Phase One P 45+ for fine art photography: the power and pride of 39 megapixels.

Over the past years I have tested and evaluated primarily the regular (original) P series from Phase One: P 25 (especially this one), P 30 and P 45.

I have not yet had the opportunity to extensively test the Phase One P 20 or the P 21.

Now (winter 2008), the “plus” versions have been available for about a year: Phase One P 20+, P21+, P25+, P30+, and P45+.

Phase One P45+ medium format digital camera back

Fine art photography

Fine art photography can be defined in a dozen different ways. To me fine art photography is a photograph that provides visual pleasure, stimulates the senses, and is an artistic expression of the photographer.

I can also define fine art photography for what it is not: product photography is not generally fine art photography. Although photography of human form with light and shadow is a common form of fine art (figure) photography, commercial portrait photography is not fine art photography.

Why medium format cameras for fine art photography?

I use my 35mm cameras when on long trips around the world (where weight of a medium format might be an issue). But a mere 35mm camera simply does not inspire me: with a medium format camera in my hands or a large format digital camera (BetterLight), then I feel inspired to express myself with fine art photography.

Of course you can do perfectly good fine art photography with a Nikon, Canon or any 35mm camera. You can also do fine art photography with most point-and-shoot cameras. But when I am in a beautiful location such as Guatemala, and as I spend more time in Slovenia, I very much prefer to use medium format cameras.

The photos here show samples of the fine art photos taken with the Phase One P45 while I was in Istanbul. Today the newer Phase One P 45+ would be even more inspiring.

Price comparisons

When you do fine art photography, comparing costs is not the way to start. Instead, select a camera that is easy to use and produces awesome results. Most 35mm cameras have instruction books of about 200 pages. The Phase One P45+ is so easy to use that it’s instruction manual is only a few pages long. I have found that the Phase One digital backs are easier than most 35mm digital SLR cameras.

First posted November 19, 2007.

Available by october 2008 Available by octuber 2008 Available by october 2008 Available by october 2008 Available by october 2008

Nicholas Hellmuth’s Medium Format Digital Camera Initiative For over 40 years Nicholas Hellmuth has used Rolleiflex and Hasselblad cameras to record the flora, fauna, and archaeology of Belize, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico. Now for several years he is extending his medium format experience to digital photography. Since FLAAR works both in a studio as well as out on location, we are an ideal focus for judging portability. We have experience with large format digital scan backs (the excellent BetterLight) and we also use Nikon and Canon digital cameras. A full-service digital pro should have at least one medium format digital system and should consider large format digital options as well. Although we started with a Leaf Valeo 22 coupled with a Mamiya 645 AFD body and lenses, we are open to showcasing all bodies as well as other digital backs. Indeed we have tested an Imacon 4-shot back on a Hasselblad H1 body. Then (February 2006 onwards) we are evaluated a MegaVision black-and-white dedicated back for fine art photography. Next we are testing a 33-megapixel Phase One P 30. Since 2008 FLAAR has used a Phase One P25+ (a great way to update an aging Hasselblad ELX body with its excellent Zeiss lenses). Camera resellers or manufacturers who wish to have their cameras, lenses, and backs included in this initiative are welcome to send their equipment for evaluation. FLAAR is the de facto source of information because we have been university based, independent, blunt, and we are one of the few review sources that dares to review advertising specs, advertising claims, and advertising hype. We can afford to reveal all the pros and cons because FLAAR is a research institute. Photographers feel they can trust a university research professor who has devoted years to understanding the pros and cons of each aspect of a digital camera system and workflow. Notice you are not blinded by blinking, flashing, or pesty ads for low-bid camera stores on a FLAAR photography review. I am always amused by a pseudo-review that obviously is simply paid to send you to a camera store. You can download our colorful FLAAR Reports on our medium format digital camera initiative.