The previously leaked Phase One XT camera system is now officially announced. The price is $56,990.
Additional information:
A travel-ready, digitally-integrated field camera that brings landscape photography to a whole new level.
COPENHAGEN, Sept. 10, 2019 – Phase One has announced the XT Camera System, opening new frontiers of quality for landscape photography. Designed for convenience and engineered for precision, the XT packs a full-frame medium format camera of the highest quality into a travel-friendly design. By pairing the power and performance of Phase One’s IQ4 Infinity Platform with Rodenstock’s renowned optics, the XT is the most compact digitally integrated field camera to date.
The XT Camera System perfectly marries extraordinary image quality and extraordinary photographic technology. It’s versatile, flexible, and remarkably intuitive to use. With components that communicate digitally with each other and the system’s compact size, the XT is crafted for effortless capture, so the photographer can focus on capturing the moment, not on camera settings.
“The XT Camera System is designed to elevate both your creativity and image quality by providing the best possible components, in the smallest possible package with intuitive controls, all of which allows you to focus on the moment.”
– Drew Altdoerffer, Product Manager at Phase One
“I love the XT. The combination of the Phase One IQ4, a compact camera body, and an incredible lens is just what I need. I can easily fit the camera with two lenses in my small shoulder bag, and still barely feel like I am carrying anything.”
– Reuben Wu, fine art landscape photographer
Phase One’s ability to embrace heritage while not weighed down by it makes the blend of sensible Danish design, advanced technology integration, and precision mechanics the natural foundation for this next step in landscape photography. The system will evolve over time with the release of additional lenses, expanding Infinity Platform features, dedicated accessories, and discipline-focused workflows.
Components – Technology in a class of its own
The XT Camera System integrates components of the highest quality:
- The Phase One IQ4 150MP, IQ4 150MP Achromatic, or IQ4 100MP Trichromatic, built on the Infinity Platform — designed to innovate and support evolving technology.
- The XT Camera Body built exclusively for the Phase One IQ4. It features intuitive ergonomics and straightforward controls, including the dual action shutter button, which is designed to support future expansion and customization.
- Three lenses manufactured by Phase One’s strategic partner Rodenstock. All lenses are fitted with Phase One’s new, digitally integrated, X-Shutter –an intelligently controlled electromagnetic shutter — born from Phase One’s industrial applications experience:
- The XT – Rodenstock HR Digaron-S 23mm f/5.6 is the highest quality super wide lens available.
- The XT – Rodenstock HR Digaron-W 32mm f/4 is an exceptional quality wide-angle lens with a large image circle and almost no distortion.
- The XT – Rodenstock HR Digaron-W 70mm f/5.6 is a normal focal length lens with impeccable image quality and a large image circle.
- The XT Camera System takes full advantage of Rodenstock lenses with 24mm of shift on both the X and Y axis. The shift movement allows the photographer to correct perspective distortion. It can also be used to create panoramic/stitched images at tremendous scale/resolution. The XT Camera Body intelligently integrates the shift position in the image file for later reference.
Availability and Pricing
The XT Camera System is available now through Phase One Partners worldwide: www.phaseone.com/partners.
The Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for the XT IQ4 150MP Camera System, including a lens of your choice, is $56,990 USD.
All camera systems are sold with a 5-year limited warranty, including unlimited lens actuations for the warranty period.
Phase One XT FAQs
Phase One has published a shortlist of FAQs about the new XT camera system, explaining its price, competitors and more:
What distinguishes the Phase One XT Camera System?
• Unmatched quality
• Best of everything — Combines the best sensor, with the best processing
platform, with best optics to make a simpler, dedicated, portable and
uncompromising camera
• Longevity – a serious, intelligent system, built to last a decade, during which free upgrades will provide continually better, more powerful performance.
• Back to Basics photography – designed to deliver the highest quality prints
• Customizable
• The X-Shutter – is exlusive to Phase One and no equal is available in the
market.
Who is this camera built for?
• For those that demand the best image quality above all else.
• Built for professional landscape photographers, but designed for
enthusiasts. For those less interested in technology and focused on the
experience of capturing a moment and a place in time and making prints
• For those who wish to capture travel images in exotic locales, this is the
most portable solution that offers both high-end imaging and complete system integration.
How much training is required to operate?
• None
What’s it like to use?
• The XT Camera System is built in objection to the steep learning curve of a
technical camera. The emphasis is on the craft of being creative and not on
being a camera technician.
• Manual focus gives greatest control and precision — yet its operation is
intuitive.
• During composition, the camera movements are simple to use; dials are
prominent and straight forward, the image in Live View (visible on the IQ4
screen) will show the results of a composition and focus in real-time.
• This camera allows one to take time to compose. This is a intuative camera
that allows the photographer to focus on capturing the right light and
perfect image.
• As you adjust the position of the IQ4 via the X & Y shift dials, the IQ4
screen will communicate show that position and encode that data into the
image file.
• If necessary, you can sync a flash to the IQ4’s PC port.
• You can capture tethered to any computer via USB, Ethernet, or WiFi
• No proprietary battery – batteries are easy to find.
• No filters are needed
What/who is this camera competing with?
• There is no comparable competitive product on the market.
• Systems that offer the same optics as the XT lack any integration and
control; they also require significant education and experience to use.
• There may be systems called “technical cameras” which are smaller than the
XT. However they offer neither the advantages of movements nor integration of components, and most importantly they are not available with the X-Shutter.
How much does it cost?
• System cost: $56,990
• Lenses: $8,990 – $11,990
What’s included?
Warranty, etc.: 5 Year Warranty on all components (including unlimited shutter actuations during this period)
Why is it so expensive?
• Built to a standard, not a price point – there is no better image quality
available today.
• It’s an investment – built to last
