Achromatic Digital Backs

Phase One Achromatic digital backs at once expand and refine what Phase One IQ digital backs are capable of. By removing the colored bayer sensor filters, as well as the infrared cut filter above the sensor, expanded resolution is achieved, and visibility is enhanced into extreme UV and IR spectrums.

© Joel Tjintjelaar Image Courtesy of Phase One with CI Edits

Key Benefits

  • Uninterpolated, enhanced resolution
  • Perfectly toned black and white images
  • Shoot into non visible UV and IR spectrums
  • Up to 151-megapixel Backside Illuminated resolution
  • Built upon the new, powerful, and flexible, Infinity Platform
  • Uniquely integrated with Capture One Inside

Why It Matters To Us…

The Phase One Achromatic digital backs can produce images that feature the traditional look of black and white as well as photography results that push into the invisible light spectrum, such as infrared photography. This alone makes them unique.

But critically, these creative elements are combined with base image quality that is unsurpassed by any other digital capture system. The result are images that achieve a quality like nothing else ever seen.

©PaulReiffer 2018; Phase One IQ4 150 MP; LS 40-80 f/4.0-5.6

Meet The Phase One Achromatic Family

  • 101 Megapixels
  • 54mm x 40mm, Full Frame 645 CMOS Sensor
  • ISO Range 200 – 51,200
  • 60 Minute Long Exposure
  • Compact Flash Media Slot
  • USB 3 and Firewire 800
  • Less than half the price of an IQ4
  • 150 Megapixels
  • 54mm x 40mm, Full Frame 645 BSI Sensor
  • ISO Range 200 – 102,400
  • 60 Minte Long Exposure
  • XQD and SD Dual Media Slots
  • USB C, Ethernet, WiFi Raw Transfer
  • Auto Frame Averaging
  • Dual Exposure +
  • Infinity Platform and Phase One Labs
  • Capture One Inside

IQ4 Achromatic

IQ4 150MP Backside Illuminated (BSI) sensors introduces the new standard of digital sensor technology to full frame medium format photography. The IQ4 150MP BSI sensor’s ultra-efficient pixel design results in the uninterrupted capture of light within each pixel, directly translating a more accurate render with improved color, detail and noise handling within the RAW file.


The Achromatic 151-megapixel BSI sensor is produced without the Bayer color filter, allowing light to reach the sensor unobstructed. Without the filter, each and every pixel of the sensor captures significantly more light, ensuring absolute detail and luminance.

The Achromatic can capture much more than the naked eye is able to see, as it is designed to capture a broader spectrum of light. With the option to also capture light outside the visible spectrum, creative possibilities for infrared applications are endless, making the Achromatic the most light-sensitive medium format digital system available.


At the core of the IQ4 is the Infinity Platform, which lays a new foundation for image quality advancement, workflow optimization and feature development. The Infinity Platform is built to grow, expand and adapt, allowing Phase One engineers to explore new possibilities in digital imaging and deliver a steady stream of new innovations to ensure you are able to perform at the highest professional level now and well into the future.


Capture One on the inside. The cutting-edge RAW editing core of Capture One has been directly integrated in the Infinity Platform, providing advanced control within preview and image settings, and opening the door for future customization of the RAW file at the time of capture. Capture One Inside ensures the most efficient and controlled capture workflow, bringing the capture and post-capture workflows closer together than ever before.

Today, Capture One Inside delivers:

• Custom IQ Style integration
• JPEG processing in-camera
• Improved image quality and preview performance
• Improved Live View, faster frame rates, new tools


Future Proof Tethering Options. Attuned to the professional workflow, multiple tethering options capable of handling the high bandwidth are included in the IQ4 – Ethernet, USB-C and Wireless. All tethering and local storage options can be combined and customized to address your specific workflow needs.

Wireless tethering can be used to transfer RAW files to Capture One in addition to storing them in-camera. This solution can be used as a backup or as part of a custom workflow.

Ethernet grants the potential for a fully customized, integrated and dynamic workflow, providing the potential to capture into or through any Ethernet supported device. In addition, the long cable lengths and power provided via Ethernet eliminates workflow concerns surrounding battery power or cable length.

USB-C provides a standard port type for convenient tethering on a wide variety of common devices. USB-C also delivers multiple power integration options.

Ethernet and USB-C allow data transfer and system integration with no additional accessories necessary – transfer from local storage to any host without removing the card. And with a variety of cable lengths available, both Ethernet and USB-C can be exactly configured to suit your workflow needs.


