Phase One’s announcement of the new IQ250 came with a very big first in the world of photography. The IQ250 is the world’s first digital medium format back with a CMOS sensor. That’s significant news. But what practical, real world reasons exist that make this digital back any better than another? It’s true there are several features of the IQ250 that are unique from other Phase One digital backs, but there is one in particular that many photographers have been waiting for: Live View. The CMOS sensor in the IQ250 has the capability of a much higher refresh rate than the CCD sensors in previous backs. On the LCD screen as well as in Capture One, the IQ250 has an extremely fluid live view experience which solves real world focusing difficulties.
UPDATE
*Phase One has confirmed that Live view is only available via USB on the IQ250. Firewire does not offer the performance needed with the higher frame rate.
There are the following known issues at release date of IQ250 – Phase One is addressing these in an upcoming firmware release. (IQ250 back ships with firmware version 1.00.2)
- If shooting tethered or using Live view via USB3 it is recommended to use an USB port that is not shared with other devices (including internally connected devices)
- Shutter in the 645DF+ occasionally locks up in live view mode – the current solution is to reboot the camera. This will be addressed in a 645DF+ firmware update.
Live View In Action
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Live View at 100% focus
A screen recording of real time live view at 100% focus in Capture One.
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Live View on Tech Camera
Recording of Live View function while on Technical Camera
While the above .gif representations struggle in exact frame rate and color reproduction, they are a good representation of the speed of live view in the new IQ250.
While still a useful tool, CCD sensor backs have a refresh rate of 3-4 frames a second. The refresh rate of live view in the IQ250 is capable of 25 frames per second; allowing for much more intuitive live view usage. This is a frame rate that is now 8 times faster than its predecessors. It is now possible to quickly and accurately fine focus on a small object in “real time”.
USB3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The IQ250 is also the first digital back capable of live view via the USB3 connection*. This feature is just in time for the new Macbook Pros which only feature thunderbolt and USB connectivity.
The improved functionality was extremely useful in our testing of the long exposure and high ISO capability of the IQ250 (post coming soon). In a scenario where there was very little light and a wide angle lens, we were able to accurately and quickly focus a scene which would have proved extremely difficult using conventional methods.
Capture Integration is extremely excited about the possibilities of both the USB 3 connectivity as well as the much enhanced live view. For any questions about live view, the new IQ250, or if you’d like to schedule a demo, please give us a call!