Phase One returns with $93k, 150MP camera - the XC
Phase One has announced the XC, a new 'travel-friendly' all-in-one medium-format camera that can take one of two 150MP IQ4 digital backs and, in a first for the company, features a fixed focal length, integrated 23mm f/5.6 lens.
Phase One said it made the decision to offer a fixed lens medium-format camera with a goal of creating its 'most compact digitally integrated camera to date,' in order to give consumers a 'straight-forward, travel-friendly and compact design.'
The large 53.4mm x 40mm image sensor on the IQ4 back is 2.5 times larger than a full-frame image sensor and 1.5 times bigger than the 100MP sensors featured in the Hasselblad X2D 100C and Fujifilm GFX cameras.
A full size 150-megapixel image will come in at a massive 14,204 x 10,652 pixels.
The XC has two digital back options: the IQ4 150MP and the IQ4 150MP Achromatic for black and white photography. Both backs feature a touch-based menu system for control over the camera’s settings and exposure.
The XC body itself is relatively minimalist, with just a shutter release and an integrated handle.
The IQ4s have a 0.64x crop factor, making the fixed lens on the XC equivalent to a 14.7mm lens on a full-frame camera, so it's likely many photographers will use the camera's vast cropping ability to get in tighter.
Despite its jaw dropping $62,490 USD ($93,000 AUD) price, and relatively hefty size (162 x 143 x 105mm) and weight (1,820g), Phase One says it expects the XC to be a 'companion camera', likely targeted at Phase One users who are already invested in the XF and XT camera systems.
"With its compact size, operational simplicity, and super wide angle of view, the XC Camera can be always by your side and at the ready,” says Drew Altdoerffer, VP of Digitization, Phase One.
As mentioned, the XC has a US retail price of $62,490, surprisingly the same price as the Phase One XT IQ4 150MP and XT 23mm lens kit. No local pricing or availability has been confirmed as of yet, but Phase One is distributed in Australia by CR Kennedy.
You can find out more about the XC on Phase One's website.