RSS
 

Posts Tagged ‘100MP’

Fujifilm Introduces FUJIFILM GFX100 IR for 100MP infrared imaging

25 Nov
Image shows standard Fujifilm GFX100

Fujifilm has announced a special version of its 100MP GX100, for infrared imaging. Photography is possible at up to 400MP, courtesy of a new ‘Pixel Shift Combiner’ feature The new camera will be available for special order in early 2021.

Press release:

Fujifilm Introduces FUJIFILM GFX100 IR (Infrared) Large Format Mirrorless Digital Camera

Valhalla, N.Y., November 25, 2020 – FUJIFILM North America Corporation is pleased to announce the launch of FUJIFILM GFX100 IR digital camera (GFX100 IR), a uniquely specialized version of its GFX100 large format mirrorless digital camera, now with infrared image-making capabilities, which can be produced upon order for professionals in forensic, scientific, and cultural preservation fields. Infrared images can now be made at 100MP – and even at 400MP through GFX100 IR’s new Pixel Shift Multi-Shot function – to reveal intricate details within a subject or scene that can only normally be seen through the infrared spectrum.

GFX100 IR also includes the ability to:

Make images in the infrared spectrum at an incredible 100MP or 400MP of resolution

Images made of a subject within the infrared spectrum can reveal details that a regular (non-IR) digital camera or the naked eye cannot see. For example, in the field of forensics, this can be an important tool in helping to identify counterfeit documents. For individuals working in cultural preservation, GFX100 IR can be used to analyze pigments in works of art and historical artifacts, even if they have degraded over time. Using the Pixel Shift Multi-Shot feature on GFX100 IR can create 400MP images with incredible detail and little-to-no color fringing.

“Using GFX100 IR with the Pixel Shift Multi-Shot feature is invaluable for cultural research because reviewing images in infrared could lead to unlocking the secrets of some of history’s most treasured artifacts,” said Victor Ha, senior director of marketing and product development for FUJIFILM North America Corporation. “It can also be an incredibly powerful tool for researchers using the images to evaluate works of art or pieces of evidence.”

Use special filters to make images within specific wavelengths

Different IR filters in front of the camera lens can be used to make images at various wavelengths, which can reveal different details within a subject. However, using the appropriate IR cut filter will allow GFX100 IR to be used normally (i.e. in the same manner as the standard FUJIFILM GFX100 digital camera) to make regular, color images within the visible spectrum.

Additionally, when the camera is set in a fixed position and paired with Capture One or a similarly compatible software application to engage tethered capture functionality, users can create images with the same angle of view. This enables them to maintain a simple capture to output workflow for maximum efficiency.

Availability

GFX100 IR is designed for forensic, scientific, and cultural preservation applications, and the product will not be made available to general photographers or customers for personal use. GFX100 IR will only be offered by specific, Fujifilm authorized retailers, and sales of GFX100 IR will be subject to a GFX100 IR User Agreement, which sets out the specific terms of use for the camera. GFX100 IR is currently expected to be available in the first quarter of 2021.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Fujifilm Introduces FUJIFILM GFX100 IR for 100MP infrared imaging

Posted in Uncategorized

 

EXCLUSIVE: Hands-on with Fujifilm 100MP GFX medium-format

11 Feb

EXCLUSIVE: Hands-on with Fujifilm 100MP GFX

Announced back at Photokina in September 2018, Fujifilm’s next-generation GFX medium-format camera is getting closer to becoming reality. Sporting a 100MP BSI CMOS sensor and built-in image stabilization, the GFX 100 represents a significant evolution of the GFX 50S, which debuted the basic body shape and control philosophy of Fujifilm’s current medium-format lineup.

We’re at the Gulf Photo Pro event in Dubai, where Fujifilm gave us a sneak peek at the first working prototype of the upcoming camera, to see for ourselves how it’s shaping up. Click through for a closer look.

EXCLUSIVE: Hands-on with Fujifilm 100MP GFX

This is an early prototype, with many key features in-place and working, but not all. This particular camera is literally ‘unfinished’ in another sense, because it’s still waiting for its final cladding. The current smooth rubber covering will be replaced by a textured finish, similar to that used on the GFX 50S.

EXCLUSIVE: Hands-on with Fujifilm 100MP GFX

At a casual glance, the GFX 100 looks a lot like a GFX 50S with a lighter gray finish and battery grip attached, and from an ergonomic point of view that’s not too far off being accurate, in many respects. The ‘grip’ is integral to the camera, providing more space inside the body for large components like the mechanical shutter and IBIS unit, which has to stabilize a sensor 1.7X larger than full-frame (43.8mm x 32.9mm).

With the relatively lightweight GF 45mm F2.8 attached, the GFX 100 feels more like a professional full-frame DSLR than a medium-format mirrorless camera. Exact dimensions and final weight are still secret, but my sense from handling the GFX 100 with the 45mm F2.8 is that it has about the same kind of heft as something like a Nikon D5 or Canon EOS-1DX II with a fast prime attached.

EXCLUSIVE: Hands-on with Fujifilm 100MP GFX

From the top, the GFX 100 starts looking a lot less like the GFX 50S that went before it. It’s blockier and a little more industrial-looking for a start, and lacks the retro-style dials that are a characteristic of previous GF and X-series cameras.

