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Monday, August 10, 2009

Beyond the D-SLR

For professionals, there are times when the modern D-SLR isn’t the camera that will get the job done

This Article Features Photo Zoom

Cambo X2-PRO

Phase One’s new P40+ back (available alone or as part of the Phase One P+ camera system) gives the photographer two cameras in one: A 40-megapixel one when you need high resolution and a 10-megapixel one when you need ISOs up to 3200 or a 50% faster shooting rate (1.8 fps vs. 1.2). Both modes provide 16-bit capture and a 12.5-stop dynamic range. The secret is “binning,” which combines the data from four pixels into a single piece of data, essentially turning every four 6x6-micron pixels into one 12x12-micron “superpixel” that gathers light more efficiently. Besides the increased ISO and shooting speed, the 10-megapixel Sensor+ mode results in much smaller file sizes, which can be advantageous in many situations.

At press time (July 2009), Phase One announced a major investment in Mamiya Digital Imaging and the purchase of Leaf, somewhat consolidating the medium-format and digital-back field. We can look to even better things in the future as a result of their combined efforts.

Each camera/back brand comes with its own software, and this should factor into your decision as to which system may be best for you. For
example, Phase One’s Capture One software is a popular RAW converter among users of many camera brands, including 35mm-based D-SLRs. Each software package has its own pluses and minuses, which should be considered along with the camera and back—while all can produce excellent results, some may be better suited to your personal preferences.