The PhaseOne XF 100MP: A Medium-Format Camera With Incredible Resolution

PhaseOne, a company known for medium-format digital backs and cameras, has just announced the release of their medium-format full-frame XF 100MP camera with 100-megapixels of resolution, 15 stops of dynamic range, full bit 16-bit color, and an ISO range from 50-12,800. The most notable feature being the CMOS sensor that was co-developed with Sony, who has in the last few years become the breakout star in the camera market because of the incredible dynamic range and low-light capture of their image sensors.

The camera is expensive and will not be attainable for a large majority of photographers, but maybe the camera is something to consider renting. The price is $43,990 for the body and $48,990 with a Schneider-Kreuznach 80mm lens. The resolution is also doubled compared to their previous 645 medium-format camera which was also co-developed with Sony, making the PhaseOne XF 100MP better with 1 more stop.

The benefits of having a larger resolution are the tonal range and gradations it can capture, and the ability to crop images and still get high-resolution images. The CMOS sensor of the XF100 MP is 40.4mm x 53.7mm gives the photographer full-frame usability without any crop factor, and ultimate image quality from edge to edge. The large sensor compromises nothing and will provide the photographer with the same size as a 645 medium-format film plane.

While it is not going to be for amateurs, hobbyists, or most professional photographers, I think this is a sneak peak into the future of photography. Sony has created new advances in IQ with its low-light sensors, and perhaps this one, years from now, will be affordable and the norm in digital camera technology. Until that day comes, I will enjoy my crop cameras 🙂