Phase One announces the 645DF+

[Leongsam]

The most versatile camera platform for high-end photography



645DF+ KEY FEATURES

• Fast and accurate autofocus with custom fine-tuning adjustment option
• High shutter speeds up to 1/4000s
• Long exposures up to 60 minutes
• Automatic switch between focal plane and leaf shutter modes
• Easily programmable custom functions
• Three custom shooting modes
• Intuitive handling through great ergonomics and easily accessible controls
• Rechargeable Li-ion battery with up to 10,000 captures on one charge
• Rugged construction for high volume production use
• Some of the broadest lens and accessory range in the industry for a wide range of photographic applications

The Phase One 645DF+ camera is designed to be a seamless extension of your creativity. Extraordinary capture becomes natural through ease of use and direct control.Take advantage of the new Schneider Kreuznach leaf shutter lenses, digital focal plane lenses from Phase One or use your Mamiya 645 AF/AFD or Hasselblad V lenses for a broader choice and easy upgrade path.

Combined with some of the world's best digital backs, the 645DF+ camera offers the most versatile shutter speeds in the market, ranging from 1/4000s to 60 minutes.

Combined with the new Phase One leaf shutter lenses the 645DF+ camera supports an unprecedented high flash sync speed of up to 1/1600s opening new creative windows for photographers.The mirror and viewfinder of the Phase One 645DF+ camera are almost three times larger than those of 35mm cameras, providing much greater control of focus and composition.While hosting a complete list of features and custom functions, the Phase One 645DF+ camera is extremely easy to use. All settings important to the exposure are easily controlled by manual dials and buttons.

[seesuatah]

This thing looks like it could weigh a tonne!

[Leongsam]

Our First Take

Jump to a topic:

• Design & Usability
• Gallery
• Features
• Conclusion

Medium-format stalwarts Phase One have long produced some of the more impressive pieces of kit you can buy. Their interchangeable, open systems provide incredible image quality with extreme-resolution digital backs, sharp lenses, and compatibility with a wide range of accessories and lens mounts.

The 645DF+, announced here at Photokina 2012, follows up on the 645DF with improved autofocus, a rechargeable battery, and a more durable shutter system. The 645DF+ is outwardly identical to its predecessor (save for the “+” in the logo). We were able to spend some time with the camera, strapping on the 80-megapixel Phase One IQ180 digital back to take the new body for a test drive.

Design & Usability

The design of the Phase One 645DF+ body is exactly the same as the 645DF. It features a large, accommodating grip with a comfortable rubber coating, a power switch that doubles as a shutter system selector, dual control dials, and an excellent viewfinder that provides coverage of the entire frame.

We haven’t spent much time with Phase One bodies in the past, but we were impressed by the feel of the camera once you attached a digital back and the 80mm Schneider Kreuznach f/2.8 AF lens. The heavy Phase One IQ180 back does change the weight distribution somewhat, but it shifts toward the rear of the camera, aiding stability when mounted to a tripod.

Phase One leaves the 645DF+ open design, allowing photographers to attach third-party digital backs of any kind. While most smaller format cameras tend to be designed to inhibit third-party compatibility (or at least they rarely make it easy), Phase One would be perfectly happy if you used a Hasselblad digital back on their shiny new body. This openness gives photographers in the Phase One system no end of options for medium-format backs and lenses. Those extras don’t come cheap, but for a professional photographer, comfort and dependability are more important.


Gallery

The Phase One 645DF+ is a medium-format back that uses digital backs made by Phase One and other companies.

Features

The Phase One 645DF+ body offers some improvements over the 645DF it ostensibly replaces. The most notable change that we could see was the addition of a rechargeable battery pack, which now operates for up to an impressive 10,000 shutter actuations on a single charge (as opposed to the AA-battery-draining 645DF). That number is far larger than you’ll see on most cameras as the battery isn’t responsible for powering the image sensor, processor, or rear LCD, all of which are integrated into the digital backs and their separate power supplies.

The other major improvement was in autofocus accuracy. While we didn’t have a 645DF body to directly compare it to, the 645DF+ produced exceptionally sharp images with the 80-megapixel IQ180 digital back. We were also impressed by its autofocus sensitivity, as it was able to lock onto very low contrast subjects even in a dimly lit trade show floor.

