The MOST EXPENSIVE Camera We've Ever Reviewed! Phase One XC

[@JohnLemieux]

$65k camera and they didn't even let them have it at golden hour

[@brianbeattyphotography]

lol!

[@redndwhitee92]

And that starts at 3pm this time of year!

[@niccollsvideo]

Golden Hour just wasn’t very golden that day

[@Nearest_Neighbor]

@@niccollsvideoHow she dare!

[@larrysmith6797]

At $62,000, there's no gold left for the hour.

[@meme4one]

At this price you expect some level of perfection, not a lot of compromises and "in its use case a terrible battery life is ok".

[@christo256]

I have owned 2 Phase One Cameras. They used to be better value as the quality difference used to justify the price difference but now they have just become a company that has bloated their prices way beyond what they give you! A Fuji GFX100ii with its better shaped body, ibis, better auto focus and realistic price are a way way way better option, you really would be throwing money away buying this camera.

[@robert_may]

It's a real shame that Phase One acquired Mamiya, a brand renowned for great value medium format cameras, and shelved it; while they continue to release absurd cameras at completely insane price points.

[@gateway833]

Capitalism baybee

[@JohnDir-xw3hf]

​@@gateway833so you want only low-end cheap cameras commies did produce?

[@CrisURace]

that's how you get rid of competition 101. Buy them out and burry them.

[@jean-claudemuller3199]

phase One needed to buy a medium format camera maker as they made backs but had no camera. So Phase One started with rebranding the Mamiya 645 AFD.

[@Ivlodded]

Mamiya wasnt worth a coin when bought by phase one

[@jimjimgl3]

Phase One introduces the ultimate "flex" camera for all those retired orthopedic surgeons.

[@aristotle_4532]

A real doctor wouldn't get this camera This is more of a dentist camera.

[@jimjimgl3]

@@aristotle_4532 Your prob right. Dentists already know how to wield an x-ray camera....

[@shikcheese3234]

I doubt most successful doctors are willing to spend 1/10th of their gross income on a camera. Most would probably just go for a GFX. Tge only people who should buy this are those looking to turn a profit from the images.

[@jimjimgl3]

@@shikcheese3234 Of course. I meant plumbers...

[@Aem-iy9xx]

😂😂😂

[@kevinparkes417]

I know of commercial photographers who use Phase One for high end commercial shoots but they tend to rent. So I guess the customer for them is the rental houses who can rent them out constantly to make their money back.

[@jimtipton8888]

"And sir, would you like the insurance with your rental"

[@HankTVsux]

This might be the only reasonable take I’ve read here about this (still insane) camera.

[@stevehageman6785]

I think you nailed it.

[@brocktonbensch1356]

This one doesn’t even make sense for them. It has one fixed lens and no hotshoe…

[@zollotech]

Saw someone recently change from Phase One to Fuji GFX 100 ii and was happier with it. Seems like a hard sell, but would love to see a comparison.

[@ItsWillLee]

$50 G's in "savings" would make a lot of ppl happier 😅

[@raytheonbuna1021]

I did that! Happy GFX100 user now. I really think if you're not a super rich cosmetic surgeon/dentist with a passing interest in photography the XC is pointless. Phase One should go into the room with the mirrors, have a good hard look at itself, do the right thing and leave the camera market. Stick with industrial imaging. Private equity was a mistake.

[@veggiefella]

The GFX II is absolutely amazing! I have the GFX 100 and can't justify going to the II, I did go to the unveiling of the GFX 100 II and I believe it is the best camera for the money in the medium format range. The GFX lenses are also masterpieces.

[@nocashback]

What I understand is these systems are leased and traded in towards upgrades as they get released.

[@marcp.1752]

With the 400 MP PixelShift mode, it runs circles around the Phase One, also worlds better AF. DSLR like. The Phase One XC is simply a so called "Halo" product - the message is clear "Heyho, we're still here! We do have the *biggest* MF Sensor!" Message from our convoy craft - it doesn't matter! Other things are way more important, a camera is so much more, than just the sum of its parts. And into this territory, a slightly bigger Sensor doesn't make sense, for *that* asking price.

[@akhyarrayhka4048]

i love watching people reviewing unobtainium

[@jaimeduncan6167]

This is more like unwantanium.

[@monsieurgolem3392]

​@@jaimeduncan6167basically, there is no reason to buy that camera.

[@jimjimgl3]

​@@monsieurgolem3392 No reason, you say?? How better to photograph your new Tesla Cybertruck??

[@monsieurgolem3392]

@@jimjimgl3 sure.

[@sarahaeee]

@@jaimeduncan6167 fr tho

[@gohumberto]

Gee.... If I had that sort of money I'd get a Fuji GFX, A Tesla Model 3 and still pocket 20 grand.

[@michaelbell75]

If you are ok with crop MF, you must be ok with crop FF? So you shouldn't need more than an APS-C camera right?

