IS
PHASEONE
ALL IT PROMISES?

the proof is in the image
but there’s more to getting it
than meets your eye

To begin… I’ve yet to see any image that can rival those produced by a medium format (MF) digital camera–they possess a certain quality that is hard to describe but easy to see. There is, however, more to this story than meets your eye. Although I’m reporting on an entry level kit, these generalities apply to even the $50k+ systems. First, what is a MF system? A DSLR is a body and a lens, the sensor is contained within the body. MF is the same, but the sensor is separate and represents the single most expensive component by far.

Characteristics of the tool(s)…overall handling a MF system is noticeably slower than a DSLR–much slower. Auto-focus is slower, fewer focal points, shutter-lag/blackout is long and shooting in bursts is not a strength. Explore shooting tethered. File size begs for a fast computer and “CaptureOne” software is another file handling/processing application that produces stellar finals by how it handles color and will likely add another step in your post processing workflow.

The shoot… you need to rethink all you’ve learned from a DSLR. Start chanting “2x” Huh? Let me give you a few examples; the equivalent 50mm prime lens on a DLSR is roughly an 80mm lens with MF, the associated DOF (depth of field) say f2.8 MF displays a bokeh similar to 1.4 on a DSLR. And, don’t forget shutter speed which should now be should be 2x focal length. Better still, use a tripod. My frame of mind when shooting “medium.” SLOW-DOWN, breath, relax, let images come to you rather than trying to “capture” them.

“I’ve yet to see any image that can rival those produced by a medium format (MF) digital camera–they possess a certain quality that is hard to describe but easy to see…” 

–ALI ALGHOUL

RAW Files, now what?…  processing the raw files in CaptureOne by manipulating color and tones to achieve your “look” are unique and cannot be replicated in Photoshop–no matter how hard you try. Further, pixel density allows you to make significantly deeper editing moves than your DSLR files, giving you more editing latitude.

The reward… is the finished image. It’s what attracted me to the format in the first place. and as I mentioned at the start; they possess a certain quality that is hard to describe but easy to see.