Bigger eyes in the sky from Phase One (digital repro too)
posted Monday, April 2, 2012 at 1:36 PM EST
Although cameras like the Nikon D800 are taking SLR camera resolution to new highs, they still have a way to go before they catch up to the resolutions offered by medium-format cameras and camera backs. Nevertheless, medium format manufacturers are actively seeking new niches for their products, aware that SLRs are starting to encroach on their territory. Two new announcements from Copenhagen-based Phase One A/S are perfect examples.
The Phase One iXA camera system takes the company's medium format tech, and creates an integrated aerial photography system with either 60 or 80 megapixel resolution. Made from a hardened aluminum alloy, the iXA uses secured connectors to prevent cables coming loose in-flight, and is designed to work singly or in multiple camera arrays synchronized to within 100 milliseconds. Shipments of the iXA start next month, priced at around US$53,000 for the 60 megapixel variant, or US$60,000 for the 80 megapixel version.
While the iXA takes to the skies, the Phase One iXR keeps its feet firmly on the ground, aimed at digital reproduction. Three resolutions of 40, 60, or 80 megapixels are available, making the iXR suitable for fine art reproduction and industrial applications. The design does away with a mirror or viewfinder to reduce vibrations and reduce the number of moving parts. Pricing for the 40 megapixel kit starts from around US$30,000 with a lens, and a standalone body will also be offered for those already owning a suitable camera back. Availability is again set for next month.
More details on the Phase One Industrial website.
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The Phase One iXA camera system. Photo provided by Phase One A/S. |
Press Release
Phase One Launches iXA Medium Format Aerial Camera System
Dedicated medium-format aerial photography camera system delivers exceptional image quality and value
COPENHAGEN, April 02, 2012--Phase One, the world’s leading pro photography equipment provider, today announced the Phase One iXA camera system, a fully integrated aerial camera system specifically designed to meet the exacting needs of aerial photography, with features that rival large-format cameras at a fraction of their price.
Developed with leading experts and engineers in the field, the iXA has been built to streamlines the image capture and processing workflow. This camera is a major addition to existing aerial camera implementations that Phase One already provides to its partners in the industry. With a choice of 80 megapixel or 60 megapixel models, in either RGB or NIR versions, the iXA is easily incorporated into existing or new systems, making it the perfect solution for both integrators and end users looking for a rugged, high-quality robust aerial camera system.
The Phase One iXA’s rugged construction incorporates 6061 aluminum alloy to enable a robust solution capable of superior performance under tough aerial conditions, while secured connectors firmly hold cables in place. Designed for flexibility and scalability, the iXA operates effectively either in single or in a multiple camera configuration, capturing synchronized images within 100 microseconds of each other and eliminating post production sync issues.
The Phase One iXA offers high dynamic range and detailed image quality, with outstanding image sharpness and excellent color with Phase One’s range of Schneider-Kreuznach internal electronically controlled leaf shutters and Phase One digital lenses. The Phase One SDK software provides control over critical exposure parameters such as ISO, shutter speed, aperture and capture during the flight and includes interface components for custom applications to work with the iXA camera system in a production set up.
The Phase One iXA camera system is developed manufactured by Phase One Industrial, a division which was formed in 2011 with a focus on providing advanced imaging solutions for special applications such as aerial photogrammetry, machine vision and fine art reproduction. These growing market segments will benefit from two decades of high-end photographic equipment and imaging software development experience.
Dov Kalinski, General Manger of Phase One Industrial said, "The iXA camera system offers great value to the market with its extremely high performance and cost-effective price. Phase One has spared no effort in developing a truly integrated aerial camera system."
Listed at just 45,000 EUR / 60,000 USD for the 80MP version and 40,000 EUR / 53,000 USD for the 60MP version, the iXA offers a highly competitive price performance ratio that is second to none in the medium/large format aerial photography market. Shipping for the iXA camera system will commence as of May, 2012.
For additional information, please visit http://industrial.phaseone.com
For sales inquiries please write to [email protected]
About Phase One
Phase One is the world’s leader in open-platform based medium format camera systems and solutions. Phase One medium format cameras, digital backs and lenses are designed to deliver superior quality image capture and investment value. Phase One’s Capture One and Media Pro software helps streamline capture and post-production processes for both medium format and DSLR cameras. Phase One products are known for their quality, flexibility and speed enabling pro photographers shooting in a wide range of formats to achieve their creative visions without compromise.
For more information, please visit Phase One at http://www.phaseone.com. Follow Phase One on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/PhaseOneWW and on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Phase-One/184811514906561
Phase One Introduces the iXR Dedicated Digital Reproduction Camera System
Fully integrated medium-format digital reproduction camera system enables control over the entire image reproduction workflow
COPENHAGEN, April 02, 2012 -- Phase One, the world’s leading pro photography equipment provider, today announced the Phase One iXR camera system -- the world’s first medium format dedicated digital reproduction camera system.
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The Phase One iXR camera system. Photo provided by Phase One A/S. |
The Phase One iXR is a robust, fully-integrated digital camera system designed to excel at high-quality digitization such as fine art reproduction and diverse industrial applications. The Phase One iXR’s outstanding image quality, full automation and rugged engineering make it a compelling new solution for digital reproduction.
The Phase One iXR was built from the ground up to meet the exacting needs of the reproduction photographer and was designed to streamline workflow by enabling full control of the entire process. Using the iXR camera system with Phase One’s Capture One workflow software, photographers can take advantage of remote focus and easily move from live view to capture at the click of a mouse. The iXR incorporates a rugged industrial design that has done away with both the mirror and viewfinder to reduce moving parts and subsequent vibrations; its tough aircraft grade aluminum alloy camera body delivers a real workhorse solution capable of high-quality performance under the most demanding conditions.
The Phase One iXR is one of the first products being offered by Phase One Industrial. Formed in 2011, Phase One Industrial is a division of Phase One dedicated to research, development and manufacturing of specialized industrial camera systems. Phase One Industrial camera systems are built specifically for industrial applications such as fine art reproduction, machine vision and aerial photogrammetry and provide advanced hardware and imaging software solutions that meet the unique requirements of their users.
Dov Kalinski, General Manger of Phase One Industrial said, "We are very proud of the new Phase One iXR camera system and its elegant combination of medium format image quality and robust industrial design that offers photographers full control over their entire workflows. A new camera body, Phase One’s Capture One workflow software and high-end optics offer a full-package solution for the reproduction industry."
The iXR camera system is available in three different configurations – 80MP, 60MP and 40MP. The iXR is also available as a stand-alone camera body for existing Phase One digital back owners. Prices for a complete iXR camera system including lens begin at EUR 22,990 / USD 29,990. The iXR will be available for shipping as of May, 2012. All orders and inquiries should be directed to Phase One’s worldwide network of professional photography partners at http://www.phaseone.com/partners.
For additional information, please visit industrial.phaseone.com
About Phase One
Phase One is the world’s leader in open-platform based medium format camera systems and solutions. Phase One medium format cameras, digital backs and lenses are designed to deliver superior quality image capture and investment value.Phase One’s Capture One and Media Pro software helps streamline capture and post-production processes for both medium format and DSLR cameras. Phase One products are known for their quality, flexibility and speed enabling pro photographers shooting in a wide range of formats to achieve their creative visions without compromise.
For more information, please visit Phase One at http://www.phaseone.com. Follow Phase One on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/PhaseOneWW and on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Phase-One/184811514906561 Phase One is an employee-owned company based in Copenhagen with offices in New York, London, Tokyo, Cologne and Hong Kong.