one
to
one
Paul Reiffer
Commercial photographerPaul shoots and produces ultra-high
definition images of vibrant cities and
iconic landscapes for clients including
Land Rover, CNN, National Geographic,
Ford, British Airways and Hyatt.
http://www.paulreiffer.comast year was
noteworthy for
a succession of
image resolution
records being
smashed, as a
sensor-size arms race broke
out in the digital camera market.
From medium-format mirrorless
(Fujifilm’s GFX 100: 102MP) to
full-frame (Sony’s A7R IV: 61MP),
and even a crop-sensor DSLR
(Canon’s EOS 90D: 32MP), 2019
saw genuine technical progress.
But the launch of the year
was surely Phase One’s XT, a
pro-grade full-frame medium-
format camera designed to be
used with the brand’s IQ4 digital
back (sensor resolution: 151MP).
Some may ask: does any of
this really matter? Whether
you’re using a full-frame or
crop-sensor camera, a
resolution of 22MP is perfectly
adequate for the needs of most
photographers. This resolution
‘sweet spot’ will produce
photographic prints up to A
(42 x 59.4cm; 16.5 x 23.4 inches)
and manageably sized raw files.
Surely other aspects of digital
camera technology – for
example, dynamic range andperformance – are more
important than sensor size?
It matters because a rising
tide lifts all boats. Some of the
innovations under the hood of
the Phase One XT won’t appear
on the wish lists of most
photographers, but could be
adapted by other manufacturers
looking to give themselves an
edge in a competitive market.
We reported on the launch of
the XT in our November issue,
noting that its mega-resolution
would make it appeal to high-
end professionals who need the
ultimate in image quality, and
in a portable form factor.
But what we wanted to know
most of all was what kind of
images are produced by a
camera that costs £46,
($56,990). So we asked Phase
One ambassador Paul Reiffer to
give us a full hands-on. Hailing
from Weymouth, Dorset, Paul
suggested Pulpit Rock, a local
coastal landmark next to the
lighthouse on Portland Bill.
When we meet on the day, rain
is forecast to fall until later in the
afternoon, so over lunch I find
out more about Paul and the
Phase One XT. Paul’sL