[@hellni79]

@@michaelbell75 isn't this XC camera basically "accepting crop" based? with its fixed 14mm, to get a 28mm view you've already halfed the sensor. I'd just go with a GFX and a few good lenses...

[@Bluefalcon6154]

@@michaelbell75I have no idea what you are talking about but I can safely say you can get 90% of the camera for 90% less money

[@parkerwilkins5495]

​@@michaelbell75if someone is getting crop medium format, it means they're not ok with even full frame. What kind of question is this?

[@dannyhutt]

You deserve the Diplomat of the Year award Chris for your success in teasing out the positive aspects of this ridiculous camera. And you refrained from pointing out that the market for this paperweight is ultra rich people who want to give the impression that they are serious about photography by buying the most expensive camera out there. Well done!

[@jlwilliams]

He's standing on top of a pile of rocks over a frozen stream holding a $62,000 camera... and no strap. Big props to Chris for being true to his principles!

[@niccollsvideo]

They didn’t give us one. And I wasn’t about to add one JL. You know me.

[@StephenShankland]

I tried a Phase One when I was living in Paris and was terrified I was going to get mugged.

[@nsbhagwat]

Chris did not do his trademark flip the camera from right to left hand?

[@larrysmith6797]

And what principles would those be? Recklessness, lack of self-preservation and idiocy?

[@karmatraining]

Bro urgently needs a Status Anxiety strap

[@t.s.4091]

„Somehow slow“, „Touch response is not bad“, etc. Everything should be absolutely perfect for this price!

[@TripleKOShorts]

Hard to imagine where all that $62K has gone to. No AF, no IBIS, laggy screen, no video, etc. With more and more cameras offering pixel shift, the 150mp is not really compelling anyways. Even the $2500K Panasonic S1R can give you more resolution via pixel shift and even compensate for small motion. My own preference would be the Sigma SD Quattro or DP Merrill series cameras. I've printed 60x40 images from these and they look stunning!

[@terriplays1726]

Manufacturing sensors comes with a lot of overhead cost, if you make only a few of them their price quickly becomes much more expensive. We have a bunch of cameras at work for industrial and scientific use, and they are all round this pricepoint. Also, consumer sensors usually have bunch of defective pixels which are simply interpolated in firmware before they ever hit the raw file. If you want a big sensor without defects you pay much more.

[@akhyarrayhka4048]

but have you use the IQ4 and Rodents lens

[@jsward96]

Its all economies of scale.

[@iransirijillo]

It all goes to a few exects, let’s not act like we don’t know. This thing probably costs $2k to manufacture tops and the rest of for “development” , “marketing” and of course the top dogs

[@theseoldhomes]

@@iransirijillo listen i'm not going to disagree with the sentiment of corporate greed, but i can imagine this camera costs significantly more than $2000 to manufacture

[@TakahiroOda]

I'm just "amazed" even with this crazy price of a camera and it's fixed lens can't even fix the vignetting LOL

[@n0f4ke74]

because of this you have Capture One and its rodenstock lens profiles.

[@ruy_mascarua]

The pahse One is just a scam, a disgraceful scam!

[@n0f4ke74]

@@ruy_mascarua meh, its like you pay for nomeone to develope a camera for you. I think a R3 would be cost as twice as much.

[@monsieurgolem3392]

Rich people dont know that.

[@marcp.1752]

It's a fixed lens medium format camera which comes with a fixed lens, this is *really* being insane, no interchangleable lenses, but PhaseOne did more than once such kind of publicity stand. And no EVF anyway. Crazy, for that amount of money, i'd buy the GFX-100 II, 2 or 3 lenses, and then a film M Leica rangefinder, and a digital M, say monochrome, and 2-3 lenses, and still have a lot of money *left*, if i'd be a millionaire. 🙂

[@marcusoutdoors4999]

I once did an engineering project and I was sent some beautiful pictures of components and equipment and they were from a phase one. OMG the images were incredible. The bokeh was nuts, the clarity of what was in focus was exquisite. Obviously this is their X100V Giganticus!

[@KOKOBC]

Perfect example of diminishing returns the higher you go up in price

[@MarcAdesso]

FWIW, I’ve seen two of these out in the wild, so there is some kind of market for it. First time I saw it, guy was also carrying a sparkly, brand-spanking new M11 + Noctilux to give you an idea of what this consumer looks like.

[@Pepijn.media04]

probably great for vlogging

[@heiner71]

Especially with a camera that does not do video. Vlogging, one picture frame at a time.

