Jeff Lubeck

The PHASE ONE IQ4 151MP Camera System: Is It Worth It?

PHASE ONE is now delivering production versions of its latest Flagship offering – the XF IQ4 151 Camera System.

The Danish manufacturer announced the system upgrade in August 2018, with the intention this new offering would further widen the gap between themselves and the competition as the provider of the best and most powerful commercially available camera system in the marketplace.

It is not my intention to duplicate specification sheets of the offering. The nuts and bolts are located [here].

Founded in 1993, PHASE ONE has been on a relentless mission to create the best high-end offering available in the world for almost 10 years running.

The Bottom Line

Has PHASE ONE met their goal of creating the new Standard Bearer? Is the price of entry worth it?

After 30 days of use, the answer to the first question is – at least in my opinion – yes. As each day passes I get more comfortable with this determination. However, I could change my mind over the next few weeks of heavy duty field testing. Another aspect that could change my mind is the timeliness of delivery of features and functions promised by PHASE ONE. In my opinion, PHASE ONE is clearly pushing the envelope (which if implemented correctly is a great thing) and has missed some deadlines on providing features and functions from a firmware perspective (which is a bad thing).

The answer to the second question is a qualified yes. If the money you make for selling a fine art photographic work or a body of work from a photo shoot will ultimately pay for the disproportionately initial high investment – then yes.

In my case, people can walk into MESH Gallery and view the image above (Lunch in Lower Stanley) at 72 inches – On Canvas Framed. They can purchase a Limited Edition version from 24 inches to 144 inches in size. When the artwork is larger than 40 inches the IQ4 150 is proving to make a a material difference in the quality of the results. Less than 40 inches? – not-so-much.

The answer to the second question is yes – if money is no object and ego, or the desire to own the latest shiny new object rules the day.

When PHASE ONE announced its new offering, the advancement being suggested was material if not astonishing:

A new sensor architecture

A material increase in resolution (101-151 Megapixels)

A new technology platform to support the sensor

Capture One Image Processing Software embedded into IQ device

While I am a person willing to consider new propositions, I do become skeptical when major hype is included in the announcement (e.g, seamless, future-proof, promotional material includes pictures of female models boxing in Cuba).

When PHASE ONE stated their new platform was named “Infinity” – I will admit I rolled my eyes with a bit of sarcasm. Well… I have the product in hand and after 30 days so far so good – so I may have to eat some crow.

However, from a Risk Management perspective, a ground-up product change is highly challenging from delivery perspective and PHASE ONE is doing so with the IQ4 150. However, the risk is materially mitigated given my relationship with my vendor. I have my IQ3 100MP for the A-B Comparison and until then, I feel I am good to go. This situation has always been the case.

My plan is to field test and post my thoughts on the new system over the next few weeks. My goal is to provide observations and opinions based on real-world use of the product. I will attempt to provide a narrative that is not drowned out by pixel peeping, while at the same time is not filled with generalities and platitudes.

Backstory

I am an early Adopter. VHS over Betamax (although Betamax was better technically, licensing would favor VHS). I bought into and enjoyed Laserdisc and DVD from the start. I chose Bluray over HD-DVD (although HD-DVD and Bluray were similar, politics would favor Bluray). I bought into the Macintosh and MS-Windows graphical user interface platforms since their market introductions (actually prior to). I use both platforms to this day, but also have Chromebooks and Android devices.

In 2012, as the owner of the best Canon, Nikon and Sony 35 MM formats could offer in the marketplace, I considered, evaluated, and chose to invest in PHASE ONE and the larger sensor 645 format system they advocated.