A large high-contrast information panel dominates the upper right of the top-plate, while a large 3-position dial on the left is used to switch the camera between movie, stills and multiple exposure modes. The ‘drive’ button at its center allows you to determine your desired frame-rate, in combination with the camera’s control dials.

EXCLUSIVE: Hands-on with Fujifilm 100MP GFX

The top screen on this prototype is not fully activated, but it will show a comprehensive status display of major exposure parameters, including exposure compensation. It is hoped that in this way, users of the new camera won’t miss the large shutter speed and ISO dials of its predecessor too badly.

A major and very welcome change in the GFX 100 compared to the earlier 50S is the electronic viewfinder. At Fujifilm’s request I have to be a little vague about the exact specifications of the finder, but I can tell you that in terms of clarity and resolution it compares well to the excellent EVF in the X-H1, and is free from the pixelation and noticeable lag which affected the finder of the 50S, especially when autofocus was initiated.

EXCLUSIVE: Hands-on with Fujifilm 100MP GFX

Just like the GFX 50S, the viewfinder unit is removable, and will be interchangeable with the viewfinder from the earlier camera. However, GFX 50S users hoping to save some money might be disappointed – when the GFX 50S finder is attached to the GFX 100, they won’t get the benefit of the greatly improved resolution of the newer EVF.

EXCLUSIVE: Hands-on with Fujifilm 100MP GFX

From the rear, more differences compared to the GFX 50S are obvious. The focus mode dial has been swapped from the left to the right of the viewfinder, playback has been relocated to the lower right of the screen, and the 4-way controller of the older camera has been deleted entirely.

As well as the larger top-mounted display there’s an all-new OLED ribbon display on the back, below the main LCD. Not activated in this prototype, the intention is that this display will serve to show the status of key camera settings. I was hoping it might be touch sensitive, but apparently not.

EXCLUSIVE: Hands-on with Fujifilm 100MP GFX

The rear LCD assembly isn’t quite flush with the rest of the rear controls but it sticks out a lot less than the original GFX, partly because of the relocation of the large battery to below the screen, inside the grip.

Like the GFX 50S, the main rear display is tilting and touch-sensitive, which is good because also like the 50S, the small rear joystick (which is duplicated in the GFX 100) is rather small and recessed. Setting AF point by touch might be a little easier in some situations, especially when the camera is tripod mounted.

EXCLUSIVE: Hands-on with Fujifilm 100MP GFX

Here’s a closer look at the duplicated controls on the integrated vertical grip. While the main shutter dial has an on/off switch collar, the same control on the secondary shutter release serves to lock/unlock the button.

EXCLUSIVE: Hands-on with Fujifilm 100MP GFX

Inside the ‘grip’ is a tray which accepts two of the same NP-T125 batteries first introduced in the GFX 50S. Battery life figures have yet to be confirmed, but I’m told that Fujifilm is aiming for around the same rating as the older camera, i.e., ~400 shots (CIPA) per single charge, which would double presumably to ~800 shots when both batteries are loaded into the GFX 100.

While two batteries will double the battery life, the GFX 100 will work perfectly happily with only one.

EXCLUSIVE: Hands-on with Fujifilm 100MP GFX

Two batteries, and two card slots, but somewhat surprisingly, both are SD. Despite its high pixel count Fujifilm has opted not to include support for the next-generation XQD/CFexpress media in the GFX 100, but apparently this is being discussed for future products in the GFX lineup.

EXCLUSIVE: Hands-on with Fujifilm 100MP GFX

I/O ports are as expected, with microphone and headphone jacks, plus HDMI and USB, courtesy of a USB 3.0 Type C port. A traditional PC socket is positioned on the side of the camera, under a threaded cap (just visible here between the two open port covers.

While unconfirmed, the lightening bolt symbol on the port door suggests that it will be possible to charge the GFX 100 over USB. I suspect that to operate the camera under remote power, the 15V DC IN socket will need to come into play.

EXCLUSIVE: Hands-on with Fujifilm 100MP GFX

At the heart of the GFX 100 is a newly developed 100MP BSI CMOS sensor, which at a component level we understand is similar to the sensor used in the X-T3 . In addition to extra pixels, the new sensor also incorporates phase-detection AF pixels (details still TBD) and support for 4K/30, 10bit, 4:2:0 video internally and 10bit 4:2:2 externally via HDMI. Perhaps most importantly, from the perspective of many photographers is in-camera stabilization – a first for medium format.

EXCLUSIVE: Hands-on with Fujifilm 100MP GFX

While the exact details of expected performance are still secret, a quick hotel conference room handheld shooting test with the GF 45mm F2.8 delivered plenty of sharp images at 1/20sec and a couple of acceptably sharp shots at shutter speeds as low as 1/6sec. Rest assured that as soon as we get our hands on a final camera, this is something we really want to test.

In theory, we’re told that the GFX 100 could support sensor-shift features in future, such as higher-resolution capture. While such modes probably won’t make it into the initial shipping product, there’s a chance that extra features could be added via firmware.