[@akhyarrayhka4048]

@@heiner71 let the picture do the talking

[@lavalampsucculent2996]

@@akhyarrayhka4048worth a thousand words 😂

[@jasondewey6555]

I have been a P1 shooter for over 20 years, since back in the days of the P30, and was also an ambassador for many years, back before the XF when they had just acquired Mamiya and had to work with the horrible DF+ body or the H3/H4/H5 bodies. I just bought the new GFX 100 II as a supplement to the system I've come to trust for so long. I'm an architectural shooter and also use a Cambo with multiple Rodenstocks for stitching. I bought the new GFX after testing it for the last couple jobs, specifically for the new 20-35 lens (which is amazing for a zoom, super sharp corners across the full focal range if you stick to f8-f11). I agree that the XC is dumb, but mostly because a fixed lens this wide has such limited applications - it's just WAYYY too wide to be a fixed system (sorry Phase, you stopped working with me because of my constructive criticism and honesty). And I honestly don't know who could justify this camera over an XT, a Cambo, or any other technical camera system that allows for the same exact Rodenstock 23 to be used along with all the other other focal lengths (not to mention older/newer backs, rental backs, etc). If anyone's interested - I can tell you that IQ4 and IQ3 files are still superior to the GFX 100 II files in a couple critical ways, especially if your workflow is with Capture One. GFX highlights have nowhere near the recovery compared to Phase files. I can normally pull down P1 highlights as far as -75 without any noticeable compromise or degradation, and GFX files generate a strong cyan cast if you pull down past -15 or -20. Our workflow involves a lot of PS compositing to bring down/maintain extreme highlights in interior lighting fixtures that we have no control over in the real world, so for me the practical difference between GFX and P1 files is that I have to capture 4-6 MORE under-exposed shots in the bracket, and spend more time in post compositing those, to get clipped fixtures back down to show detail. I can achieve the same result with only 2 (or 3 at most) P1 files with highlights pulled down to -75, and there's absolutely no severe gain/shift towards cyan. The cyan gain/shift is specific to LED bulbs. Note that if you shoot landscapes you're not likely to see such a huge dynamic range demand, so this is probably irrelevant for most workflows. There's lots of other features that Phase has that the Fuji just can't match, like frame averaging among other features - but that's another conversation. I'm just happy to have a wide zoom on a MF sensor with the new GFX, so I can retire my P1 28mm lens (doorstop? Paper weight? Can't even sell it on Ebay for $200). Phase files still win hands down because they have more practical dynamic range to both left AND right, but I also love the GFX files I've seen so far... if they're properly exposed and don't need significant highlight recovery. I'm so excited to see that Fuji has become a real contender in the MF market, and at a price point that's realistic for more shooters!

[@StrangelyIronic]

My main bodies for work are MFT, an E-M5.iii and G9, but I also have a large collection of Pentax 645 lenses and a 645Z for if I need more sensor for a shoot. Ironically, most of the time you would use the 645Z would be either in controlled lighting or where's there's plenty of light... which make the image quality in low light "issues" moot for my MFT bodies. That said, the 645Z can make a scene look almost painted with how well the lenses perform. I've also used it in plenty of natural light shoots, with or without reflectors. These Phase One cameras are extremely special use case or for rich people like the KZbinrs walking around with Hasselblads taking snapshots. My 645Z isn't anywhere near as sharp and is "only" 51 megapixels, but it handles my larger sensor needs just fine for probably the cost of that wobbly grip. I had a Fuji GFX system before with a 50R and sold it for a solid profit since I never used it. I only have the 645Z because I love collecting Pentax lenses, new and old, along with Olympus and MInolta, ranging from 35mm lenses, half frame lenses, and the 645 lenses.

[@mediamannaman]

This video is a great advertisement for the Panasonic G9 II.

[@CrucibleMediaLabs]

Your final assessment is exactly what I thought as soon as you said that the lenses aren't interchangeable and it's not even a particularly versatile lens in the first place. Obviously there's subjective value in the extra dynamic range and so on over something like a GFX 100 II, but in practical terms, spending 7 or 8 times the price of one of those plus a lens or two on a competing system that is really limited to only one type of photography just seems like lunacy to me.

[@ferdinandhardinghaus1632]

😊

[@petermclennan6781]

Now, in the interest of fairness, get Jordan an Alexa LF to test.

[@nenoman3855]

And a bunch of Cooke zooms and Zeiss master primes that Chris could juggle in the background while Jordan reviews the camera.

[@petermendelson5839]

This combo makes no sense to me. I used to have the interchangeable version of this (the same back and separate 23mm lens), along with other Rodenstock lenses. Fantastic quality and the frame averaging feature is awesome. But it was a bit cumbersome to use, and I am now a happy user of the much cheaper Hasselblad X2D. One of the people from Capture Integration said something in a forum that resonated with me (I am paraphrasing) - his best quality photos were from the Phase One back, but his favorite photos were from other systems. That's how I felt.

[@tjmanou6422]

Do you see a huge image quality difference between P1 and X2D? Thank you

[@petermendelson5839]

@@tjmanou6422 a little in terms of absolute detail - the 150mp sensor on the Phase One is incredible in the detail it provides, so if you print huge landscape prints and can afford it, Phase One may be worth renting to try it out.