The choice to move to the 645 platform was not easy. The decision was compounded by the fact that the PHASE ONE offerings are expensive. Before making the move, I carefully evaluated and field tested the offerings from Leica, Hasselblad, and Pentax. The problem for Leica, Hasselblad, and Pentax is they licensed cropped, non-full-frame offerings based on older technology digital CMOS Sensors. PHASE ONE chose to go 645 Full Frame and then developed with Sony the next two generations of digital sensors – 16 Bit, 101MP 54mm x 40mm Frontside CCD and 16 Bit, 151MP 54mm x 40mm Backside CMOS. The three Letter Acronyms and terminology is gobbledeegook to 99 44/100 of the population. So where do I sit? I chose to make the jump and have been rewarded handsomely on a variety of fronts since.

Over the past number of years, PHASE ONE bought out and brought in house one of the standard bearers of the 645 body and camera lens makers (i.e., Mamiya). For the past 10 years, PHASE ONE has worked with Schneider-Kreuznach to create the best lenses available for their 645 offerings. The PHASE ONE work with Sony on the digital sensor has already been pointed out previously. While there have been hiccups along the way, PHASE ONE made it clear their XF (Camera Body) and Blue Ring (Lenses) and IQ (Digital Back + Sensor) were to be the very best available in the market. At the same time PHASE ONE – in my opinion – remained smart and savvy, and continued to support the Technical Camera Body manufacturers (i.e., Alpa and Cambo) and the lenses they used (e.g., Rodenstock) that work with the PHASE ONE Digital Back offerings. I own a full WRS 5000 Technical Camera kit from Cambo and supported lenses. While the margin of difference is shrinking, if I need a 10 out of 10 from a photo-shoot and shot – the WRS 5000 Cambo Tech Body, Rodenstock or Schneider Lens, and IQ Sensor is Paper Money Daddy!

Another crucial aspect is having a resource to assist in identifying and selecting equipment and or upgrades that ultimately will prove to be in your interest. Equipment such as we are discussing should not be bought without it. I cannot stress this point more empathically. For me, that means Steve Hendrix, Brad Kaye, Dave Gallagher and Capture Integration of Atlanta. The relationship is in year seven and is stronger today that when it started in December of 2011. Steve, Brad, Dave, and CI have advised, consulted, represented my best interest, and most importantly protected me from myself. Your voice activated auto advisor does not meet that standard. In short, do not fool yourself; you get what you pay for and there are no free-lunches.

It should be noted that I am my own guy and have not been remunerated (I love this term) by PHASE ONE, Steve Hendrix, Brad Kaye or CI in any form or manner for my comments or remarks. I continue to use, purchase, and enjoy 35MM related camera gear (from Nikon, Sony and Sigma) and encourage you to to do so as well if it is best for your situation. The Mirrorless platforms are pressing the Digital Single Lens Reflex (DSLR) platforms in a big way. I also shoot with my Apple iPhone if the situation warrants – and make no apologies or condescending remarks when doing so. I mean what I suggest and imply. While I think highly of PHASE ONE gear, photographing Mother Mountain Goats and their babies (less than 10 days old) in the high peaks of the Rocky Mountains without disturbing them called for the Nikon D8XX camera bodies and the Nikkor 1000MM Lens. We brought along PHASE ONE Gear as well on the climbs that entailed 3,000 – 4,000 vertical feet of ascent with the starting point being 7,000 feet elevation. Having both platforms available served us well.

If you have aspects you would like for me to test and comment or you would like a link to my Dropbox page for the actual image files to review yourself:

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Test #1 – Compare the image sensor capture of the product to one of its predecessors: IQ4 151MP versus IQ3 100MP

I decided to compare the IQ4 151MP against my current back the IQ3 151MP by performing an A-B Comparison using the same XF Camera body, and Phase One lens with all settings being equal. The camera profile was to capture the image using the default settings of Outdoor daylight and Film Contrast. The images are displayed side by side in Capture One without any adjustments.

Note: Click on the image to view in larger size. For review on a web-page the comparison result is more directional than comprehensive. RGB images in 72 dpi will not yield anything definitive. Therefore, all the the actual images in this test can be made available to you if desired.

