to 12800 and exposure times up to an hour.

According to Phase One, their camera system was “also designed for future growth with regular feature upgrades, incorporating new features and unique customizations.” The first feature update was released in October 2015 and included new features like the Seismograph Vibration Delay.

The modular Phase One XF camera system platform was designed for expansion. As such, it is able to offer professional photographers with a tangible investment.

Phase One’s XF 100MP camera system with its new medium format 100MP CMOS sensor is capable of combining high resolution along with high dynamic range and outstanding wide angular coverage. With the XF 100MP, photographers have unprecedented power in their hands which allows them to realize their visions.

Niels Knudsen, Vice President of Innovation and the “Image Quality Professor” of Phase One, said that the company has been “pushing the limits of digital image quality to help top photographers stand out” for more than 20 years. He added that the XF 100MP camera system is the result of “everything we have been working toward for our customers.” With the XF 100MP, Phase One has brought “ultimate image quality and ultimate creative freedom” into one system.

The latest camera system from Phase One is capable of delivering dynamic range that is unparalleled with detail that is unmatched in both shadows and highlights. In addition, it also packs 101,082,464 active high quality pixels. Phase One CEO Henrik Håkonsson mentions that “This is the highest performing system that we have ever created, benefitting from a multitude of Phase One exclusive innovations developed to support our amazing customers in creating the ultimate images.”

The Phase One XF Camera System was introduced in June 2015 and was designed with 100MP performance in mind. This is why features such as the Honey Bee Auto Focu, Vibration Tracking, Electronic First Curtain Shutter and Vibration Detection Technology were designed to guarantee 100MP performance as well. When the system was first released in 2015, it was a major redesign of the digital image offerings of Phase One. The goal was to create a new system that can be relevant for many years to come.

Now, it has launched its latest system and along with Schneider Kreuznack Leaf Shutter lenses, interchangeable Prism Viewfinder and Waist Level Finder, the XF 100MP camera system will set the standard for professional photography in the years to come.

Capable of capturing intricate details with astonishing precision, the new system definitely surpasses every expectation. Phase One systems are noted for being able to capture scenes with great detail, and the 16-bit color feature makes it even better. Phase One’s CMOS sensor is the first to produce richer 16-bit color. Plus, getting the perfect lighting shouldn’t be a problem with the latest sensor either as it is capable of capturing “clean” shots from ISO 50 up to ISO 12,800.

The high-resolution files produced by the new camera system also benefits from Capture One 9, a software with advanced algorithms which is the product of decades of engineering investment. When processed with the software, users can render images that have superior quality.

Final Thoughts

Phase One was the first to offer full-frame medium format CCD systems and now, they are also the first to offer a full-frame medium format CMOS solution. The newest camera system in the Phase One family still offers the same full-frame usability but with added CMOS benefits. With the XF 100MP, there are no lens crop factors and no focus screen marks; this time it’s just image quality that is uncompromised from all edges.

The Phase One XF 100MP camera system is available through authorized dealers and comes with a $48,990 price tag, as well as a Schneider Kreuznach 80mm LS lens. The camera system is also bundled with the unique five-year warranty and uptime guarantee (includes personalized support and assistance 24/7) of Phase One.

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