[@petermendelson5839]

BTW I never did a side by side comparison - just based on my impressions from using both systems.

[@tjmanou6422]

@@petermendelson5839I guess if nothing jumped at you or was obvious after switching I’m guessing it would be a minor difference (there always is with any system). I just can’t see it being 9k to 62k difference in quality either way. Crazy price.

[@nathantw]

Loved his twisted sense of humor where he put the camera in very precarious situations. I’m sure the folks at Phase One had a heart attack in each one of those scenes.

[@cameronrramos]

Says it all hey, even ignoring the features it’s lacking, you’d also be advised not to take it out to where it’s best used because it might get damaged.

[@Sams911]

meanwhile you have amazing contemporary photographic artists like Mario Basner shooting on a $1500 Nikon 810 and the results are something else!

[@monsieurgolem3392]

....a fool and his money soon part.

[@Lucy-dk5cz]

Does it have Bluetooth?

[@RishabhSharma-lq1id]

It has a tooth, bites your wallet

[@ichheissedamian]

​​@@RishabhSharma-lq1idis it blue though

[@Fokadas]

Yeah, bt 2.0. Bit it doesnt come with lense cap though.

[@Bigma6400]

​@@Fokadas Deal breaker :(

[@oli177]

what i don't understand in this one lens and big sensor concept, so you can crop in if you need "longer" focal lenghts: you still get the distortions of a 14mm ultra-wide lens, no matter how far you crop in. or do i misunderstand something?

[@pavelpotehin4024]

I'm wondering why there was no nightscapes? It would be interesting to see how such large sensor camera performs in the darkness.

[@yenk82]

I'm impressed by the quality of this video you have recorded with your Panasonic G9 II, wonderful colours and definition.

[@alexsystems2001]

You know… strangely… the photos… look like photos… for over $60,000 I could buy a Sony A7R5 complete with lenses and buy a Toyota 4Runner to take me to a lot of cool places to take photos!

[@stevehageman6785]

And a Dog, you could get a Dog too! :-)

[@alexsystems2001]

@@stevehageman6785yes!

[@monsieurgolem3392]

You touched on something, if you know what, where and how to photograph you dont need this camera, its almost as though this camera is marketed to rich people who think the camera will do everything at the push of a button. An RB67 would probably give you better results of you know your stuff.

[@ScottJWaldron]

For people that need it I'm glad something like that exists at the very least. 😄

[@robertsakowski]

Advertising photographer here. Most people don't buy a camera like this. In the same way, a film crew doesn't buy the cameras they use (like a Arri LF). You simply rent the equipment from rental companies if the job or customer requires such equipment. This is absolutely common in advertising production.

[@nobitaadidas]

Does it float?

[@sethjchandler]

See if you ever get to play with a $62,500 camera again! Thanks for the honest review.

[@robbie154]

If the whole selling point is to crop, a full frame more compact camera with a zoom lens always getting ~50mp would be just as effective resolution wise yet better ergonomics and insanely less expensive. Not going to pretend like I can afford this but I don't see the point in it even if I could.

[@m.i.andersen8167]

There are few professional photographers who need this camera, it is a small market so the unit price will be very high because the R&D expenses must be earned on much fewer units. In my line of business, audio, the tool also costs exceptionally more than I would pay for a piece of consumer electronics that I enjoy in my spare time, but nevertheless I need to have the right equipment to solve the needs of the customers, which are those who ultimately pay for the equipment.

[@nerdyandy3101]

Great summary as usual After watching many of your vidéos, i find pour presentations almost flawless, pertinent, concise, thé ones I turn to when short on time or as an introductory notion to decide whether thé topic. at hand IS worth deeper investigation, That's one of your talents !

[@avx111]

no drop test?

[@highlifeking1]

💀💀💀💀

[@Highlander_142]

62.000 and it still has that digital look like any other camera! The big dynamic range make photos look cartoonish, overprocessed and cheesy... Typical highlights -100, shadows +100, "render" look. Moreover, Sony had unveiled this sensor back in 2014 if I remember correctly, so the price is unrealistically high for a relatively old tech. In my view - Mamiya 7 II with Fuji Velvia or Provia produces much "better" landscape/nature photographs. And with film, you 'll certainly stand out in digital crowd. Also, in digital world, sensor size doesn't necessarily mean "different look". From smartphones, to crop, full frame and medium format cameras, in most cases you just gain more resolution, whilst photos look quite similar.

[@monsieurgolem3392]

Exactly, if you know what you're doing with an RB/RZ or a Hasselblad 500c you can probably get much better results. It seem like Its overpriced to mimic what a good photography can do.