IQ4 151MP image starts with a P

IQ3 101MP image starts with a CF

Scene #1: The entrance to my home. AM 22 minutes after sunrise in January Temperature 12 degrees Fahrenheit

The images at 100%

Scene #2: The entrance to the Lift Tower Lodge. AM 60 minutes after sunrise in January Temperature 14 degrees Fahrenheit

The images at 100%

Scene #3: The entrance to the Sun Valley Lodge. AM 45 minutes after sunrise in January Temperature 14 degrees Fahrenheit

The images at 100%

Scene #4: The entrance to the Kentwood Lodge. AM 50 minutes after sunrise in January Temperature 14 degrees Fahrenheit

The images at 100%

Scene #5: The entrance to the Sisters Store. AM 50 minutes after sunrise in January Temperature 14 degrees Fahrenheit

The images at 100%

Scene #6: The office lamp. 22 minutes before bed in January Temperature 70 degrees Fahrenheit

The images at 100%

Scene #7: Winter on the Harriman Trail. AM 3 hours 10 minutes after sunrise in January Temperature 27 degrees Fahrenheit

The images at 100%

Scene #8: Lunch in Lower Stanley. PM 4 hours 20 minutes after sunrise in January Temperature 25 degrees Fahrenheit

The images at 100%

The Digital Sensor Considered in Context to Film.

The images from the eight scenes above are compared as captured and unprocessed. Digital images like their film counterparts do need processing to achieve an accurate, acceptable end product. There are (in history) about 32 major makers of still-camera film for print. Each offers/offered various products that were created to handle different ISO levels, light sources, grain, contrast, tint, and other aspects. As a photographer you needed to pick from one of them when shooting and take advantage of or be subject to its design bias. The beauty of the digital sensor is you do not have to pick as it captures an image and can be processed for basic aspects such as White Balance, Color Balance and Levels. It can be processed further given the ISO as shot and light source. The image can be processed further to achieve a desired effect that is available given the sensor’s dynamic range and levels of gray scale/color depth. The image can be processed (or edited) even further in what most people term photo-shopped; (e.g., change color from red to blue, make the moon larger, add or remove something such as a fence or person, etc.). All from the same single image. I do enjoy it when a proper noun (Photoshop from Adobe Systems) becomes a verb in practical conversation.

A list of photographic films is [here]

The PHASE ONE IQ4 150 Device provides a tremendous advantage to a photographer. The IQ4 150 offers 151 megapixels of 16Bit Color uncompressed RAW natively. Virtually no other commercially available digital camera provides such a capability.

PHASE ONE 16Bit (and lower with and without compression if desired).

Nikon: 8Bit, 12Bit and 14 bit

Cannon: 8Bit, 10Bit and 12Bit

And what is the implication of xxBit color –

16Bit: 65,536 available colors and tone

8Bit: 256 available colors and tone

Below is Winter on The Harriman Trail using some basic White Balance and Color Balance (processed via Capture One 12)

Image at 100%

Jeff’s Crib Notes and Comments
Subject	Plus	Minus	Comment
Sensor Size	22 or 28% larger than IQ151 depending on how you measure	None really	No visible difference in sharpness over IQ3 100. Difference starts to reveal itself at 40 inches and bigger given larger image size. This aspect is an important advantage for my work.
Sensor color capture	Seems to be much more natural than IQ3 100	A bit too much magenta at times.	In general I like the results more than the IQ3 100 except for whites at times being too magenta. IQ3 100 a bit too much cyan at times. This is the trade-off with sensors. Would be interested in how it compares with Tri-Color
Time from Boot to Shoot	Ready to shoot in 10-11 seconds vs 23 seconds for IQ3 100		Occasionally comes into play and has reduced some levels of wait-time frustration.
Cold Weather	Operated at 4 degrees Fahrenheit when IQ3 100 did not fire off a shot during test.		Occurred on three different occasion. If device is effectively better in colder weather, this is a big deal to me.
Storage	No more CF cards	Only one of two slots operating until firmware update	Much faster operation and has reduced some levels of wait-time frustration. Always worried about Sony controlled memory structures.
Features and Functions	Big upside	Some Features and Functions I like are promised but yet to be delivered.	What is missing are nice to haves at this point – at least to me. I have been promised they will be delivered. For seven years PHASE ONE has kept its word,. At this point, I have no reason to believe otherwise.
Electronic Shutter & Cable For Technical Camera	Crucial for long-term shooting		I have a work around in place thanks to CI that will test next. Do not use in the winter on the top of a 12,000 peak in 4 degree Fahrenheit weather after a full day of climbing. Will need as spring appraches.