EXCLUSIVE: Hands-on with Fujifilm 100MP GFX

Something else we really want to test is the GFX 100’s autofocus performance. In another highly unscientific hotel conference room test, AF speed appears very good, and certainly greatly improved over the original GFX 50S. This is certainly due in part to the new phase-detection autofocus system, and also the substantially more powerful on-board processor of the higher-resolution camera. Also, compared to the ‘hair trigger’ of some current Fujifilm cameras, the shutter button response on this prototype GFX 100 has a little more travel, and feels similar in responsiveness to a Nikon or Canon DSLR.

Pictured here is Makoto Oishi, who is in charge of the GFX 100’s development. His team still has a lot of work still to do, but he is confident that the camera will be available on-time, in late spring or early summer. Price is still to be confirmed, but is expected to be in the region of $ 10,000.

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on EXCLUSIVE: Hands-on with Fujifilm 100MP GFX medium-format

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Fujifilm developing 100MP medium format with phase detection and IBIS

27 Sep

Fujifilm has said it is developing a 100MP GFX medium format camera that will include both phase detection autofocus and in-body image stabilization. The 4K-capable camera will sell for around $ 10,000.

The development was announced at the company’s press conference at the Photokina trade show in Cologne, Germany, alongside the unveiling of the 50MP GFX 50R model.

A mockup on display at the event shows it to resemble a dual-grip variant of the existing GFX 50S model but without the protruding hump at the back of the body.

No details beyond these headline specs were made available but the company said the camera would be available in 2019.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Fujifilm developing 100MP medium format with phase detection and IBIS

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Phase One iXM 100MP aerial camera uses world’s first BSI medium format sensor

05 May

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_9985933584″,”galleryId”:”9985933584″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”isMobile”:false}) });

The Industrial arm of Danish camera manufacturer Phase One has launched an aerial camera that uses the world’s first backlit medium format sensor. It’s called the iXM 100MP, and it’s almost certainly the first camera to use this sensor from Sony that we told you about back in November.

The iXM 100MP is part of a new iXM system of cameras and lenses designed to be used attached to drones or manned aircraft. A 50-megapixel version, the iXM 50MP, has also been launched, but the iXM 100MP uses backside illumination to boost the light sensitivity of the sensor and to improve its dynamic range.

The two cameras use 4:3 ratio sensors measuring 33x44mm, and both offer XQD storage as well as HDMI-out to allow realtime preview. USB-C and 10G Ethernet ports provide the means to connect directly to on-board storage and control in larger craft, to synchronize an array of cameras for 3D capture, and to speed up mapping work.

The system incorporates four new lenses designed specifically to work with these sensors. The RSM range use leaf-shutters with a shortest opening of 1/2500sec, and which can work at a rate of three frames per second. The shutters are guaranteed for 500,000 actuations, and the lenses have been designed to operate at a wide range of temperatures and altitudes without loss of quality.

Two of the news lenses—a 35mm and an 80mm—have fixed focus, while a further 80mm and a 150mm use motorized focus with focusing determined either before the flight or in the air using a remote control. The focusing versions are aimed at those carrying out structural inspections at different distances rather than those mapping from a constant height.

Here’s a quick first look at the iXM Camera Series:

The iXM cameras and their RSM lenses are expected to ship in June 2018, with lenses costing $ 10,000/€8000 and the cameras priced at $ 40,000/€32,000 (iXM 100MP) and $ 21,000/€17,000 (iXM 50MP). While the price of these models might put them beyond the range of most photographers, it is worth getting excited about the prospect of a 100MP BSI sensor entering the regular still photography market sometime soon. Fingers crossed.

For more information on the iXM range see the Phase One Industrial website.

Press release

Phase One Industrial Innovates UAV-based Aerial Imagery – Launches iXM Metric Cameras and Motorized Lenses

Phase One Industrial today launched the iXM series: a breakthrough aerial camera platform driven by the world’s fastest medium-format imaging sensor. Engineered for UAV-imaging missions, the iXM 100MP is a high-productivity metric camera with a range of high-resolution lenses. The iXM is ready for integration with a wide
range of UAV platforms, including Phase One’s DJI Matrice 600 Pro solution.

The iXM 100MP metric camera incorporates the first medium-format sensor with backside-illumination technology, enabling high light sensitivity and extended dynamic range. Fast, highly responsive, robust, and weatherproof (IP53 compliant), the iXM 100MP delivers superior quality aerial imaging and flexible operation to satisfy diverse mapping, surveying, and inspection applications.

Also today, Phase One announced four new specially developed RSM lenses – with focal lengths ranging from 35mm to 150mm – to seamlessly fit the new sensor’s 3.76?m pixel size and 33×44 mm frame size, ensuring image sharpness across the entire FOV. The lenses are available with either fixed-focus or motorized-focus functionality.

The fixed-focus 35mm and 80mm lenses provide superior image radiometric quality, high ground resolution, and large coverage – perfect for surveying applications.

The motorized-focus 80mm and 150mm lenses are ideal for a wide range of inspection applications, including electricity poles, wind turbines, bridges, and other private-sector or government structures.

Motorized-focused lenses, having no external moving parts, enable a number of new uses for inspection applications where the focusing distance can be predefined based on flight planning, or by the operator, using a wireless remote control. With the motorized lens, the camera captures sharp and highly detailed images of multi-distance or 3D objects.