[@MattisProbably]

Would have been funny if they had given you a prop camera to drop every now and then throughout the video 😁 This is a fascinating piece of kit though. It is so far out of the budget of regular photographers it would even make aging birders with 600mm primes blush. And the image quality is there, but I also struggle to figure out who this is even for. It is pretty big and not as ergonomic as a regular mirrorless camera, no IBIS, mirrorless cameras are known for inferior AF capabilities and it is prohibitively expensive. If you want a camera with a nice vibe to it and with a boatload of modern features just go for a Nikon Zf and get a short prime for it. Way smaller, great image quality, 45mp is more than enough for pretty much everything and you get all modern features that current mirrorles cameras offer. And all of that while staying well under 5000 bucks. Or go for a Z7II or Z8 if you want the high resolution and a non-retro camera. Even the Z8 seems like a budget camera to the Phase One! XD

[@kylewist7745]

It's the sensor size. The ZF is far better than a cell phone because of the sensor size, and by the same measure, the XC is far better than the ZF. It's like arguing that a 32" tv can replace an IMAX movie theater.

[@akhyarrayhka4048]

its for landscaping and area mapping or something of a fine art and probably archival stuff, the photographer that uses this phaseone that i know works in commercial advertising and company/factory corporate portofolio

[@PiTdeLyX]

Just as an fyi, the Nikon Zf has 24 megapixels...

[@MattisProbably]

​@@PiTdeLyX Same order of magnitude, that's basically the same ;D You are right though! For some reason I thought it has 45 as well.

[@alhOOO2O]

Great to see you reviewing rare and interesting gear; would love to see more like this! I guess unless you personally have had a use case where you needed this camera, probably quite hard for us normal photographers to understand what that use case could be…

[@ChrisMarxen]

I can see how this makes sense. If you want the IQ4 back you buy this. Then you can flipsell the body with the lens as new (with a nice mark up) to someone who already has the back but wants the 14mm, since PO doesn't do it :D Nice way to get a discount on your new IQ4!

[@OldGirlPhotography]

Great to see what one of these looks like and see it in action, but not much value to me in a camera I would be too afraid to take out of the box. You guys must have great insurance.

[@pinkflamingos69]

When "quirky" is the nicest thing you can say, you know the company came up short. Quirky sounds fine for a $620 camera, but not for $62,400.

[@lavalampsucculent2996]

Not even for a $620 camera - we're so spoiler for choice in the low/mid range. This camera definitely isn't for me so I shouldn't comment but it seems a bit ordinary honestly

[@monsieurgolem3392]

True.

[@AndyMillerPhotoUK]

Thanks for the vid -- fair to say that I cannot see the value for the XC when the XT exists for not much more and you can buy the XT with the same back and a range of Rodenstock lenses with the X shutter. My understanding is the XC may have slightly better weather sealing and is a wee bit smaller/lighter -- but the fixed single focal length they chose is really limiting. The best other single lens HQ cameras like this landed on ~28mm in 35mm/FF equivalent [Leica Q3 with its Summilux 28 f/1.7 ASPH], whereas the RODENSTOCK HR DIGARON-S 23MM F/5.6 on the IQ4 back has a 112° angle of view - ~15mm FL on 35mm FF camera. Whereas for me the better lens would have been either the XT 32mm f/4.0 Tilt (107° angle of view ~ roughly equivalent to a 20 mm on 35mm/FF sensor) or the XT 40mm (with 94° ~angle of view roughly equivalent to a 26 mm on 35mm/FF sensor). One other option to look at is the Mono-Chrome IQ4 back which is truly extraordinary and to my eyes beyond the color version. The Backs are 35-40k out of the price the lens 8-12k and the body 5-7k.

[@tamasnemeth2161]

I guess this could be an ideal companion of an XF if someone is looking for a reasonable high resolution super-wide lens (wider than the SK BR 35mm). And the Achromatic doesn't produce any chroma, not a single one. Hence the name is Achromatic, not Mono-Chrome. ;)

[@pawpaw324]

Although I see the allure of this cameras sensor. The lack of autofocus and interchangeable lenses makes me wonder, why would someone choose this camera over the Fuji GFX 100S II or Hasselblad X2D. The Phase one is just not as flexible. The minute you need to shoot 85mms away, need quick focus on a subject, or require a more ergonomic shooting experience you would especially find yourself out of luck. Plus, ~64k is a lot of money. A three lens kit with all the needed accessories for the Fuji or Hasselblad would cost half (on the high end).

[@ThroughJoesLens]

The images look over processed or over sharpened to me. Maybe something about inserting such a high resolution image into the video…

[@jaimeduncan6167]

As often with Phase One the camera is just a copy of a Hasselblad product, in this case, the 907 series. It does, the advantage is that the sensor is bigger and the resolution better, It's basically the same concept, but the Hasselblad is far less expensive and can use all the lenses of the X series, and the H series via adapters. One can also adapt Leica lenses etc. 63K for a fixed lens seems like too much, but there is a niche for it. The bad stuff does not stop there: max Shutter speed is just 1/1000 .