Next POST: The IQ4 151 Digital Back used with a Technical Camera

Celebrating A Friend

My buddy Dr. Robert Sigley passed away recently and his funeral (actually more of a celebrating remembrance) was held this weekend in the enclaves of Magnolia and Ballard, and city of Seattle, WA. Linda and I made the trip from Sun Valley to Seattle in order to join in on the celebration.

Bob was the kind of friend that no matter distance or time, you could reconnect without missing a beat. If you have a friend like that, I need to say no more to explain the relationship.

Bob’s obituary is below. You will quickly discern he was a rather remarkable guy. There was one singular thing about Bob, that would indicate to me that he liked and cared for someone; Bob would tease you. And because Bob could never do anything half-assed, he would make comments that were of dry humor, highly relevant, and keenly observational.

As many know first-hand, Linda Ruth Lubeck can deliver a formal dinner with all the proper settings and accompaniments at the drop of a hat. One such occasion was a dinner served on the roof-deck of our Magnolia home which possessed a 360 view of Magnolia, The Puget Sound, The Olympic Mountains, Mt. Ranier, and Downtown Seattle. A perfect setting for a summer dinner. Our guests were Bob and Dana Sigley. The Lubeck’s and Sigley’s had become – closely tied – over the years – via community events, school, Mothers of Boys, sports, outdoor sports, kids, youth soccer volunteering, youth baseball volunteering and enjoying time together on the Hood Canal (both of us had cabins and water-craft). Dinner is ready, we go up to the deck, the setting is perfect. The four of us sit down. Bob straightens up and survey’s the table setting. Bob turns to Linda and says “Linda I am so disappointed. I would have expected Virgin Olive Oil for the bread and you are serving margarine.” It was butter, but you get the point.

What struck me at the event this past weekend is Bob’s greatest legacy – his children. Karen, Sara, Kevin, and Todd. Each of them are similar to, and different from each other and Bob in many ways. The one thing they have in common, is that they are exceptionally fine people and their own person. How many parents get to (without qualifiers) make that claim?

Bob loved and lost throughout life – as many do – a young baby child (Daniel), a marriage, and a spouse to cancer. I am hard pressed to think of a time when Bob complained about something. Ironically, Bob – who could have easily gravitated to reclusiveness – chose the opposite; inclusiveness.

After Dana’s passing, it appeared the Sigley’s moved into another gear towards enjoying and celebrating their family (including spouses and grandkids). And this was a family (by choice of occupation) that were spread out around the globe. Bob also took the remarkable step of embracing the possibility of a new companion in his life; Terese. Ironically Bob’s dealing with Dana’s passing and courting of Terese was the most vocal and open about personal feeling he had ever been with me. We spent hours on the phone in discussion and well as I would travel to Seattle specifically to see Bob during this period.

The Sigley’s chose to spend the last of their annual ski trips with the Lubeck’s at our home in Sun Valley this past year; it included loved ones, children, spouses of children, and grand-children. All were present for skiing, home-made dinners, and endless card games.

Bob Sigley was relentless in learning about and experiencing all aspects of things which interested him (e.g., fully optimized spreadsheets containing all the correct, and relevant data for registration, and analysis of Magnolia Soccer). This could be intimidating to some people, but in my opinion that is the other person’s problem – I loved this aspect of Bob.

