Phase One, the Danish imaging company founded in 1994, is renown for its medium format cameras that typically have both the highest megapixel count, as well as the highest cost on the market at any given time.
As a company, they rely on low volume sales, but at high prices, with most of their current range of medium format 150MP cameras retailing from $92,000 to $105,000 with body, back and lens.
So it is of no surprise that Phase One is the company that has created the Phase One iXH 250MP, an insanely high 250-megapixel resolution camera whose target market is 'elite' institutions – such as major museums, national libraries, and state archives – that require the flawless, rapid digitisation of historical assets. The camera supersedes the 151-megapixel iXH Camera System which was announced in March 2020.
The Phase One iXH 250MP is built around a massive, ultra-high-density 250-megapixel medium format CMOS sensor – the new Sony IMX 811 – which has a pixel count of 19,240 X 12,840. To give you an idea how large that is, a 45MP full frame camera is 8,192 X 5,464 pixels.
A single, instant exposure can produce a digital file reaching nearly an A0 print size at a razor-sharp 400 ppi, making it an extraordinary tool for scanning large-scale historical maps, delicate manuscripts, rare textiles, and fine art collections.
Unfortunately, this system wasn't created to lug around for street portraits or hike up a mountain with for landscape photography – the setup looks more akin to an old school film enlarger, or traditional copy stand setup with a rack system to raise or lower the camera to the correct height.
Interestingly, you can capture images in colour, UV and IR, meaning it can also suit applications such as paintings, medical and forensics. For added flexibility, there is the ability to add an IR block filter to convert the Wide Spectrum camera into a regular camera.
The Lenses
The camera is matched with iXH lenses that are designed for ultra-high resolution, along with a shutter guaranteed for one million actuations.
The Phase One 72mm lens utilises UltraRes technology to maintain optimal sharpness at 150MP and higher resolutions. It incorporates a motorised floating element to enhance precision across all apertures and magnification ranges (from 1:70 to 1:3).
The iXH camera body is also compatible with the Schneider Kreuznach 120mm lens. For close-up capture of film and small objects, 21mm and 42mm extension tubes are available. These tubes share the identical manufacturing standards and structural integrity of the main camera system.
Australian price and availability
Because the iXH 250MP is a specialised, commercial-grade imaging solution rather than an off-the-shelf retail camera, standard consumer pricing does not apply. In Australia, the system is available strictly via direct consultation and bespoke corporate quoting.
We are guessing, but a full 'installation' of the kit would be estimated to be at least $200,000. As comparison, Phase One’s standard field kit featuring the IQ4 150MP back, the XT body, and a premium Rodenstock lens (such as the 23mm, 32mm, or 70mm HR Digaron) is priced at around AU$105,990.
Phase One also supplies a range of 'copy work' solutions from copy stands, to backlit film lightboxes, to Capture One 'Cultural Heritage' software.
Units are built to order and imported directly from Denmark, accompanied by dedicated on-site installation, calibration, and enterprise-level support agreements.
You can find out more on the Phase One website.