The one downside we saw is the 80mm f/2.8 lens rotated almost entirely when autofocusing, making it difficult to support the camera while shooting hand-held. Admittedly, for a camera that’s designed primarily around tripod shooting for advertising and reproduction work, that’s less of a concern.

Phase One also claims that the 645DF+ has a more durable shutter system than the 645DF. The 645DF offers an actual warranty (rather than just a rating, as most cameras do) of up to 100,000 shutter actuations, so an improvement on that would be quite good. At the Phase One booth at Photokina, they could not give an exact number on how long the shutter should last, though.

The 645DF+ feels great to hold, but the 80mm Schneider Kreuznach's main focus ring rotates when autofocusing,
making it difficult to support the camera and lens while handheld shooting.

Conclusion

Phase One’s medium-format digital backs are renowned for their extreme image quality and extraordinary high resolution. The 645DF+ body complements them with an incredibly accurate autofocus system, a new rechargeable battery pack, and a more durable shutter system.

While we don’t think that’s going to compel anyone to immediately upgrade, those with a 645DF that’s on the way out (or those with digital backs from a company like Hasselblad) will certainly want to check it out. Phase One’s commitment to an open platform should at least provide you with a slew of options for how to expand your system and upgrade as necessary.

It’s not the most intuitive body we’ve ever used, but as with other medium format bodies, it provides direct control when necessary. Denizens of this part of the market don’t need their hands held through the entire shooting process, and the camera does what it can to simply stay out of the way.

[singveld]

10000 shots in one charge, OMG, who will take 10000 shots on medium format camera, the raw of 10 000 photos will be quite a problem to store.

also phase one body is gigantic. Why can't they make it as small as leica S series?

too big, too expensive, and too complex for me.

Just something after winning the lottery.

[Leongsam]

also phase one body is gigantic. Why can't they make it as small as leica S series?

too big, too expensive, and too complex for me.

The camera is simpler to operate than my Nikon.

It is large because it is built to accomodate separate digital backs whereas the Leica sensor is built into the body.

It is actually cheaper in the long run because when technology improves, you simply buy a new digital back while still using the same body.

[singveld]

The camera is simpler to operate than my Nikon.

It is large because it is built to accomodate separate digital backs whereas the Leica sensor is built into the body.

It is actually cheaper in the long run because when technology improves, you simply buy a new digital back while still using the same body.

I see why it is so big. No one with the old phase one body going to buy the new phase one body right ? since the digital back is most important.

[Leongsam]

I see why it is so big. No one with the old phase one body going to buy the new phase one body right ? since the digital back is most important.

Phase One usually has a generous trade-in scheme for those who want to upgrade. Since my 645DF is working fine, I won't upgrade just yet but I'll buy the 10,000 exposure battery pack separately. However, a chain is only as strong as the weakest link and the digital back battery has not changed.

[singveld]

Low tide in front of the Reef View hotel on Hamilton Island, Australia is the perfect location for a run and jump. This photo was taken as part of a workshop just for fun, but it shows how useful the new leaf shutter lenses from Schneider Kreuznach can be when shooting action with flash.

Flash synchronisation shutter speeds in a darkened studio isn’t a problem because if you can’t freeze the action with the shutter speed (usually between 1/60 and 1/250 second), you can use a very short flash duration instead. The low levels of ambient light in the studio don’t significantly affect the exposure and so the flash is the only illumination exposing the moving subject.

Not so outdoors (or in a fully lit studio) because the brighter ambient light at a slow flash synchronisation speed will also illuminate the moving subject and thus the image will be blurred. The solution is a faster flash synchronisation shutter speed.

This isn’t possible with a focal plane shutter. A focal plane shutter has two blinds. The first blind opens, and then the second blind follows closing the shutter opening. At fast shutter speeds, the second blind is closing before the first blind is completely open, so at no time is the shutter completely open. If the flash fires, part of the exposure is blocked by the shutter.

Leaf shutters are different. Much smaller and sitting within the lens (as opposed to in the camera), they can open and close fully more quickly than a focal plane shutter. The new Schneider Kreuznach leaf shutter lenses for the Phase One 645DF offer flash synchronisation speeds up to 1/1600 second and so you can use flash in outdoor locations and freeze the action. It’s perfect for fashion and sport.