The cameras’ RSM lenses incorporate a new leaf-shutter technology, which supports 3 fps capture – with a speed of 1/2500 sec – while guaranteeing 500,000 actuations. The lenses are thermally stable to ensure consistent focus over a wide range of temperatures and flight altitudes. With optics designed to exploit the full benefits of the new sensor technology, the lenses provide with greater productivity, flexibility, and reliability, offering superb image quality.

The new iXM platform adds XQD high-speed storage technology to handle the sensor’s extremely fast frame rate. Also on all cameras, HDMI output from actual exposure provides UAV operators simple and outage-free feedback of actual view, exposures, and camera status in overlays. In addition, the new platform includes USB-C and 10G Ethernet for versatility of connectivity to large UAVs and aircraft.

For complete technical specifications, please see http://industrial.phaseone.com/landing/The_New_iXM_Series.aspx

“Working with our UAV partners, we see a fast-growing market driven by great potential for time and cost savings over traditional inspection and surveying methods,” said Dov Kalinski, General Manager of Phase One Industrial. “With its new technology, design, and capabilities, the iXM 100MP promises to help start a new era in inspection missions with UAVs. Phase One Industrial continues to push technical boundaries to equip drones and larger UAVs with superior imaging technology – engineering advanced systems, cameras, and software – to help achieve that potential.”

Availability and Pricing

The iXM 100MP and iXM 50MP metric cameras are available today for advance order – from Phase One Industrial partners worldwide – with delivery in June 2018.

Pricing for the:

  • iXM 100 MP camera: 32,000 Euro/40,000 USD
  • iXM 50 MP camera: 17,000 Euro/21,000 USD
  • Lenses: 8,000 Euro/10,000 USD

For more information regarding purchase options and partner locations, please contact us at: https://industrial.phaseone.com/Contact.aspx

About Phase One Industrial

Phase One Industrial is a division of Phase One A/S that researches, develops, and manufactures specialized industrial camera systems and imaging software solutions. The company focuses on specific applications such as aerial mapping and surveying, ground and aerial inspection, agriculture, machine vision and homeland security.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Phase One iXM 100MP aerial camera uses world’s first BSI medium format sensor

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Video: Shooting with a $63,000 100MP monochrome medium format camera

07 Nov

Ted Forbes—photographer and inspirational educator behind The Art of Photography—recently got a chance to try out the Phase One IQ3 100MP Achromatic digital back, and man did it ever leave an impression. In his short video overview above, he dives into the images he captured with this bayer filter-free, monochromatic medium format beast, explaining why he feels this camera is a true ‘gamechanger.’

If that word triggers your gag reflex, you’re not alone, but Forbes isn’t one to throw hyperbole around and he gives good reason (and plenty of examples) for why he believes this digital back is something special. Pay particular attention to what Forbes is able to do using filters and the sensor’s ability to pick up light outside of the visible spectrum.

Check out the full video above to see the camera in action and dive into some sample images, but don’t forget to watch it at the highest possible resolution YouTube and your monitor can handle. You’ll need every available pixel at your disposal.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Video: Shooting with a $63,000 100MP monochrome medium format camera

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Phase One unveils IQ3 100MP Trichromatic digital back, promises unmatched color quality

13 Sep

Phase One unveiled its newest IQ3 model today. A 100MP digital back designed in partnership with Sony, it’s called the Trichromatic because of its focus on exceptional color reproduction that supposedly matches the capacity of the human eye. In many ways the photographic foil of the Achromatic digital back, the Trichromatic is the “brain child” of Phase One’s long standing collaboration with Sony.

Not to put too fine a point on it, Phase One promises the Trichromatic will bring “unsurpassed color quality to the hands of the finest photographers across the globe.” No big deal… just unsurpassed color quality.

Here’s a quick video introduction to the new camera, and a hands-on look/ad by fine art photographer Tony Hewitt:

The Trichromatic achieves these color feats thanks to new Bayer color filter technology that has been implemented on the ultra-high res 100MP CMOS sensor. This technology is allegedly “exclusive” to Phase One, and “transforms digital color capabilities to render color more authentically than ever.”

Phase One also claims that the Trichromatic’s sensor design offers the “absolute lowest digital noise” of any medium format CMOS camera on the market thanks to a new base ISO level of just ISO 35.

Here are a few high res sample photos courtesy of Phase One:

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_0745746730″,”galleryId”:”0745746730″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”standalone”:false,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”startInCommentsView”:false,”isMobile”:false}) });

The IQ3 100MP Trichromatic Digital Back is available today at a wallet-shrinking suggested retail price of $ 44,990. Or, if you have an extra five grand and want to get a slightly better deal, you can pick up the Trichromatic alongside an XF camera body, a prime lens of your choice from the Schneider Kreuznach Blue Ring lineup, and a 5-year warranty for $ 49,990.

To learn more, head over to the Phase One website or read the full press release below.

Press Release

Introducing the Phase One IQ3 100MP Trichromatic Digital Back

The art of expression. The science of color.

COPENHAGEN, September 13, 2017 – Phase One today announced the Phase One IQ3 100MP Trichromatic Digital Back, based on a new CMOS sensor designed to capture color as perceived by the human eye. The new sensor technology in the IQ3 100MP Trichromatic Digital Back is the brainchild of a longstanding collaboration between Sony and Phase One. The result is astonishing color definition – with which champions of photography are able to create and express their artistic visions more accurately than ever before.