Dual Storage. With both XQD and SD card support, the IQ4 gives you the flexibility to store captured files in a way that suits your workflow – save a backup RAW or process a JPEG to a second storage option, or simply expand your total storage so that you can focus on getting every shot.

XQD facilitates a faster capture and data transfer rate, ensuring that your workflow remains smooth and efficient, even when shooting 16-bit RAW images. The IQ4 is prepared for CFexpress support.

SD facilitates a more flexible workflow with a widely-used card type. You can use the SD storage as a second card to expand your total storage (Just a bunch of disks – “JBOD”), as a mirrored backup of your primary storage, as your primary storage, or as JPEG storage alongside primary RAW capture. SD is a widely-used, and easily found, card type that has become a standard within photography. You can easily transfer images to a supported device in the field without the use of additional accessories or cables, for faster edits, client proofs or backup.

IQ3 Achromatic

The Achromatic 101-megapixel CMOS sensor is produced without the Bayer color filter, allowing light to reach the sensor unobstructed. Without the filter, each and every pixel of the sensor captures significantly more light, ensuring absolute detail and luminance.

The Achromatic can capture much more than the naked eye is able to see, as it is designed to capture a broader spectrum of light. With the option to also capture light outside the visible spectrum, creative possibilities for infrared applications are endless, making the Achromatic the most light-sensitive medium format digital system available.


The full frame medium format sensor found in the XF IQ3 100MP Achromatic Camera System, 1.5x the size of crop sensor mirrorless medium format, allows you to capture more data, providing more detail and impressive results so that you can achieve your creative vision straight out of the camera. With the expanded output flexibility provided by the high resolution and up to 15 stops of dynamic range, your workflow options grow exponentially.


The IQ3 delivers a solution which is both modular and future-proof. The IQ3 gains tremendous functionality and workflow benefits when used as part of an XF Camera System but can also be used with a variety of other cameras for creative flexibility and project-specific need.The flexible modularity of the XF Camera System, and its seamless, feature-rich, and customizable workflow, helps professionals realize their most demanding creative visions. The XF Camera System allows for a wide selection of high resolution Schneider Kreuznach lenses and purpose-built IQ digital backs to be combined, and capture settings customized, for efficient and high quality RAW output.

Regardless of system choice, since 2015, the IQ3 has periodically delivered innovative feature improvements aimed at improving professional workflows. We listen to the needs of our photographers to guide our development in creating workflow innovations that continually provide the highest professional standard.


The Electronic Shutter (ES) allows you to capture images without a single moving component. A first for medium format when introduced with Feature Update #3, the rolling shutter technology gives full capture control from the digital back, extending control and applications.


The ISO range of the Achromatic – from 200 – 51200 – broadens the possibilities for medium format low light applications.


Workflow Flexibility. Whether you shoot in a studio or in the field, the IQ3 is primed to complement your shooting style with modularity, capture customization, purpose-built tools, and features to assist every photographer. The result of this flexibility is a customized workflow that transforms the camera into an integral extension of your creative process.

Phase One Achromatic SpecsIQ4 150 AchromaticIQ3 100 Achromatic
Full- Frame 645 SensorYesYes
Lens Shift LatitudeExcellentGood
Sensor TechnologyBSI CMOSCMOS
Megapixel Count151MP101MP
Pixel Size3.8 Microns4.6 Microns
ISO Range200 - 102,400200 - 51,200
Dynamic Range15 Stops15 Stops
Exposure Range1/10000 - 60 Minutes1/10000 - 60 Minutes
Electronic Shutter Sync Speed (16 bit)0.6 sec1.3 sec
Electronic Shutter Sync Speed (14 bit)0.3 sec0.6 sec
Captures Per Second (16 Bit)0.7 fps0.7 fps
Captures Per Second (14 Bit)1.0 fps1.0 fps
Tethering InterfaceUSB C, Gigabit Ethernet, WiFiUSB 3 & Firewire 800
LCD Display3.0" Touch, 1.1 Million DPI3.0" Touch 1.1 Million DPI

It seems small but it shouldn’t be.  The Phase One packaging has always been stellar.  First impressions are important, but even more important are well thought out design and products that add to your workflow in the future.   And this is what we have with the new systems shown above.   Phase One has teamed up with NYA Evo to craft a strong system that makes sense to a photographer.  The new RCI or Removable Camera Inserts are expandable and work seamlessly with their line of camera back packs.  So whether you want to use the RCI in your existing pelican cases or switch them to your back pack for location shooting, Phase has thought it out and prepared you for your adventure.

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