The way it works is that when the camera shutter is fired, the focal plane shutter in the camera opens first at a slower shutter speed. When the focal plane shutter is completely open, the leaf shutter in the lens opens, the flash is fired, and then the leaf shutter closes. Finally, the focal plane shutter closes. Fortunately, all this happens without the photographer having to be at all concerned – simply attach the Schneider Kreuznach lens and it works automatically!

For this photograph, the flash synchronisation speed was 1/1600 second using a Profoto Pro-B3 AirS battery-powered flash and the IQ180 on a Phase One 645DF.

In the set-up shot, you can see that the flash is pointed too far down, lighting the foreground as well as the subjects. Sometimes this can work as an effect, but if you want to keep the light just on your subjects, point the flash upwards so the spill doesn’t reach the ground. You can also use a local adjustment in Capture One to darken down the foreground – and sometimes a combination of techniques is required.

In Capture One, the raw file was processed to maintain detail in the highlights and produce skin tones with a natural rendition. However, most of the work was done at the time of exposure, which underexposed the background by a stop or so, giving the appearance that the photograph was taken much later in the afternoon than it was. This is achieved by setting the aperture and shutter speed so the background is underexposed, and then setting the power on the flash to correctly expose the subject. You can use a flash meter to help, but with the histogram on your camera, it won’t take you long to work out the settings with a few test frames.

[henrygoh]

I see no reason to upgrade from my 645DF. I still feel the ergonomics can be improved. The grip is designed for Asian hands. They could have a wrist strap built in too. I will wait for the next iteration. Battery is also expensive although more convenient over those rechargeable AA Powerex.

[Leongsam]

I see no reason to upgrade from my 645DF. I still feel the ergonomics can be improved. The grip is designed for Asian hands. They could have a wrist strap built in too. I will wait for the next iteration. Battery is also expensive although more convenient over those rechargeable AA Powerex.

What I like about the AA batteries is that they can be bought just about anywhere if the camera happens to run out of juice on the road.

However, I have to agree that the ergonomics suck. I use it as a studio camera and hardly ever take it when travelling.

[henrygoh]

I think it is time Phaseone takes a bold leap and designs a totally new body with no legacy except to fit its lenses and backs. It need not look anything close to the current body, should not be a dull black brick and should have greatly improved focus somewhat like my 1Ds series, complete with micro-adjustment to make sure every lens can be focus calibrated.

[singveld]

Explore and Photograph The Land of Magic Wonders

Whether you’re a passionate artist who works just for your own satisfaction or a professional who is planning to launch or further develop your career, this is a must-attend workshop!

Travel with us to the edge of the planet where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views, world-class instructors and workshop comrades for a fun and unforgettable art and learning experience. You’ll see some of the most stunning landscape photography scenes in the world — beautiful lakes and snow capped mountains to ice cliffs. These dramatic New Zealand landscapes will offer you new vistas while you develop useful skills. You’ll be visiting some very special places to which most people have no access.

You will receive a 60-megapixel Phase One IQ160 camera to use throughout the workshop (the system comprises a Phase One 645DF camera body, IQ160 digital back and an 80mm LS lens). Phase One will also provide you a free licensed copy of Capture One Pro and Media Pro, a camera bag that is yours to keep, two 30 x 40 prints from the images of your choice and an assurance of great fun and awesome images!

Like all PODAS workshop events, this workshop is carefully planned to provide the optimal learning experience; the combination of place, people and high-performance photography gear combine to create an environment guaranteed to inspire and delight.

This workshop is all-inclusive. You are responsible only for getting to New Zealand. Once there, you will enjoy top notch meals, a single room, transportation and everything else you need.

We start our journey in Queenstown, South Island, New Zealand. You will be staying at the new 5-star Hilton Hotel on Lake Wakatipu, just minutes from the airport and nestled close to Deer Park Heights where Lord of the RIngs was filmed. Deer Park’s alpine views have also been part of advertising shoots and films such as Wolverine (X-Men) and Walt Disney’s The Rescue.

PODAS instructors Each of our PODAS instructors is an award-winning, professional photographer who has developed a unique style, a successful practice, and can guide you through the many stages of photography – from visualization to workflow processes and various digital imaging techniques.