In this way, Phase One’s latest product brings unsurpassed color quality to the hands of the finest photographers across the globe.

The 100MP CMOS sensor in the IQ3 100MP Trichromatic Digital Back incorporates new Bayer Filter color technology, the result of Phase One’s close working relationship with Sony. Available exclusively through Phase One, this new technology transforms digital color capabilities to render color more authentically than ever – giving the world’s foremost photographers 101-megapixels of unprecedented creativity.

Click on the following link to learn more about the Phase One IQ3 100MP Trichromatic Digital Back: www.phaseone.com/trichromatic

“As a photographer, one of the things that excites me the most is having the opportunity to use color to evoke emotion. The Trichromatic Camera System itself becomes a true extension of my vision, and what my eye sees and what my eye wants to express – the camera delivers.” – Tony Hewitt, Fine Art Photographer

This pioneering sensor design has also established the lowest and therefore cleanest base ISO of any medium format CMOS sensor. At an impressive ISO 35, the results of the IQ3 100MP Trichromatic are crisp and clean, providing the absolute lowest digital noise for any CMOS system of its size.

“The ability to capture an image that reflects exactly what you see the moment you press the shutter button, with little interpretation or conjecture, is a fantastic leap for photography and more importantly, for the integrity of image quality,” said Niels Knudsen, Phase One Image Quality Professor.

Availability and Pricing:

The IQ3 100MP Trichromatic Digital Back is available now through Phase One Partners: www.phaseone.com/partners. Contact your local Phase One Partner to arrange a demo.

The Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for the IQ3 100MP Trichromatic Digital Back is $ 44,990 USD.

The Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for the XF IQ3 100MP Trichromatic Camera System, including XF Camera Body, free Prime Lens choice and a 5-year warranty is $ 49,990 USD.

All Phase One XF IQ3 Camera Systems are supplied with a free lens of choice from the Schneider Kreuznach Blue Ring Prime Lens range, valued up to $ 6,990 USD.

Phase One also announced their Feature Update #4 today, which is available immediately for downloaded free of charge for all XF Camera System owners at www.phaseone.com/Feature-Update-4

For more details, please go to: http://www.phaseone.com or book a demo on: www.phaseone.com/DemoSignup

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Phase One unveils IQ3 100MP Trichromatic digital back, promises unmatched color quality

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Hasselblad launches A6D 100MP aerial camera

18 May

Hasselblad has updated its aerial camera offering with a new model that features a 100MP sensor. The A6D appears to have replaced the A5D series, which had a number of sensor options, with a single body using the company’s highest resolution back. The new model has many features similar to the previous incarnation and allows synchronization of up to eight cable-connected bodies with a delay of just 20 microseconds.

The use of the 100MP sensor increases the system’s dynamic range from a maximum of 14 to 15 stops, and the company has installed a slot for CFast 2.0 memory media.

Hasselblad has nine H lenses that have been adapted especially for aerial use. With focal lengths from 24mm to 300mm the system offers angles of view of 96-10.2° and a new top shutter speed of 1/4000sec. Hasselblad says that because its lenses use leaf shutters they are less exposed to issues of the plane’s movements than focal plane shutter systems that can only compensate for motion in a single direction – usually forward.

The A6D will be available with or without an infrared cut filter so it can be used with sensitivity to extended wave lengths of 750-1000nm. For more information see the Hasselblad website.

Warning: sample image is 68MB

Press release

Hasselblad Introduces a 100 Megapixel Aerial Camera System

Aerial photography delivers better results today than ever before and Hasselblad continues to grow its presence in the market, introducing more advanced products and applications for the aerial photographic industry. This is reflected in the Hasselblad A6D-100c, the latest evolution of Hasselblad aerial cameras.

Hasselblad cameras are developed by building on the shoulders of the previous generation of models which enables all of the prior advancements and branch-demanding features to be automatically included. This process allows Hasselblad to continually enhance and develop models. The A6D heralds a technological improvement that is noticeably greater than earlier generations.

The A6D Aerial camera includes a feature that allows up to eight cameras to be synchronized within 20 ?s. A simple bus-type cable connection is required between all cameras in the set-up. This feature completely eliminates any issues in post-production caused by un-synchronized exposures.

Product Manager Bjarne Hjörlund commented, “Available in 100 megapixel resolutions, the A6D camera combines the world’s best optics and sensors with a modern, compact design, resulting in a system that will ensure you attain the highest possible image quality. Hasselblad aerial cameras provide a range of important features that help deliver your imaging requirements”.

Nine H System lenses are available in aerial versions with secure locking mounts to minimize vibration and flexing which guarantees the image plane and sensor stay parallel at all times. These units ship with their focus precisely adjusted and fixed at infinity. The focal length range from 24 to 300mm of these lenses results in a horizontal AFOV of 96° to 10.2° covering most applications. The new generation of leaf shutters for the H lenses has an extended lifetime, which ensures reliability during flight.

In addition, the exposure time for the aerial lenses has been improved up to 1/4000 of a second, for sharp and crisp images. Traditionally, FMC systems typically only compensate for movement in a single direction, but the fast leaf shutter-based exposure time can both compensate for ground speed and the roll and pitch of the plane.

