Hi Doug, do you dare to say that the sensor vignetting is less pronounced that the IQ3100? Resulting in less correction to do for the LCC, less saturation loss and bigger movements possible again?
Yes, I say that now without hesitation.
The only caveat I’ll note is that the lens sharpness itself is still a factor in calculating range of movement. The Schneider digitar lenses in particular are not critically sharp to the edge of the stated image circle; Schneider was always “generous” with the image circle they ascribed their digitar lenses. This is less important when the corners of the frame are clear blue sky or featureless ceiling. And, notably, Rodenstock HR lenses are sharp to the edge of their states image circle (in some cases they are sharp for several mm beyond their stated circle).
But yes, regarding sensor fall off and color cast the IQ4 is a *huge* improvement on every tech camera lens I’ve tested.
Then you have improved live view, live focus mask, faster interface, better screen sharpness, hugely improved dark frame workflow, faster ES, dual storage, wireless tethering, option to power from a usb-c power brick (eg when shooting star trails) and like a half dozen other things I’m probably forgetting. All of these will be welcome usability improvements for some tech camera users.
The frame averaging feature (currently in “LAB” aka beta) also is very promising for static subject matter for a tripod, though we have not been able to test this ourselves so I’ll remain slightly skeptical until I’ve been able to play with it in the real world. But the potential is pretty huge.
As a general rule I try not to be so gushing when describing a product we sell as it can come off a bit fake (I try very hard to give objective, truthful, evidence-based advice, but I'm well aware that my job biases me). But in this case I just can’t help it - after the testing we have done I can say without reservation that the IQ4 150mp is the largest jump in Tech Cam usability and pleasurability-to-use since the first portable digital backs in the early 2000s (prior to which you had to tether). I’ve been a tech cam nerd/fan since the first time I used one and I’ve never looked forward to a new product more.
And that’s putting aside the promise of the Infinity Platform: Phase One have more tricks up their sleeve that will make the back even better over time (via free firmware updates).
Of course, it’s got some more pixels too.
