PMA 2003 - Phase One announces a wide range of portable solutions.
Henrik Hakonsson, CEO at Phase One states: “Portability is one of the buzzwords in our business today. However, ‘being portable’ is much more than just memory cards and cables. It is about providing a digital solution that helps the professional photographer to carry out his work on location WHILE benefiting from the great advantages that digital photography provides! This is very important to keep in mind!”
Henrik Hakonsson also remarks that location work can be expensive: Travelling expenses, model salaries, equipment leasing. For this money clients require perfect pictures. And perfect pictures require flexible solutions. On location you face several challenges, most of them you would never have to worry about in a controlled studio environment. There are four basic requirements that must be met in order to fully benefit from shooting digitally on location:
1. The ability to validate the image quality (exposure, focus, grey balance) as well as the subject (expression, distance, angle).
2. Unlimited storage capacity.
3. Easy camera handling and freedom of movement.
4. Maximum productivity from capture to final image.
A fashion photographer would prioritize these requirements differently from a nature photographer. However, whether photographer feel preview capabilities are more important than complete portability, the important point is that he should not compromise.
“Most suppliers of portable solutions focus on portability and freedom of movement. Good argument! However, what about making sure the image is in the box? Your clients pay for perfect pictures not wireless cameras. With film you did a polaroid, with Phase One you look at the raw file on a detailed 6.4” high resolution screen or as an extra security the image is processed at review in Adobe Photoshop®. The software enables you to quickly check focus, set the grey balance and make sure that the entire composition is okay.” Henrik Hakonsson remarks.
Computers are easy to bring on location, which is why it is possible to focus on the advantages of two component solutions: Today you can store up to a 1,000 images on a 20 GB hard disk on the world’s smallest full blown computers. The capture software gives audio warnings if the exposure is off. The 6,4” monitor provides user with the very best preview options. And by attaching a tiny Vaio U3 computer to Phase One’s very handy belt solution photographer can climb ladders, rocks or walk on beaches without even noticing the computer.
“Our portable philosophy is to never limit ourselves in term of technology. We want to move forward all the time and continue to test new hardware components. As soon as these comply with our requirements and more importantly the photographer’s: Ease of use, flexible connectivity and intuitive workflow, we have a brand new portable solution”.
“You can even bring Phase One’s award-winning workflow software with you if you prefer shooting with your Nikon’s or Canon’s PRO DSLR camera. We have portable solutions for all photographic applications:
1. Working with crew: Phase One camera back, G4 titanium and advanced Capture workflow software.
2. Working alone: Phase One camera back, belt solution with Vaio U3 and advanced Capture One workflow software.
3. Nikon/Canon PRO DSLR cameras and advanced Capture One workflow software.
All of these solutions can be combined anyway you prefer in order to fulfil your personal needs. That’s what we call flexibility!” - Henrik Hakonsson.