Near Infra-Red Photography
The A6D camera is available with or without Infra-Red filter for infra-red captures from 750nm to 1000nm to serve the needs of aerial analysis, such as environment surveying and crop management. NDVI, CIR and NIR imaging is possible with third party software.

Phocus SDK by Hasselblad
To facilitate the development of user specific software, Hasselblad offers a complete Software Developers Kit (SDK) which allows full control of camera and image processing from the user’s own software. To quickly get started using the A6D aerial cameras for photography, Hasselblad has created a simple but effective PC sample application which can capture and store RAW files coming from the camera. All source code for this application is supplied to allow the user to adapt to special individual requirements.

Technical Data Sheet:
Key Features

  • Medium format 100 Megapixel resolution
  • The A6D Aerial includes a feature that allows up to 8 cameras to be synchronized within 20 microseconds.
  • 9 of the H System lenses are available in aerial versions
  • The exposure time for the aerial lenses is increased up to 1/4000 of a second
  • The A6D camera is available with or without Infra-Red filter to allow infra-red captures from 750nm to 1000nm

Additional Features

  • Reduced foot print designed to fit existing POD mountings
  • Up to 15 stops Dynamic
  • Improved external connectivity via stable LEMO connections
  • Fits plane power with a power requirement of 12 – 24 volt DC
  • FMS and multiple camera synchronization
  • Secure camera mounting via 4 x M4 screws
  • Lens locking mechanism with additional lens protector
  • Onboard fast 500+ Mbytes/sec CFast2.0 storage with a capacity of up to 512 GByte
  • External storage interface via locked USB3.0 type C-connection
  • Fully mechanically fixed system to minimize effects of vibrations

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Hasselblad launches A6D 100MP aerial camera

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Take a look at a 380-shot mosaic of Apple’s new campus created with a 100MP Phase One camera

06 Jan

A composite of 380 100MP aerial images has been created of the site of Apple’s new campus by photo mapping and data company SkyIMD. The company usually provides the kit for other aerial photographers to use, but on this occasion wanted to show off the amount of detail that can be captured with a Phase One iXU RS1000 100MP aerial camera. The company used software to create flight paths over the 0.5 square mile construction site and spent just thirty minutes shooting 420 images with the camera attached to a Cessna 172 light aircraft.

When combined to create a single picture of the whole area, the images allow dramatic magnification so that people in the scene can be picked out – even though the plane was flying at 2000ft with a lens just longer than standard for the format.

The Phase One iXU RS1000 industrial camera uses the same CMOS sensor that is used in the IQ3 100 back for the XF 645-style DSLR body, but in this case it is used in a body with no moving parts. The firm used a Rodenstock 90mm lens with the body and once all 420 images were combined and cropped to the equivalent of 380 images, the file measured 4.76GB. SkyIMD used Photoshop’s Photomerge feature to combine the images, but to maintain manageable amounts of data the company divided the images into batches of over 70 covering specific areas of the site. Once the batches were combined those composites were also combined to create the final image, which you can see on the SkyIMD website.

SkyIMD’s Michael Estigoy has provided some detail about how the image was shot and created.

All of the images were captured using our FAA/EASA/ANAC STC certified Aerial Camera Platform. The platform mounts to the strut of a plane (Cessna) and holds the PhaseOne iXU RS1000 90mm camera in a vertical (nadir) position.

During the pre-flight process, we used a software program called Flight Planner from AeroScientific (http://www.aerosci.info/flightplanner/) to create our flight paths, and calculate the frequency of the intervalometer based on the speed, altitude and desired GSD (ground sample distance).

Using the PhaseOne iX Capture Software, we set the exposure and ISO to obtain the best image balance we could. There was some consideration given to capture as much detail as possible – balancing the exposure between not making the shadows too dark and whites/brights too blown out.

We loaded up the flight plan on our iPad – we use an application called Galileo Offline Maps (https://galileo-app.com/) – to depict the flight lines and line up our airplane. Our pilot, who has years of experience flying missions like this, lined up the plane at the speed and altitude we calculated pre-flight, and then flew the lines straight and level. I controlled the camera operation and made sure that the image quality and coverage was being captured successfully.

The parcel required us to fly 7 flight lines to capture the imagery. We flew one grid.
We are planning follow up flights and will fly a double grid pattern on those, or a cross hatch pattern, to capture more images and enable us to create better mosaics and perhaps a 3D model or flyover.

Stitching and imaging process
We typically use photogrammetry software such as those offered by Pix4D and Agisoft. However, this time I elected to try and use Adobe Photoshop to create the Mosaic. I used the Photomerge function.

We had a total of 420 images. We have a high-powered computer (8 core i7, 64GB RAM, m.2 SSD drives, etc., GeForce GTX video card), but 420 is almost impossible to process all at once. I grouped the images into six separate folders, each representing an area of parcel. Each group shared some images with the other groups in order to facilitate matching. After each group, or chunk, of images was merged, I corrected them for distortion and then merged the groups together. After merging, any major flaws were cut out and images were sourced to fill in the holes.

Photoshop used 90% of our installed RAM and approx. 700 GB of scratch disk space on two m.2 SSD drives to complete each group, including the final mosaic.

