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Built for robustness from the ground up.
Phase One Systems have been used for decades in some of the most demanding professional applications. With the XF Camera System we have upgraded all moving parts and materials, delivering the fastest, most robust and most reliable camera system we have ever made.
Using full-frame Medium Format sensors 2.5 times larger than the ones found in high-end DSLRs, XF delivers a powerful combination of the highest possible resolution together with large, high dynamic range pixels with exceptional wide angular response.
Constantly Evolving
Most cameras made today are released with fanfare and quickly forgotten by their maker, dropping into obsolescence. Phase One has a different philosophy focused on long term platform development. Rather than release a new body every year, Phase One invested in creating a camera platform, the Phase One XF, that included all the hardware, sensors, and computing power would be needed, not just at launch, but for all the features on their multi-year roadmap.
Feature Update 1 brought the seismographic vibration delay mode, bullseye level, and hyperfocal focusing. Feature Update 2 was focused on sequence photography such as automated focus stacking, timelapse, and HDR. Feature Update 3 brought Profoto Air TTL, manual control of Profoto lights from the camera, electronic shutter, flash analysis, and control of the darkframe behavior.
And now, Phase One is introducing the Honeybee XF Upgrade: the first ever medium format camera body hardware component upgrade that doesn’t require committing to an entirely new camera body. The new HAP-2 autofocus sensor that comes with the Honeybee XF Upgrade offers two major advances: first, the HAP-2’s low light performance sensitivity has been increased by 2.5 stops; and second, the dynamic range of the sensor has been improved by 1 stop in low contrast scenes.
For more information, read our blog.
Next Level for Image Quality
The new features of the XF
With the XF we introduced a new patent pending, and fully Phase One developed, autofocus system; The Honeybee Autofocus Platform (HAP-1). Using a unique floating-point architecture and a fully programmable interface, HAP-1 was the most precise Phase One system ever built and extremely easy to expand.
Now, we bring you the Honeybee Autofocus Platform 2.0 hardware upgrade. A true game changer! Move from the HAP-1 to HAP-2 autofocus sensor without terminating your existing XF chassis, and in the process, discover improved low light performance, improved Dynamic Range and a whole lot more!
Phase One Systems have been used for decades in some of the most demanding professional and aerial applications. With the XF Camera System we have upgraded all moving parts and materials, delivering the fastest, most robust and most reliable camera system we have ever made.
A benefit of modularity is photographer’s ability to easily upgrade a single component at a time. With a modular design there is no need to discard a perfectly good system only to gain features related to the camera body. The XF Camera System is compatible with all generations of IQ Digital Backs.
We already prepared the IQ2 range of Digital Backs for the XF Camera System, so they get almost full access to the same features as the IQ3 range, simply by applying a firmware upgrade. The IQ1 range of Digital Backs gains access to the same level of functionality as they have on current systems, but with the many added benefits of the XF Camera Body, such as improved speed, reliability, sensors and autofocus.
All Phase One XF camera body owners are eligible for the Honeybee Autofocus Platform HAP-2 upgrade. To reserve your upgrade, sign up here.
Backwards Compatible
IQ Integration
The XF can share power with IQ3 series digital backs. This means battery power can be shared; if the back battery is low it can draw instead off the body or vice-versa. Moreover, when shooting tethered you can use FireWire or AC power to run both the back and the body; no need to change batteries in either.
The XF is compatible with every Phase One back released since 2010. That includes every IQ1 and IQ2 back; that’s a dozen models in all.
Recently we spent a few hours with a “competitive” brand of medium format digital cameras; it was a stark reminder of just how far ahead of its competition Phase One is when it comes to tethering. Even when shooting dozens of 80mp frames in a row, the most recent capture is shown in Capture One almost immediately after capture.
Regardless, Phase One is not resting on its laurels. With Capture One 8.3 and the IQ3 (and IQ2 after firmware update) Phase One tweaked every part of the capture pipeline to increase the speed of tethering even further. Phase One is claiming up to 30% faster shot-to-preview times. Digital Transitions will be performing our own in-house tests to evaluate the real world improvements. Stay tuned for those results.
Tech Specs
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Dimensions (WxHxD) |
Weight |
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XF Camera System* |
5.9″ x 5.3″ x 6.3″ | 3.1lb | |
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XF Camera System* w/ Waist level finder |
5.9″ x 6.8″ x 6.3″ | 2.2lb | |
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XF Camera Body w/o battery |
5.9″ x 4.3″ x 3.3″ | 1.7lb | |
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IQ3 Digital back |
3.9″ x 3.5″ x 2.5″ | 1.5lb | |
|
90° Prism Viewfinder |
2.7″ x 2″ x 5.9″ | 1.1lb | |
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Waist level finder |
2.6″ x 0.7″ x 2.2″ (closed) 2.6″ x 2.6″ x 2.2″ (open) |
0.3lb |
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90° Prism |
Waist level |
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Modular viewfinders |
Yes | ||
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Frame Coverage |
97% |
97% |
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Exchangeable diopter |
3 options | 7 options | |
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Diopter range |
Range from -5 to +3 | Range from -3 to +2 | |
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Default diopter magnification |
-2.5 to +2.5 | 0 | |
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Collapsable diopter |
No | Yes | |
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Visible Exp. information |
Yes | No | |
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HAP-1 | |
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Autofocus Sensor |
HAP-1 1MP CMOS Sensor |
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Autofocus Processor |
HAP-1 Processor with Floating Point Architecture |
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Autofocus Assist light |
HAP-1 Precision White light |
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Hyperfocal Point Focusing |
Yes | |
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Upgradeable Autofocus configurations & Patterns |
Yes | |
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Autofocus modes |
Spot, Average, Hyperfocal |
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Interchangeable focusing screens |
Matte (default), Split, Center prism |
