The IQ260 Achromatic back, is the new all Monochrome digital back from Phase One. One thing that sets Capture Integration apart from the rest of our competitors is our no nonsense approach to determining the difference between actual quality or marketing fluff. It is very important that each team member uses each piece of equipment and learns how they perform and where they fail. So we were very excited to test the first IQ260 prototype to determine if the “highest quality capture device” on the market lived up to it’s hype.
Lets talk in layman’s terms about the technology first. The IQ260 Achromatic is missing two important elements of a normal digital capture device; its IR filter and the Bayer filter array. CCD’s sensitivity are extreme. They can “record” much more than the visible spectrum. In order to get sharp imagery, the manufacturer places a “cut” filter over the CCD that only allows the visible spectrum to pass through. The Achromatic, however, only has a clear protective glass over the CCD making sensitive to both UV and near infrared wavelengths. Secondly, a CCD pixel can not record the actual wavelength of light. It is essentially color blind only recoding a charge from exposure to photons. In order to achieve color, each individual pixel has a color filter array (red, green, or blue) and these filtered exposure values are then interpolated with intense mathematical algorithms to intelligently guess at color (CFA Interpolation). The Achromatic has a monochrome CCD. There is no bayer pattern applied, and the result is a pure smooth exposure from one pixel to the next.
What to look for in this test:
- No CFA interpolation gives a pure black and white image
- The elimination of a filter array yields smoother tones/gradations
- A large reduction in moiré patterns
- 2 more stops of light without compromising noise (Base ISO 200)
- Smoother edge definition
Testing Notes for Resolution Chart
- Phase One 645DF body shot at 1/125 sec
- Phase One IQ260 Achromatic at ISO 200
- Phase One P65+ ISO 50
- Phase One 80mm LS lens f/11
- Profoto Acute Strobes
- Cambo Copy Stand
- 486 UV-IR Cut filter used on the Phase One IQ260 Achromatic
For a more detailed view, click on an image to enlarge it.
Above: Phase One IQ260 Achromatic ISO 200
The lack of the color filter array means that the Phase One IQ260 is not prone to Moire issues as compared to a sensor with a filtered sensor.
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Phase One IQ260 Achromatic ISO 200, Phase One P65+ ISO 50
Base ISO
The Base ISO on the Phase One IQ260 Achromatic is ISO 200 as compared to the base ISO of 50 on the Phase One P65+. The noise level is on par with the noise level of the Phase One P65+. The advantage of this giving you 2 stops more light without the loss of quality.
Left: Phase One IQ260 Achromatic ISO 200, Right: Phase One P65+ ISO 50
Tonality
Without the need to interpolate color, smoother tonality and gradations are possible.
Phase One IQ260 Achromatic
Left: Phase One IQ260 Achromatic ISO 200, Right: Phase One P65+ ISO 200
Detail
Patterns in wood grain are details that can easily be overlooked and missed. With the Phase One P65+, the detail in the wood is faint and blends together. With the Phase One IQ260 Achromatic back, the wood grain really stands out and gives life and character to the cabinets.
Left: Phase One IQ260 Achromatic ISO 200, Right: Phase One P65+ ISO 200