Which Phase One Digital Back is Right For You?

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
Camera System

XF IQ4 100MP Trichromatic
Camera System

XF IQ4 150MP Achromatic
Camera System

Resolution
151 Megapixel
101 Megapixel
151 Megapixel
Sensitivity (ISO)
50 – 25600 (preliminary).
35 – 12800
200 – 102400 (preliminary)
Long Exposure
60 minutes
60 minutes
60 minutes
Sensor Type
CMOS (BSI)
CMOS
CMOS (BSI)
Active pixels
14204 x 10652
11608 x 8708
14204 x 10652
Output image dim. 300 DPI
120.26 x 90.19 cm
98.3 x 73.2 cm
120.26 x 90.19 cm
Storage
XQD, SD
XQD, SD
XQD, SD
Tethering
Ethernet, USB-C, Wireless
Ethernet, USB-C, Wireless
Ethernet, USB-C, Wireless
Tech Camera Flexibility
Excellent
Good
Excellent
XF Powershare
yes
yes
yes
3.2″ multi touch display
yes
yes
yes
Prime Lens Choice
yes
yes
yes
5 Year Warranty
yes
yes
yes
 
Learn More
Learn More
Learn More

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.

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