As mentioned on our site, we did not take any time to massage the resulting mosaic Photoshop produced. I may have adjusted curves, performed some slight sharpening, and that’s about it. There are obvious mis-alignments and distortions in the image. We wanted to share the image rather than spend another week making it perfect.

The final image was cropped to the final size. I had seen the plans Apple submitted to the City of Cupertino and wanted to try and represent that area of view (pages 3 & 4 of this PDF – https://s3.amazonaws.com/apple-campus2-project/Site_Plan1_Submittal7.pdf). The crop was made visually. We eliminated the use of about 40 photos, hence the approx 380 images mentioned on our site.

The image was too large for TIFF or JPG format so it was saved as a Photoshop Large Document (.PSB). In order to support the zooming feature on our web, we used a photoshop plugin from Microsoft:
http://research.microsoft.com/en-us/um/redmond/groups/ivm/HDView/HDPhotoshopPlugin.htm. This created the thousands of tiles for zooming.

I used Openseadragon for the javascript/web enablement for the zoom/interactive viewer:http://openseadragon.github.io/

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Take a look at a 380-shot mosaic of Apple’s new campus created with a 100MP Phase One camera

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Phase One XF IQ3 100MP update adds electronic shutter

04 Oct

Danish medium-format manufacturer Phase One has released a firmware update for its XF camera system that introduces an electronic shutter function to its IQ3 100MP digital back as well as a menu screen for controlling Profoto flash heads via the Air Remote TTL radio communication network.

This will be the third firmware update for the XF body since it was launched. The benefit of the electronic shutter is that it will be possible to record images with the 100MP sensor without involving any moving parts in the camera. Although previously the XF offered a mirror-up mode, the shutter unit still created some vibration during the exposure that could diminish the resolution of the final image. Phase One says that exposures of between one hour and 1/4000sec will be possible in electronic shutter mode.

The new firmware also adjusts the function of the Profoto Air radio trigger that is built into the XF body. While previously the trigger just controlled when wirelessly connected flashes fired, now users are also able to control output directly from the camera’s back using a TTL metering system. This allows users to control and monitor up to six groups of heads directly from the back’s own display. The update has also brought an information panel that demonstrates how the flash duration and output curve correspond to the camera’s shutter synchronization so photographers can ensure they are optimizing the timing of the shutter to make the most of the period during which the flash is lit.

The company has altered its 5-year warranty terms too, abolishing the limit on shutter actuations – presumably as the body no longer needs to trigger the mechanical shutter to make an exposure. Phase One has also officially introduced the vertical grip it had displayed ‘unofficially’ at Photokina. The V-Grip offers almost the same right hand control dials as the body’s own grip including, obviously, a shutter release button in the same place. The grip will be available from November at $ 1490, and the new firmware has been released today as a free download. For more information see the Phase One website and the firmware download page.

Press release:

Phase One Releases XF Camera System Feature Update #3

Adding new functionality, new hardware and improved warranty

COPENHAGEN, Oct. 3, 2016 – Phase One, the world’s leading medium format camera system provider, today released a major XF Camera System update. Available now and free to all XF Camera System owners, this update demonstrates Phase One’s commitment to the continuous upgrade and improvement of the XF camera platform.

Feature Update #3 greatly advances the features of the world’s first full frame medium format CMOS sensor. The IQ3 100MP system now includes complete Electronic Shutter integration — the world’s first in medium format photography. With the ability to capture images without a single moving component, the IQ3 100MP is now even more versatile.

The update adds significant improvements for studio and flash photography applications such as advanced flash controls with the in-camera Profoto Air Remote enabling Profoto TTL metering. Further, a post capture Flash Analysis Tool has been added to ensure unparalleled control.

Phase One also today introduced the new XF V-Grip, providing advanced ergonomic capabilities and control options.

The world’s best warranty becomes even better
Phase One’s dedication to product quality, in combination with the maturity of the XF Camera System, provides professional photographers with the assurance they demand.

“All XF IQ3 Camera Systems come with a five-year warranty that now includes unlimited shutter actuations, a warranty unprecedented in our industry,” says Stefan Sandor, VP Marketing and Product Management, Phase One.

Phase One’s XF Camera System Feature Update #3 introduces

Advanced Studio Hardware, Controls and Workflow:

Flash Analysis and Rear Curtain Trim
Review all aspects of the flash output just after the capture, directly on the XF Camera System and offset the flash sync to meet your requirements;

Profoto Air
Full functionality of the Profoto Air for up to six groups, now built directly into the XF Camera System;

Profoto AirTTL
Integrated with the XF Camera System’s Auto Focus sensor to provide active feedback and deliver accurate exposures with every capture, no matter the variables.

V-Grip for the XF Camera System
Providing advanced ergonomic capabilities and control options, the XF Camera System V-Grip ensures simplicity as well as dynamic improvements to handheld workflow applications.

Advanced Technology, Tools and Customization:

Electronic Shutter for the IQ3 100MP ?
The IQ3 100MP now includes complete Electronic Shutter integration. With the ability to capture images without a single moving component, the IQ3 100MP is even more versatile.

Additional New Customization and Workflow Options
With Feature Update #3, the XF Camera System now includes Icon Control, Create, Load & Save System Setup, Advanced Tool Options for sequence tools, as well as several other new improvements and features.

