Phase One XC: A Medium Format Fixed-Lens Camera Delivering Breathtaking Image Quality | Release #8

Phase One, the Copenhagen-based camera brand, has officially unveiled the Phase One XC, a fixed-lens camera equipped with a 151-megapixel medium format sensor. The retail price is $62,490, which is approximately 9 million yen.

This is not a typo. Yet, there will undoubtedly be professional photographers willing to pay any price to experience the shutter of the Phase One XC.

The Phase One XC was designed with the goal of creating the most compact digital integrated camera ever, offering users an intuitive, travel-friendly, and compact design experience.

• Type: Medium format digital camera
• Lens: Rodenstock HR Digaron S 23 mm f/5.6
• Aperture: F5.6-22
• Lens filter: 72mm
• Continuous shooting speed: 2fps
• Shutter speed: 1/1000s - 60m
• Shutter blades: 5
• Digital back: IQ4 or IQ4 Achromatic
• Sensor type: Backside illuminated
• Sensor size: 53.4×40.0mm
• Image size: 14,204×10,652
• Resolution: 151,000,000 pixels
• ISO sensitivity: 25-25600 (achromatic 200-102400)
• Monitor: 3.2-inch touchscreen
• Ports: USB-C, Ethernet, HDMI
• Wi-Fi: Supported

As you can see, this camera combines a digital back with over 100 million pixels and a 23mm F5.6 fixed focal length lens unit. The sensor measures 53.4mm x 40mm—about 2.5 times larger than full-frame and approximately 1.5 times larger than the Fujifilm GFX series.

With the addition of a wood grip for enhanced aesthetics, the camera measures 105mm in height, 143mm in width, 162mm in depth, and weighs 1,820g. Among the latest cameras, it is relatively compact. Yet, it is a medium format camera. Prioritizing compactness, it seems lens interchangeability was never intended. Whether it’s the price, the exceptional performance, or the wide-angle lens limitation, this is a camera that pushes boundaries and is clearly not aimed at amateur photographers.

It is undoubtedly developed for landscape photographers. Additional highlights include intuitive digital zoom via pinch gestures on the touchscreen, and exceptional cropping flexibility.

Watching the official introduction video, it’s easy to see why some photographers would consider this innovative camera a lifelong treasure—despite its eye-watering price.