Aug
With the launch of the Phase One IQ4 100mp Trichromatic we expect one question will be “What’s the difference between all these backs?” This article explains that difference. But as a prelude, we might suggest our Phase One naming clarification article.
Analogy: Car Packages
Most cars are available with different packages which include valuable, but nonessential, features. For instance the BMW 7 Series can be purchased “standard” or upgraded with heated seat and steering wheel, heads up display, blind spot detection, and some limited self-driving capabilities. These are nice features which many drivers will benefit from, but they do not affect the speed the car can drive, nor how quickly it can brake, nor how sharply it can turn.
IQ4, IQ3, IQ1 Platforms: Same Performance, Different Features
Like the different models of BMW the IQ4, IQ3, and IQ1 offer different levels of features – tools for faster and more comprehensive review of your images, more complete integration with the XF body, differing warranties, and different accessories. They share the same underlying sensor. The Trichromatic sensor in the IQ4 100mp Trichromatic and IQ3 100mp Trichromatic offers an improved color filter array that improves modestly improves color discrimination, moderately decreases color contamination, and slightly decreases color noise in the shadows.
Comparison of 100mp Models
This compares the IQ4 100mp Trichromatic, IQ3 100mp Trichromatic, IQ3 100mp, and IQ1 100mp.
| Trichromatic | Standard | |||
| IQ4 | IQ3 | IQ3 | IQ1 | Features |
| Yes | Yes | Trichromatic Color | ||
| Yes | Infinity Platform | |||
| Yes | Capture One Inside | |||
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Exposure Calculator | |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Exposure Zone Tool | |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Clip Warning Tool | |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Auto ISO and ISO control | |
| Yes | Back can be used as card reader | |||
| Yes | Write to card & computer simultaneously | |||
| Yes | Sensor-based Electronic Shutter | |||
| Yes | Pinch to Zoom | |||
| Yes | Live View Focus Mask | |||
| Yes | Live View Focus Peaking | |||
| Yes | Exposure Simulation | |||
| Yes | Bracketing / Time Lapse on tech cams | |||
| Storage | ||||
| Yes | Wireless tethering to Capture One | |||
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Wireless use of Capture Pilot |
| Yes | USB-C | |||
| Yes | Yes | Yes | USB 3 | |
| Yes | Ethernet | |||
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Firewire 800 | |
| Yes | Dual Card Storage | |||
| Yes | XQD | |||
| Yes | SD | |||
| Yes | Yes | Yes | CF Card | |
| Power | ||||
| Yes | Power over Ethernet (even long cables) | |||
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Power Share with hot pluggable batteries | |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Full system power via XF Power Supply | |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Battery Status Indicators in C1 | |
| Warranty | ||||
| 5 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | 1 Year | Warranty |
| Yes | 5 Year Uptime Guarantee (loaner) | |||
| Purchasing | ||||
| Yes | Yes | Available New | ||
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Available as Certified Pre-Owned | |
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Available for Phase One XF |
| Yes | Yes | Available for Hasselblad H | ||
| Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Available as back-only |
| Yes | Free lens choice upon purchase | |||
Comparing the Three IQ4 Models
The IQ4 150mp and IQ4 150mp Achromatic have all the features of the IQ4 platform laid out above. Here’s how the three IQ4 models are different from each other.
XF IQ4 150MP
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XF IQ4 100MP Trichromatic
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XF IQ4 150MP Achromatic
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| Resolution | |||
| Sensitivity (ISO) | |||
| Long Exposure | |||
| Sensor Type | |||
| Active pixels | |||
| Output image dim. 300 DPI | |||
| Storage | |||
| Tethering | |||
| Tech Camera Flexibility | |||
| XF Powershare |  |
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| 3.2″ multi touch display | |
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| Prime Lens Choice | |
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| 5 Year Warranty | |
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Let us Help You
Even with this detailed chart the number of models Phase One offers can be confusing, especially when you consider the 12 Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) models now available in addition to the five models available as new. Add in options for upgrading from a previous back, trading in your current camera, and demo units that have more warranty than standard CPO models and it’s a lot to keep track. Fortunately, you’re not alone in figuring this out.
This is what Digital Transitions does. We love, live, and breath Phase One. We are very glad to help you step through the pros and cons of each option, and to help you do whatever testing you need to figure out which back is right for you. Contact us to start that process today.