Bob Sigley granted me much in life – someone with which to debate any topic of interest, a running partner, a skiing partner (water and snow), a hiking partner, a volunteering partner – school and multiple sports.

I do not focus on the loss of a friend, but instead; the benefits of the relationship.

Jeff’s Thoughts and Other Worthless Trivia

Linda and I stayed with my cousin Dave Hughbanks (c. David) who lives on the Bluff overlooking Shilshole and The Puget Sound. When we go back to Seattle the Hughbanks home is where we place anchor. The home was built in the 1920’s by the Hughbanks and has stayed in possession since. I first stepped foot on and in the home located at 6214 37th Northwest (Ballard) on February 17th 1982 at 6:37 PM. Cousin Ruth (mom of Nancy, Jim, and Dave) greeted me with open arms. I met Ruth when I was 12 years-old on a trip she made to Michigan. Ruth made sure her home was made to feel as if it was mine. Ruth, Jim, and Dave without expecting anything in return embraced Linda and I (and soon thereafter Kyle) with the greatest of love, attention, and acceptance from the get-go. This home and these people have provided for 36 years of remarkable times and experiences for the Lubeck’s. Over the decades c. David ensured the house on 6214 37th Northwest be updated smartly while staying true to its character. My guess is that each of us have a few places that offer the safety and comfort of home. 6214 37th Northwest is one of those places for me.

Bob Sigley

Dr. Robert D. Sigley (Bob), 74, passed away on January 3, 2019 after a two-and-a-half-year course of advanced cancer and extensive chemo-, radiation and immunotherapy. He spent his final days and hours at his home in Magnolia, surrounded by loved ones, passing comfortably with the belief that he would soon see his parents, his son Danny, his sister Darilyn, and his wife Dana.

Bob was born September 17, 1944, to Daniel Tell Sigley and Margaret Louise Muetze Sigley in Takoma Park, Montgomery County, MD, before the family relocated to southern California. The smartest man we knew, he did not follow a traditional educational path. Bob never finished high school or college. After three years of each, he dropped out to obtain a medical degree from UCLA. At UCLA he met, and in 1967, married Margee, with whom he raised their daughters, Karen and Sara, and son Daniel (September 1972 – December 1972).

As a Navy surgeon, he served and operated at Camp Pendleton in California. Following his military duty, he established himself as a leading surgeon in Seattle, creating dialysis access for kidney failure patients for Northwest Kidney Centers. He met his second wife Dana in the Swedish Hospital operating room. They married in 1981, and together raised their sons, Kevin and Todd.

As a father, Bob was intimately involved in his children’s education, athletics, and character growth. After his retirement from surgery, he was a faithful supporter of youth soccer in Seattle, helping to bring the game to thousands of Seattle’s kids.

We will remember fondly his enthusiasm for his outdoor passions: cycling, skiing (on water and snow), running, and gardening. He was also an avid genealogist, delighting in researching his family history. He inspired his family with his humility, integrity, kindness, generosity, wry humor, and spreadsheets. His great legacy will continue through his children and grandchildren, and through the charitable Sigley Family Foundation, which he established in 2016 following his cancer diagnosis.

He is survived by his four children, three grandchildren, his sister Janet, and his faithful companion Terese.

Please honor Bob by CELEBRATING LIFE and committing random acts of kindness every day. Please also consider charitable contributions, either to the Sigley Family Foundation or to your favorite organization.

A service will be held at Our Lady of Fatima church in Magnolia on Saturday, January 19 at 10 AM.

Following the service, Bob invited family and close friends to gather at Ray’s Boathouse on Shilshole Avenue. Please join us for light refreshments from 12-4 PM on the 19th.

A Film With Which to Laugh, Call Foul, and Most Likely Both at the Same Time: Vice

The Biography, Comedy, Drama, and Satire (BCDS) known as Vice is a really, really good film. In order to be a great film Vice Writer\Director Adam McKay (AA The Big Short, Anchorman) would have had to remove one or two of the aforementioned aspects or spent more time crafting Vice before its release. I will take Vice as it is and you should too.

