Whenever a new product is being developed from scratch, as was the case with the Phase One IQ digital back series, some things inevitably change from the initial announcement and prototype to the final shipping version. The R+D Lab is literally inventing the technologies you read about and some things turn out to be easier than expected, and others harder than expected. Well the final-hardware Phase One IQ180 begins shipping in limited quantities to dealers today, and to the first-in-queue customers early next month, and so we’re now able to update you on some previously unannounced features which will be ready on day 1, as well as some minor delays on some of the features already shown.
Previously Unannounced Major Features
This list is comparing the final-hardware Phase One IQ series to the prototype and to the P40+ and P65+ which share sensors with IQ140/IQ160.
- Longer Exposures: Up to approx. 2 minute long exposures (previously spec’d at 1 minute). This improvement is due to improved hardware and from lessons learned developing the P40+ and P65+.
- Lower ISO Option (IQ180 only): ISO 35 setting in full res and ISO 140 setting in Sensor+ mode. This is based on adjusting the image pipeline to the native sensitivity of the sensor. It will gain dynamic range compared to ISO50 and allow longer exposures for subject matter like. Some cameras (e.g. the 5DII) have fake low-ISO settings; that is not the case here.
- Higher dynamic range: Modestly improved dynamic range due to improved hardware in the IQ series compared to the P65+ and P40+.
- Better high ISO image quality: Quality at higher ISOs on the IQ180 has been improved due to both hardware and software improvements. Some of these improvements will be also seen in P40+ and P65+ processing in upcoming versions of Capture One.
Previously Unannounced Minor Features
- Restore to Factory Firmware: Beyond just restoring factory default settings this will provide the user the ability to revert to factory firmware without needing to connect to a computer.
- Access Tool Settings Faster: Press and hold on an icon of a tool to change the settings related to that tool. Very fast and intuitive.
- Auto Keystone/Perspective Correction: This will save enormous time when using a non shift lens for architecture/interiors/landscape/product since the perspective of each image will be automatically and precisely corrected in Capture One based on how much you tilted the camera up/down/
- Additional Grid/Overlay Options: Golden Ratio, 3×3, Square 4×3, Center Cross, Rectangular, Fibonacci Spiral
- Delete Multiple: Allowing the user to select and delete multiple images much faster than deleting individual images. Don’t worry – if you’re the kind of shooter that never shoots you can entirely disable the ability to delete images.
- Hold Position/Zoom: Simply push the top-right physical button to switch images while holding the same position and zoom within the image, allowing quick comparisons between images. Alternatively just swipe the image with your finger to switch images and automatically return to a zoom-to-fit on the next image.
- Composition Mode on DB: Allowing you to shoot without saving the CF card. Of course several large and strong Xs will flash on the screen to indicate you are in composition mode to avoid accidentally shooting without saving. This mode will be great for architectural/landscape shooters who may shoot dozens of frames to make minor composition/scene tweaks prior to beginning real captures.
Features Delayed until June Firmware Release
- Live View on Digital Back Display (untethered)
- Composition Mode (see above)
- 645DF Custom Settings Control from DB
- Power Up DB from DF Body
- Camera Control from C1
- Square Image Raw Capture
- Faster CF Card Write Speed
- Faster Boot Time
- Customizable User Interface (e.g. studio logo)
- Proximity Sensors
Features Delayed until August Firmware Release
- USB Interface
- Improved IIQ-S compression
Removed Features
- Pinch-to-zoom. The single finger zoom by double tapping or the zoom slider works better.