[@SD_Alias]

But with Hasselblad you have the hassle with that crappy Phocus software…

[@RS-Amsterdam]

​@@SD_Aliasphocus software is great I think your problem is the user

[@SD_Alias]

@@RS-Amsterdam No i use phocus for a long time next to CaptureOne and LR etc. Because my clients provide me with files from different cameras and i have to edit them with the manufacturers software. I think that Phocus is the least mature software...

[@cameronrramos]

"but there is a niche for it" and that niche is...?

[@SD_Alias]

@@cameronrramos Rentservice…

[@pacheaco727]

Love these reviews as much as the attainable ones. This doesn’t fit my photography style, and more importantly my wallet, but it’s fascinating to see a ‘budget is no limit’ very specific tool. Thanks for the video.

[@thomastuorto9929]

A Leica Q equivalent! For much more. That larger sensor is a landscape photog's dream. Maybe Macro too. What is the dynamic range & the actual size of the sensor? Personally, couldn't see spending that much for a set-up where one couldn't swap out lenses. Even then, does Phase One make a 100, 200, 400 mm lens?

[@andyvan5692]

yes, that raw histogram is a great idea, but also consider that this back can go on a sliding back for 4x5 for eg, cambo actus xl-DB or an Ultima 23D, linhof M679, Alpha TC, etc. all of which have NO internal metering, so this is what it is for, esp. to test if ND or Polarising filters are needed, and to test the effect.

[@Eigil_Skovgaard]

Phase One is not a traditional camera manufacturer - their original key competence was on digital backs and raw editing software. I think they later bought the Mamiya medium frame technology to have a camera to put their backs on, and they named them Phase One. If you follow the community on YT around the Capture One Pro raw editor, you will meet a number of brand freaks that actually buy these insanely expensive cameras. Apparently some people think that owning a Porsche makes you a better driver. Hasselblad has made their own supermodel - naked too - for pure showoff.

[@jkhill74]

About a year and a half ago, I made a trip to Death Valley, California. I was taking photos with my Canon R5 from Dante's View in the morning light. I came across an older gentleman that had a Phase One mounted on a tripod. That was the first time I'd heard of Phase One. It's curious form factor caused me to ask him about it. I can't remember exactly what he called it - something like a reference camera. He was very polite, but I kept the conversation brief as I could tell he was concentrating on his work, and I didn't want to disturb him. I decided to make a point to check it out. I wish I got a name or something. I'd love to see the images he came up with. It was a beautiful morning overlooking Death Valley. I'd love to play with a Phase One just to check out the images. I'm not entirely sure what I'd do with one if I owned one, but yeah, I'd like to play with one if only for a short while. Nice vid!

[@bubbachua]

appreciate the review and demonstration of this crazy god level camera system, although 99% of us will never own one in our lifetime, it is really lovely to know more about it

[@christaylor8410]

Do you REALLY think 1% of the people here will own one in their lifetime? Or did you mean to say "99% of us will never own one in our lifetime. And the other 1% won't either!" 🙂

[@bubbachua]

@@christaylor8410 haha, i’d hate to get into debating the decimal places lol!

[@berrycade]

Camera doesn’t take video, takes a minute to load up, no interchangeable lenses, laggy live view only, persistent vignette, costs 65k. Who tf is this camera for?

[@CrnaInBela]

I would love to see if these videos had faster zooming/panning when showing a closeup of an image and then have a still closeup for a bit longer, so we can really see the details without stopping the video. The problem is the stuttering with 30 fps, it becomes really distracting even on good displays. Other than that, amazing video as always ☺ Thanks

[@RobertJBallantyne]

It is always fun to read about gear that I’ll never be able to afford. I certainly agree that if I had the wherewithal to buy that camera, I would have more fun with the Fujifilm GFX 100 II, and with the leftover cash buy the SUV to drive to your stunning Kananaskis Country. And Chris, you really need to pick up a pair of Trail Crampons by the Canadian company, Hillsound. Walk those icy paths with confidence. 😎

[@GaganGrewalf095]

Are the X and C taken from the word “excuses” ?

[@kanecain1981]

Most of you don't realize what is required to manufacture a sensor of this size and resolution. As an example, for Leica to make it's B/W sensor, the company that makes it (CMOSIS), has to shut down it's normal production line, switch out multiple machines, create Leica's sensor, shutdown the line again, and then reassemble the line with their regular machines. That process costs a lot of $$$$ for Leica, which is then passed down to you.

[@cheynewalls]

That is crazy you can't switch out digital backs or lens! I'm in the market to update my ALPA 12tc & IQ PhaseOne digital back setup, but this isn't it if I'm stuck with no other options than a wide angle lens. Thank you for the review, very helpful.