Hollywood produced BCDS films are usually extremely uneven, and ultimately a weak unsatisfying product. From this perspective Vice is remarkably fresh.

Vice – in its simplest form – is about Dick Cheney and (in many respects) Dick and Lynne Cheney. The Cheney’s and their family move through relative obscurity to become high profile people (some would argue icons) who’s actions have a heavy influence on our daily lives. Cheney navigates, negotiates, and interprets his way into becoming the most powerful Vice President in the history of the United States. Vice presents the Cheney’s in all aspects of BCDS, and it is an enjoyable watch.

Because of public records, the Biography and Drama aspects should be considered relatively accurate. These scenes are compelling and show a person, couple, and family that is loyal and sincere. Some scenes are extremely powerful, and reinforce the positive aspects of these people. Nonetheless, some are sobering and heartbreaking.

The Comedy aspects are funny and well placed. The Satire is hilarious and often completely unfair – as it should be. Do the Cheney’s discuss – in bed – their next steps in political life in Shakespearean prose? Not a chance! However, in Satire they do, and it is over-the-top brilliant.

Are Dick and Lynne Cheney five steps ahead of everyone else? Are Dick and Lynne Cheney critical thinkers and operational implementer’s? My guess is they are to the highest degree (right or wrong, good or bad). Vice presents them as such. It is up to you to decide the implication.

Christian Bale (as Dick) and Amy Adams (as Lynne) are uncanny in their roles. The performances by these two are a singular reason to see the film – even if you do not want to watch or deal with any other aspect of Vice. The performances are solidified by the best makeup, hair work, and coaching as it relates mannerisms and posture I have seen in years – if not ever in film. Adams and Bale have remarkable on-screen chemistry. Both were highly effective together in American Hustle (2013).

The role of the supporting characters are solidly built, but it might have made for an even better film if they had been developed a just a bit more. Vice is also sprinkled with funny cameo performances and a clever scene in the credits.

The ending scene – a monologue from Cheney – epitomizes Vice and its effectiveness. Cheney looks us square in the eye and tells us how he see things. The words and delivery feel 100% Dick Cheney. My guess is those that have historically supported Cheney’s line of thinking – would easily cheer and defend the statement 100% – with no reason to apologize. For those that have not historically supported Cheney’s thinking – they would use the statement as evidence to make their case against him.

Jeff’s Thoughts and Worthless Trivia

As many of you know, I am not a straight ticket political party guy. I have voted for Republicans, Democrats, and Independents for office – including the President of the United States.

I like being in the company of people who – while well read, and willing to stand up for what they believe – are willing to listen to opposing positions and the reasoning behind it.

I like people that step back at times and make fun of themselves.

My guess would be that McKay’s politics are liberal and would not like Cheney, but I am not sure that matters when I look at Vice as a film. If you are making a BCDS you got to throw out your bias to a great degree or you will not make an effective film. I think Vice is an effective film.

McKay has written and directed some of the silliest scenes in film. When you add Will Ferrell to the creative mix, many are going to end up completely over the top – many succeeding and failing. The warehouse\alley fight scene between the news teams in Anchorman is one of the better examples.

American Voters have historically been fickle with Executive Branches who inherit a war and then prosecute; especially if the U.S. starts out as the victim (Pearl Harbor, Marine Barracks in Lebonon, 911). Cheney’s popularity is perhaps one of the best examples in history. Highest and lowest rating as a V.P.: 68% and ending up at 13%.

Cheney is pronounced CHEE-KNEE. The film seems to have missed the pronunciation completely.

The PHASE ONE IQ4 151MP Camera System: Is It Worth It?

Thank you for your response. ✨

Celebrating A Friend

A Film With Which to Laugh, Call Foul, and Most Likely Both at the Same Time: Vice

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