Phase One has released a new XF camera system and three new IQ3 medium format digital backs, hailing them as a “fundamental re-engineering” of its medium format camera system.

The XF camera incorporates revamped electronics and a new autofocus system dubbed the Honeybee Autofocus Platform (HAP-1, for short) which uses a new processor, a 1-megapixel CMOS AF sensor and a white spectrum focus assist light to keep subjects crisp. It features a hyperfocal point focusing feature that allows photographers to set a hyperfocal point for a lens and return to that point as needed. You’ll have a choice of spot, average and hyperfocal AF modes when shooting with the XF.

The XF camera system also marks the debut of a new 90° glass prism viewfinder with 97 percent coverage that will come standard with the camera. An optional new waist-level viewfinder is also available. The waist-level find uses the Honeybee AF system to perform light metering.

There were plenty of opportunities for customizing the XF camera. It sports three customizable dials and six customizable controls.

The system will also feature a new touch-based user interface accessible through a pair of touch screens–a 1.6-inch screen available on the camera and a 3.2-inch display on the new IQ3-series camera backs that can zoom in to 100 percent on a photo with a single tap. The touch-based UI firmware on the XF camera is easily upgradeable, Phase said, and will be updated “at regular intervals” as users request new features. Profoto owners will also get a nice treat: the XF camera body will feature integrated wireless Profoto flash triggers with sync speeds of 1/125 sec. for focal plane shutter lenses and 1/1600 sec. for leaf shutter lenses

The XF camera will be compatible with three new IQ3 backs, IQ1 backs (40-80-megapixel versions) and IQ2-series backs with P-mounts.

The new IQ3 series digital backs will feature Wi-Fi, a high bandwidth port, auto ISO and ISO control, wireless remote control through the Capture Pilot iOS app and live view. All three are capable of exposures up to 60 minutes. They offer a 1GB image buffer and accept CF cards (a 16GB card and card reader are included).

The XF IQ3 50-megapixel back uses a CMOS sensor and delivers a native ISO range of 100-6400, 1.8 fps continuous capture, and 14-stops of dynamic range. It will retail for $40,990.

There will also be 60-megapixel and 80-megapixel CCD-based IQ3 backs. Both feature 16-bit color, 13 stops of dynamic range, and an ISO range of 50-800 (or 140-3200 during long exposures). The 80-megapixel back will set you back $48,990 while the 60-megapixel back will cost $41,990.

A new version of Capture One 8 (v. 8.3) will be released and shipped with the XF system. The marquee change in the program is faster tethered shooting, which Phase One said gets a 30 percent speed boost in the updated software.

Finally, two new Phase One Schneider Kreuznach leaf shutter lenses are also being introduced in support of the XF system: a 120mm LS f/4 macro ($6,490) and a 35mm LS f/3.5. Both are capable of resolving up to 100-megapixels and each will carry a price tag of $6,490.

The Phase One XF system, IQ3 backs and new lenses are shipping now.