[@Phantom_gtx]

it changed now: I ordered it without the IQ4, which I own already

[@trippwilsonphoto]

Think about how cool a digital mamiya 7 (phase one 7) would be

[@zarmindrow5831]

Think I'll wait for the Phase Two.

[@andyvan5692]

one thing to keep in mind, this XC is akin to Hasselblads v system super wide, with it's fixed 38mm lens; this is what your 'user' \ use case is, for those who want the widest the x system can go, but a compact body, like architecture, environmental portraiture, where time is NOT important, think of it in terms of a small LF view camera, you are after the image quality, and sharpness, nothing else.

[@OfficialEthern1ty]

with the speed of the Fuji GFX 100 ii, this camera look pre-historic!

[@michaelbell75]

Same with FF vs APS-C sensors. Plus, APS-C can do all its video with no crop while most FF cameras have crop at 4K 60p and 120p is only a dream.

[@RealTechnoPanda]

Thanks. I will buy one for my mom!

[@monsieurgolem3392]

Lol

[@mitchellan-ebbott7408]

I’d imagine most of these are going to rental houses. Very few people would buy one outright, but some might rent it for a specific project that it fits.

[@brettpatching]

This camera might be seen as a descendant of the Hasselblad SWC, which had a fixed 38mmF4.5 Zeiss Biogon (about 21mm on full frame)(stellar lens) and an optical viewfinder in the cold shoe. A viewfinder on this would make it easier to rough-compose landscapes, and save battery life. Perhaps the XC would be a good choice for aerial photography ...? In my dreams, if I ever needed to rent a Phase One camera for a job, I would want to make use of the full width of the sensor :)

[@markp.7478]

I enjoyed all the humorous "what if I dropped it" lines... but seriously, if you had, did you have to take out an insurance policy to use this for the day? Now the good news... since you did use it, it'll probably be sold as "open box/refurbished" making it easily affordable no doubt!

[@sweetdangerzack]

I'll bear this in mind for whenever I'm looking to spend $63,000 on a camera with 1/4 the functionality of a Nikon d3500.

[@enossifiedossified3145]

Late to the party. Fascinating camera! The resolution even viewing with my laptop is really spectacular. As far as the removable back concept, this reminds me of the old Hasselblad SWA and SWC bodies. Unlike the 1000F and 500C SLRs it had a fixed UWA lens, an optical viewfinder and no focusing aid of any sort….no reflex or RF finders…get out the tape measure. At the time it came out many 35mm SLR systems had similar solutions for 90 degree FOV and wider…lock up the mirror and use an auxiliary finder. Anyway, Hasselblad users could buy the body and mount a back they already had for their 500C, effectively using it as if it was just another lens.

[@salamanca871]

Thanks a lot for the video! Love that you also review less mainstream cameras from time to time. Love your PePi („peepee“) podcast, as well.

[@sun-man]

Amazing how honest reviews become when there is no possibility of the equipment in question being given to the channel!

[@john_in_Berlin]

Looks (and sounds) absolutely freezing cold and unpleasant out there. Hats off to you for (literally) going the distance for what seems like an extremely rare use case. Doing the math, I'd buy 6 Leicas or a few Hasselblads - or, while we're at it, a trip into space. 🙂

[@mariowanagat1412]

I got a Hasselblad H , it’s absolutely amazing like the phase. I love it for portraits and landscaping but the point is simple, those files shine when printed out.

[@thecoffeemaker7444]

Wow sana all.

[@timothysoarphotographer]

I've been a phase one user since 2005, the fuji gfx arrived, I moved on. It was never easy dealing with such an arrogant Danish company I was pleased to see the back of them (pun intended). They could have been truly special, but curiously never thought about photography the way a photographer might.

[@vlcheish]

I wanna see a modern Death Wish remake where Paul Kersey takes his Phase One XC out on the street while casually eating some ice cream

[@Rim00909E]

WILDEY'S HERE!

[@EdtheFED6132]

bronson: "fires a.475 wildey magnum. real stopping power." is that like a.44 magnum? bronson: "no, a.44 magnum is a pistol cartridge. a.475 wildey magnum is a shorter version of the african big-game cartridge. makes a real mess."