For all the details, please go to: www.phaseone.com/feature-update-3 or book a demo on: www.phaseone.com/demo

Availability and Pricing

Firmware for the XF Camera System Feature Update #3 is free and available for download here: www.phaseone.com/feature-update-3

New XF V-Grip will be shipping in November and is available through Phase One photography partners worldwide: www.phaseone.com/partners?

Prices for Phase One XF V-Grip – 1,490 USD

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Phase One XF IQ3 100MP update adds electronic shutter

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Serious resolution: Phase One XF with IQ3 100MP back tested

03 Oct

Phase One XF with IQ3 100MP back tested

Phase One has enjoyed two significant updates since we last tested the company’s medium format offering: the 645DF+ body has been replaced by the more modern XF, and the IQ2 series of backs has been replaced by the updated IQ3 series. Added to that, Phase One has introduced a 100MP sensor to the IQ3 range. The new 100MP sensor is of the 54 x 40mm format, so somewhat larger than the previous 50MP 44 x33mm sensor. What is also significant is that it is a CMOS sensor and comes with all the flexibility that technology brings to these big and bulky cameras.

Phase One says that it has developed the sensor alongside Sony, and that a new design has introduced a range of benefits, including helping to increase the ISO range that can be offered, improving color accuracy and boosting dynamic range.

When I spoke to Lau Nørgaard, the head of R&D at Phase One, and asked him whether anyone needs 100MP he replied that the obvious customer base was anyone who needs to make big prints that will be inspected close-up.

Less obvious perhaps are the workflow advantages such resolution brings. He cited an example of someone photographing a car and then having to shoot all the details individually. With a 100MP back you shoot the whole car once and cut out all the detail shots from that image. Online clothing retailers like to provide roll-over enlargements of garments that show the texture of the fabric, and this back is ideal for that  – the weave of the finest fabric can be shown even from a full length shot that includes three or four models. The resolution also presents less of a risk of aliasing. Museums, galleries and aerial surveyors are obvious customers, as they need the detail, but Lau also explained that images of anything from this back will benefit from the pixel count even when downscaled – noise is reduced, and the superior color and tonal information is retained.

The new XF body

The Phase One XF is a 645-style medium format SLR body that’s designed to accept digital backs, with the company encouraging photographers to use its IQ1 and IQ3 series backs with resolutions of 40, 50, 60, 80 and 100 million pixels. Phase One has given its body a complete make-over and while it remains much the same basic form factor as the previous model, it is now much less mechanical and clunky, and features a number of dramatic improvements.

Key new features Phase One XF:

  • Shutter and mirror dampening
  • Electronic first curtain
  • Touch screen top plate display
  • Improved integration with the IQ3 backs
  • New handling layout
  • Metering in camera rather than in prism
  • Accepts waistlevel finder
  • Seismograph built-in
  • Separate battery from back – but can power share
  • Built-in wireless flash sync via Profoto Air Sync

There are so many really key improvements to this body that it is hard to know where to start. The experience of using the XF is dramatically different to using the 645DF+, which is why I think Phase One has given it a completely different name instead of making it a ‘Mark II’ or ‘X’.

Let’s start with the new shutter and mirror mechanism. The mirror action is still more violent than you’d encounter with a 35mm-style DSLR but the impact created when it flips up and down is a good deal reduced compared to the previous model. The shutter action is also much smoother, so when the shutter is tripped the whole operation is quieter. In the previous camera the mirror and the shutter were connected in the same mechanical set-up, but now the two operate as individual units – so in mirror-up mode the shutter can re-cock itself without the mirror having to flip back and forth.

Phase One has introduced a seismograph to the body that measures the amount the camera is vibrating, and displays the results as a moving graph on the top plate display. This helps to ensure the user trips the shutter when the camera is at its steadiest, and the incorporation of ‘vibration delay’ allows the camera to trip itself automatically when internal vibrations have died down. 

Further help towards reducing vibration comes in the form of an electronic first curtain mode that works when the mirror is already up – similar to that used in DSLRs like the Nikon D810. Phase One’s Lau Nørgaard told me that the company’s engineers studied the acceleration and rate of travel of the second curtain and mirrored that with the read-out progress of the electronic first curtain to ensure that the whole frame would be evenly exposed.

The new handling arrangements also make this a significantly easier camera to use, with a touch screen on the top plate that provides direct access to the shooting and exposure modes. Three dials controls shutter speed, aperture and ISO, while a mini-menu is controlled via a pair of Leica-style long silver buttons. In short, pretty much anything that you’ll need to access quickly and regularly has a short and direct path from the right-hand grip.

In the 645DF+ metering was handled through the prism of the camera, but in the XF it has moved to the body to allow exposure reading when using the new waist-level finder. There is an additional flash sync socket on the IQ3 backs for when the waist-level finder is in use, as the main one is on the prism head.

The XF body is light years ahead of the 645DF+, and a good deal more advanced than the Hasselblad H5D series cameras. It feels very modern for a medium format DSLR, and is so much easier to use and navigate as a consequence of the mass of new features.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Serious resolution: Phase One XF with IQ3 100MP back tested

Posted in Uncategorized

 
« Older Entries