Peter Eastway’s passion is undoubtedly for landscape photography. He was awarded the AIPP Australian Professional Photographer of the Year in 1996 and 1998, and since then has continued to win major awards at home and in New Zealand, UK and USA. He is currently an AIPP Grand Master of Photography, one of only a dozen in Australia, which he earned from a career spanning more than 30 years.

Mike Langford lives in Queenstown New Zealand where he is the co-director of the Queenstown Centre for Creative Photography along with his wife and professional photographer Jackie Ranken. Mike has twice won the AIPP Australian Landscape Photographer of the year award as well as NZIPP New Zealand Professional Photographer of the Year.

Jackie Ranken is a multi award-winning landscape art photographer and is the current Australian AIPP Australian Landscape Photographer of the Year. She has established herself as a master photographer with her unique black and white aerial imagery. In addition to their individual talents, Mike and Jackie’s extensive local knowledge make them excellent guides to the best of what the region has to offer.

Christian Fletcher, recipient of the 2011 AIPP Australian Landscape Photographer of the Year award, has more than 20 years of professional photography experience. Trained in traditional photo techniques, he has evolved with the digital revolution, and is able to offer the skill and understanding required to master the craft. His expert knowledge of digital file processing for example, will be an invaluable aid for participants who want to extract the greatest level of image quality from Phase One images.

ITINERARY
(Based on weather and other conditions we may alter this agenda)

Day one
Pickup at Queenstown airport, welcome to NZ, receive camera kits. Camera training and sunset shoot over Lake Wakatipu.

Day two
Sunrise shoot at Coronet Peak, world-renowned Ski Slopes. Classroom sessions by Jackie Ranken and Kevin Raber. Sunset shoot at Lake Wakatipu from Skyline Lookout.

Day three
Sunrise shoot at Deer Park Heights. Classroom sessions by Mike Langford and Peter Eastway.Shooting in picturesque Rees Valley.

Day four
Late start to Paradise on the other side of Rees Valley. Fly into Ernslaw Burn (via helicopters), a unique valley with cascading waterfalls, ice cliffs and alpine views. Shooting at Glenorchy, known from the Lord of the Rings movie. Evening classrom session by Christian Fletcher.

Day five
Depart to magic Milford Sound. All-day shooting, 3-hour cruise. Work on images to prepare for the next night’s presentation.

Day six
Sunrise shoot at Deer Park. Depart to Nevis Valley for a whole day of shooting. Grand Farewell dinner, during which there will be an audiovisual presentation of all the work done by participants during the workshop.

Day seven
Depart to Queenstown for departure from airport or personal travel arrangements.

What to bring
Once you’ve registered, we will stay in touch with you preparing you for the workshop. Your fee covers everything: transportation to and from photographic locations, instruction, hotel room, meals and beverages.

All you need to bring is a sturdy tripod, CF cards and your laptop.

REGISTRATION
Register thru Phase One’s website here

PACKAGE
• IQ160 shooting
• All accommodations
• All meals and beverages
• Capture One Pro license
• Camera bag
• Airport drop-off and pick-up
• 2 30×40 inch prints
• Lots of fun and new friends

FEE
USD 6,500

http://podas.info/workshop-calendar-...nous-landscape

[singveld]

Look sam leong on the photo with his IQ160

[Leongsam]

http://podas.info/workshop-calendar-...nous-landscape

If you haven't been to Queenstown NZ before and you have NZD6,500 to spare, I highly recommend the experience.

I have already attended a similar course (but without the fancy gear) with http://www.qccp.co.nz/ It's a lot cheaper if you sign up with them directly rather than going through PODAS.

The instructors Mike Langford and Jackie Rankin are excellent photographers.

The best time to photograph Queenstown landscapes is in Autumn. Summer does not offer the same kaleidoscope of colours.

[singveld]

If you haven't been to Queenstown NZ before and you have NZD6,500 to spare, I highly recommend the experience.

I have already attended a similar course (but without the fancy gear) with http://www.qccp.co.nz/ It's a lot cheaper if you sign up with them directly rather than going through PODAS.

The instructors Mike Langford and Jackie Rankin are excellent photographers.

The best time to photograph Queenstown landscapes is in Autumn. Summer does not offer the same kaleidoscope of colours.

i am afraid after i attend the course. I will buy the IQ160. I rather spend on d800e, fujifilm x-e1 etc.