[@Clint_the_Audio-Photo_Guy]

Interesting. Yea, people always critique the GFX and Hassy on "Not being true medium format", but this Phase One isn't really either at the 6x4.5 sensor size, the smallest medium formats ever were. Make it 6x7 or at least 6x6cm, then I'll agree. I owned a 6x4.5 film camera back in the day, and never thought I "really" owned a full-blown medium format. (I used a 4x5 View camera too, and I have a 6x6 Rollei TLR now too, so I'm no stranger to formats) That said, with this fixed ultra-wide lens, this camera is almost useless except for high-end pro interior photographers, IMO. If you've got to crop in then you negate the reason for the largish 150mp sensor anyways, while giving up a ton of usability, so why would we spend $60K+ on this? I'm even wondering why I might need the 100mp GFX camera, when the 50mp GFX sensor is still amazing, and if I want more res, I can just take a couple photos and stitch them. With these larger sensor sizes, we've got to focus stack a lot for DOF anyways. Speed and video features of the new GFX 100 II would be nice I suppose, but as far as image quality goes, the 50mp sensor is amazing. There's always Ai upscaling software too, that pulls res out of its butt, so to speak. That said, I am intrigued by the Phase One XF Studio and XT field cameras, that have interchangeable lenses and the XT having built-in shift movements. I can see a use for those cameras. I'll be interested to see what Fuji releases at CES coming up here shortly. Could be a nice GFX 100S II coming, that might just be the ticket for me.

[@ohpeep3723]

Fuji gfx ii seems like a better buy for sure

[@Castielj]

Chris, what type of memory card does it use ? Don't think you mentioned that. Thanks.

[@niccollsvideo]

It uses a compact flash type B or XQD and has an as slot as well.

[@tennissir1986]

I don’t think Phase One will be loaning petapixel many more cameras to review in the future.

[@thatcreole9913]

I would love to see an in the field interview with one of the 10 people on the planet that would genuinely seek out the camera for their day job.

[@axelfiraxa]

Myeah, for that money one can build a basic system in 3 different mounts or a full system in any mount and still have some money left to go out somewhere and shoot with the camera

[@88darnell]

I used to be a POCP and I’ve shot extensively with a PO iXR and 60 MP back with a PO Blue Ring lens (grand total = $25K USD) in studio settings. Once I got to shoot with a PO XF and 80 MP back and PO Blue Ring lens (grand total = $70K USD). Both camera systems have their quirks and the photographer has to accommodate them more than the camera “cooperates” with the photographer. But let me tell you, if they’re the right tool for the job you’ll know it because when they are there’s no substitute!

[@niccollsvideo]

I totally agree! I’d love to try out the XF system in the studio, where it all makes sense. Out in the field I think there are far better choices.

[@88darnell]

@@niccollsvideo Shooting with a PO camera system in a studio tethered to a well-equipped MacBook = sublime! IMO you haven't lived until you've capturing world-class images but never touch the camera - all settings and image captures are within Capture One. Considering that the iXR has to be plugged into power, one time I shot some city skyline photos with it while plugged into an outlet in my car. Then I stitched the images into a panorama. BIG panorama! But I could almost see the imaginary question marks over people's heads as I was double parked, extension cord running from my car to the 6.2 pound iXR on a beefy Manfrotto tripod...camera system tethered to my MacBook...and I was capturing images with a wired remote trigger. Good times! BTW - I sated

[@MyChevySonic]

You could buy a bunch of OM-1s and mount them on a plank of plywood, set them to delay and pixel shift mode, then stack the images in lightroom. And still go on vacation and send your kid to college.

[@jaapkamstra9343]

Nobody needs autofocus or a touch screen, but what I don't understand is why they did not give this camera a viewvinder. It's hard to photograph a desert without it....

[@josephchan4198]

The pictures are awesome!! There other cameras that are 45 to 60mp camera also which would satisfied most people or lower if on a budget.

[@PhotoNerd645]

Talked to a lot of people using P1, Haven't seen any use case that makes this camera superior.

[@dietmarfinster3176]

The "hot shoe" is used to attach the black cloth to cover the display!?

[@tomstem8302]

Every photographer who is serious about his hobby needs this.

[@jimtipton8888]

I'm getting two! Need a backup!

[@lomileage]

This makes Hasselblad 907x 100c look cheap!

[@krishnansrinivasan830]

I did like their monochrome sensor version :) Nice & Thanks :)

[@314LA]

Cool, man. What's about colour? XC vs X2D or Fuji 100 - what is your opinion.

[@stevepritchard3970]

Expensive, yes, but does include Chris to go out and take photos for you.

[@ZeLoShady]

I wish PhaseOne would actually use their technology to make a good camera. What they have in my opinion are good image sensors that can take a photo. There is a difference. Also, there is no excuse for any sort of slowness when paying 62K for a camera. That sensor better read quick and the screen... it should be so far from "lag" that people complain it's TOO fast.

[@raypan512]

Phase One could redesign its XC body more thinner like Hasseblad 907X to adapt all its S-K lens. Just use XF to control camera.

[@gordoncahill1170]

Seems that even if you crop a small amount then you'll end up close to a 33x44mm sensor anyway with none of the benefits of the X2D or GFX100II.

[@MajorMotions]

Imagine if Sony did that. What if we could swap a7r a7s and a9 sensors in and out based on your needs while still being able to keep the body style and feel that you like.

[@markthompsonmedia]

I think the XT looks a better option. XT has interchangeable lenses and shift movement built in. Cover a few more photographic options for a similar sized body and price.