Official Release – It’s here, after years in development……Phase One has released the first CMOS medium format digital back. The 50-megapixel IQ250 features a Sony CMOS sensor that captures full resolution images up to ISO 6400. The IQ250 shares the same platform as the previous IQ2 series backs (IQ260, IQ280) and introduces a new image processor (improved Live View performance, data flow, read/write) and expanded 14 stop dynamic range. This new sensor and processor open new opportunities for the competitive wedding, portrait and action markets. Phase One has shared initial (internal) tests that prove that the IQ250 can be a game-changer in those respective specialties. While this back isn’t a great candidate (micro-lenses) – it’s certainly a proper fit for other industries. Make sure you stay tuned to the CI blog for further details and developments.

Stay tuned for the full Capture Integration review (where we will be reviewing the newly updated Capture Pilot as well). Capture Integration has already secured several demo IQ250 units – the team will be posting RAW sample files, ISO comparisons, long exposure tests, geotagging and more. Want to see a specific test performed? Let us know what you’re looking for, and we will do our best to put your request into the testing department.

Capture Integration is hosting several upcoming events featuring the IQ250 – make sure you catch us in Atlanta, Los Angles, New England or Las Vegas. We will have the IQ250 available for testing and demonstration at all upcoming events.

Top 10 Quick Things You Need To Know About The Phase One IQ250

By Dave Gallagher (live from Hong Kong)
Relationships matter. It is what we strive to create and cultivate at Capture Integration. This is not just with our customers, but also with the manufacturers we represent as well. This week, Christine and I flew to Hong Kong for the 2014 Phase One International Dealer Conference. Only 3 US dealers were invited to this event, and we feel very fortunate to be one of them. Each year in January, these select partners assemble somewhere in the world for a few days of business planning, relationship building, and exciting new product releases. This year was no different, as I now can finally share with you the what I have wanted to scream from the rooftops now for days. I am sure that you will be reading information about the new Phase One IQ250 from many sources in the next few days. With that said, here are the quick 10 things that you should know about this groundbreaking new back:

10) Sony 50mp CMOS Sensor

33x44mm size
1.3 Crop factor on 645

Phase One is the first manufacturer to introduce and ship Sony’s new 50mp CMOS sensor. This sensor is physically 70% larger than a DSLR sensor. This area of the capture sensor has everything to do with the look and feel of an image. Combine that with the resolving power, and you now will have that medium format look that many have been looking to get back to.

9) Capture Speed

1.2 frames a second that is sustainable
2Gb internal RAM
2.3Gb/s Dataflow
1/10,000 shutter speed capture capability

You don’t want to feel slowed down by your capture device. When expressions happen, you need to be able to feel confident with your equipment and be ready to capture the moment. We have had fast medium format backs in the past – but there was always something that we were giving up in order to achieve this speed. Typically it was resolution or sensor size. Now we have true 50mp captures that we will be able to capture at a rate that equals 6 images in just 5 seconds. That is huge.

8) 1 Hour Exposures

Yes. 1 hour long exposures with a CMOS sensor. They thought it couldn’t be done? Well “they” were wrong again. Now we have 2 backs in the IQ line up that can produce stunning results at long exposures. Whether it’s a 50mp crop sensor or a 60mp full frame, you now have a choice for what is right for you.

7) 25 fps Live View

On the digital back
Tethered with USB3 or FW
Or to an iPad via Capture Pilot

This is a CMOS sensor. The design and read out of a “Complimentary Metal Oxide Sensor” changes the game for the moving image. The “rolling shutter” technology scans the image sensor – yielding unbelievable Live View quality and speed. The fluid responsiveness is exactly what we have wanted and not received in the past from any medium format cameras system. Grids and Guides and other focus assistance tools work seamlessly with Live View active the make it the tool that was missing from our bag. The results are stunning and have to be seen for yourself.

6) Micro Lenses

While I have not yet tested the unit on my Cambo, Phase One stated that the design of the sensor is very similar to the design of the P30+. What does this mean? Technical Camera use at wide angles may not be an option with the IQ250. Extreme angles of light hitting a 5.3micron pixel covered by a micro lens create LCC issues. This might not be your medium format back if you want to use a technical camera. But the testing will happen this week and we will get back to you on the results soon.

5) 14 Stop Dynamic Range

There have been many forums and documents online stating all the differences between CCD and CMOS technology, however, my experience tells me that you can’t read blanket statements or professional reviews and believe them. Have you ever taken a Phase One file and developed it in Lightroom vs Capture One Pro? If you have, then you will know that the resulting quality difference is dramatic. Lightroom strips many calibration files that are unique to the Phase One raw file. I like to call it the “secret sauce”. Phase One has the engineering and experience in digital imaging to extract and yield the highest quality data out of any sensors that they have manufactured into their imaging devices. Even though two medium format backs might use the same imaging sensor from a 3rd party, never assume that they will deliver the same quality image. And I am thrilled to state that the images and tests that we have done so far with the IQ250 have shown the same quality that we have become accustomed to from Phase One. The color profiles in the IQ250 are yielding almost identical results to the Dalsa CCDs. And the dynamic range is just as strong as before.

4) Open Platform

Do you have a Contax camera and are still shooting film? Are you finding that ISO 800 film stocks are going away? Do you hate the idea of going down to DSLR quality, optics, and image feel? As always, Phase One continues to be an “open platform” for all medium format shooters. We can even make the new IQ250 work on a Bronica SQA….(but I don’t recommend it 🙂 Capture Integration has been the only dealer in the US to have the IQ backs in Contax and Hasseblad V mount in our rental stock. Want to give one a test drive? Give us a call and schedule it right away.

3) 6400 ISO

6400 ISO on a medium format back? But is it good? I have personally tested the back and will have files coming soon. 1600 was clean. 3200 was amazing. And honestly, 6400 was very usable as compared to the high ISO ranges of other units that I have tested. Hand holding for window light is now a reality with my 645DF+. I can’t wait to get home and test more soon.

2) Ships on Monday January 27

Yes, this isn’t an announcement. This is a product release. This isn’t a “coming soon”. This is a real product. Come to Atlanta for our open house or at one of many events that we have scheduled first quarter of 2014 to try it for yourself. Looking forward to seeing you there!

1) Value, Upgrades, Crossgrades, and Pricing

Any product that you own has a depreciation scale. Any tool that you use in your business has a cost associated with it. But what is the real cost of owning the best equipment in the industry? Depending on your individual model, a digital back will depreciate anywhere from $300 to $500 a month. These are the real numbers. I have been in the digital capture industry since it began. And these are the hard real numbers that we have calculated for years. When I hear the complaints about how expensive a medium format system is I do understand them. However, if you run a business an operating expense of $300 a month for your main capture device is minimal and the return on this investment will be substantial.

As always, Capture Integration will offer upgrades and crossgrades for any of our customers to upgrade to any new system. Do you have an IQ160 but the IQ250 fits your needs better? Do you have a Nikon D800 system and want to move back into Medium Format now? Own a Hasselblad H3D and need high ISO? No problem, give us a call.

Here are the standard upgrade prices: