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| Photo: Phase One |
Phase One has announced the XC camera, a $62,490 150MP (53.4mm x 40mm) medium format with a 23mm F5.6 (14.9mm, F3.6 equiv.) fixed-lens. Phase One’s previous medium format cameras, the XF and XT cameras, have had removable digital backs as well as interchangeable lenses, but the XC is more akin to a compact camera. The manufacture said it made the decision with a goal of creating their ‘most compact digitally integrated camera to date,’ in order to give consumers a ‘straight-forward, travel-friendly and compact design.’
Compact here is relative as the camera measures 162 x 143 x 105mm (6.4 x 5.6 x 4.1″), and weighs 1820g (4.0 lbs).
The XC has two digital back options: the IQ4 150MP and the IQ4 150MP Achromatic for black and white photography. The 53.4 x 40mm (essentially 645 format) format delivers 14,204 x 10,652 pixel images. This is 47% larger than the 44 x 33mm medium format sensors used by Ricoh, Hasselblad and Fujifilm, which should give around a 0.56EV benefit over these cameras or 1.3EV over a full-frame camera.
The Phase One XC is available now for an MSRP of $62,490.
Introducing The Phase One XC: Unveiling Unparalleled Image Quality with This New Travel-Friendly Camera
Designed for convenience, the XC is Phase One’s most compact digitally integrated camera to date.
COPENHAGEN, DENMARK, (June 27, 2023) — Phase One has announced the XC Camera, purpose built for travel photographers who demand the finest in image quality. Designed for convenience, the XC is Phase One’s most compact digitally integrated camera to date.
“We’ve designed the XC Camera to be a companion camera,” said Drew Altdoerffer, VP of Digitization, Phase One. “With its compact size, operational simplicity, and super wide angle of view, the XC Camera can be always by your side and at the ready. You can carry the camera anywhere to capture anything at any time, recording inspiration as it strikes.”
The XC Camera combines Phase One’s IQ4 150MP power and performance (built on a true full-frame medium format digital sensor of the highest quality) with a fully integrated Rodenstock HR Digaron-S 23mm f/5.6 lens.
The XC prioritizes unparalleled image quality in a simplified and compact design. It is conveniently sized and remarkably intuitive to use. Crafted for straightforward operation, the Phase One XC frees the photographer to focus on capturing the moment, less on camera settings.
“The compelling thing about the XC is that all I have to do is reach into my equipment rack and pack it into the smallest of bags, and I’m ready for any photographic adventure,” said Thomas Biasotto, Professional Photographer, Alpinist and Author
Phase One’s ability to dedicate camera designs to the demands and desires of a specific application makes the blend of sensible Danish design, advanced technology integration, exceptional image quality, and precision mechanics a superior foundation for the travel photographer.
Technology in a class of its own
The XC Camera is designed around the highest quality components available:
- The XC Camera has been built exclusively for the Phase One IQ4 150MP (or IQ4 150 MP Achromatic) – featuring the Infinity Platform, supporting innovation, and evolving technology. It offers elegant ergonomics and straightforward controls.
- The XC Camera includes an integrated Rodenstock HR Digaron-S 23mm f/5.6 manufactured by Phase One’s strategic partner Rodenstock. Integrated with the X-Shutter — an intelligently controlled electromagnetic shutter — born from Phase One’s Geospatial applications.
Availability and Pricing
The XC Camera is available now in limited quantities through Phase One Partners worldwide.
The Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for the XC Camera is $62,490. It is sold with a 5-year limited warranty, including unlimited lens actuations for the warranty period.
Our DPREVIEW Tribute:
After nearly 25 years of operation, DPReview closed on 10 April 2023. This difficult decision was part of the annual operating plan review that parent company, Amazon, shared earlier this year.
Over the course of 25 years, DP Review built up a reputation as being one of the most informative places to go for information about that new camera or lens you’re after. DP Review began as an independent reviews site based in the UK in 1998, the brainchild of Philip and Joanna Askey, but it was eventually purchased by Amazon in 2007 and relocated over to Seattle in the USA in 2010.
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