Phase One Feature Update 8 and New Product Releases

Since its release in 2015, the XF Camera has seen many incremental improvements that have brought new features and functionality to photographers. Today brings these fine tuned adjustments together for a new performance update of the XF.

We are excited about what this update represents for Phase One photographers, as it makes for a faster camera, with increased capture rate and improved responsiveness, in conjunction with all IQ backs.

The XT Camera will also benefit greatly from Feature Update #8, as Phase One have increased the integration between XT Body, IQ4 and XT Lens.

We now have access to Automatic Exposure Metering within Live View, via Av, Tv and P metering modes. This level of functionality is unique to the XT Camera amongst Field/View/Technical Cameras. It is made possible thanks to the X-Shutter innovations and the flexibility of the Infinity Platform.

Feature Update #8 will add functionality and features based on new developments and photographer feedback, with the primary focus being power management, connectivity and control. This update will have a positive impact for IQ4 photographers whether using their digital back on the XF, XT or a Technical Camera, and the new features are as follows:

• Adhoc WiFi Connectivity
• CFexpress storage
• 4K JPEG
• Custom Guides in Live View
• USB-C Power Bank Compability
• External Shutter Activation (Frame Averaging and Dual Exposure+)
• Shutter Speed and ISO control (+ Aperture metadata) when used with a technical camera.

Phase One have introduced a new Lab Feature, based on the further refinements to Live View light metering. ETTR (Expose To The Right), is a ‘one touch’ shortcut to automatically capture an exposure that is pushed as far to the highlights as possible. This provides a ‘technically perfect’ starting point for an exposure, allowing the most to be made from the image in post-processing.

This marks the completion of Dual Exposure+ which we saw released as a Lab feature at the beginning of the year. This is now a fully fledged feature that has made its way out of the Lab!

The 80mm f/2.8 Mark II Blue Ring lens is a new optical design of the standard focal length.

The new lens design utilises an aspherical element to reduce light and sharpness falloff, while the overall design improves contrast and clarity. It is great to see the ongoing development of already fantastic lenses, and we are excited to bring this to our photographers seeking utmost quality. The 80mm Mark II is similar in size to the 55mm and 110mm lenses.

The 80mm f/2.8 Mark II will remain alongside the current lighter & smaller 80mm f2.8 Blue Ring Lens within our lens portfolio. This lens is ready and available to order now.

With improvements in the IQ4, Mobile App integration will soon elevate the workflow possibilities of the IQ4 and XF Camera System. The mobile nature of the XT puts it in a unique position to take advantage of the future mobile platform for a much more dynamic and independent workflow.

We are still waiting on a firm release date for the new App, but we expect it to be available in April 2021. We will be able to offer demonstrations on request.