The IQ3 100MP Trichromatic. The science of color

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1 The IQ3 100MP Trichromatic The science of color

2 Our color philosophy Phase One s approach Phase One s knowledge of sensors comes from what we ve learned by supporting more than 400 different types of camera RAW files and sensors in Capture One. We have been inspired by this insight to invest in what we consider one of the cornerstones of image quality color having seen the sacrifices of image quality in favor of other features made in most of the available sensors. The approach Phase One takes to color rendering has both a theoretical and a practical aspect. We know that human sight is fine-tuned by evolution to evaluate what we eat. Our eyes can discern the visual differences between fresh and spoiled foods. Additionally, we can see the tiny visual cues given by human skin; we can perceive emotions from a blushing face. The precision of human color vision comes so naturally to us, that when colors are perceived to be even slightly off, we have an immediate emotional response. Understanding this, Phase One has taken the approach to creating color in digital photography beyond color charts. Using color charts are good as a guide, but given the limited amount of colors, shades of color, tonality, and dynamic range; Phase One adds color from images of real-world objects and people for true-to-life colors and skin tones. 2 3

3 Trichromatic Theory of human color vision The science of Trichromatic The human eye is like a camera. It has a lens in front, and the Phase One has intimate knowledge of our digital sensors in Over the last couple of decades, we have developed and In the average sensor, the degree of color separation between retina in the back is akin to the sensor in a digital camera. addition to the 400+ different sensors from the huge range of implemented algorithms and mathematical software models the wavelengths of blue, green and red light is where the The retina contains light-sensitive cells called cones and rods. cameras that we offer RAW support for in Capture One software. that convert the readout of sensors into colors. With the color compromise begins. Based on our decades of sensor These allow us to sense three different types of color light: We see in these different sensors, quirks and compromises, new Trichromatic sensor, we have taken all our knowledge experience, we have designed a color filter array from the blue, green and red. Using this sensory information, the brain different strengths and weaknesses in color capability. Our color and physically customized the sensor to get colors without ground up with our no-compromise philosophy. With better can reconstruct the colors of a scene. The sensor in a digital models and color engine must understand these nuances to compromise straight from the sensor. color separation comes purer color capture. camera works in essentially the same way. A pixel is sensitive work effectively to produce good color, and so we hand-tune to all colors of light, defining the detail of the image projected our color engine to account for the individual types of sensors In many other sensors, there are compromises that affect The color filter array of the Trichromatic sensor is designed to upon it. To capture color, a color filter array of blue, green for the best possible results. We have been working with and color quality. For example, by making the color filter thinner, pick up exactly the right wavelength of light that allows us to or red filters is placed over the pixels. These filters remove perfecting the models that can turn RAW sensor data back into allowing for more light to reach the pixel well, the sensor is get the most color nuances in the most natural way possible. some of the wavelengths of light, only seeing either blue, real and beautiful colors to the extent that this knowledge has more light sensitive allowing for higher ISOs. However, the This means that we achieve fully saturated colors, and that green or red light in the corresponding pixel. The sensor data allowed us to go to another level and think about color handling consequence of letting more light in, is color overlap (the we can get every shade of blue, green, and red exactly as the shows a blue, green or red signal for each pixel, and then in a new way. We looked at what the optimal sensor should be green filter allows in red, and the blue filter allows in green, scene reveals itself. Correcting colors in Capture One is, of using our unique color engine and de- mosaic algorithm, we for making the best possible colors using our proprietary color etc.) so you get a mixing of the colors. In such a setup, the course, possible. However, once you begin making changes recombine these data into correct and beautiful colors with engine and technology. In this way, the design of the Trichromatic camera is more sensitive, but it also gives significantly less to one color, you are making compromises elsewhere. The sharp and rich detail. sensor is the combination of the art and science of color. color definition. uncompromised nature of the color rendering from the sensor in the Trichromatic means that straight out of the camera, the possibilities in the RAW capture and color are wide open. Human color vision graph The graph on the left (Fig.1) represents the approximation of human color vision. In order to obtain perfect color in digital capture, we need to separate the color wavelengths as cleanly as possible so our color engine can work with and combine pure colors. Just as with paint, one cannot separate colors after mixing, likewise the same principles apply to digital imaging technology. The Trichromatic sensor works Figure 2.1 by separating colors as much as possible. Figure 1 Trichromatic human color vision Figure 2 Standard sensor Figure 3 Trichromatic sensor 4 5

4 What s the effect of Trichromatic? This diagram illustrates the benefits to both color and ISO performance for each individual pixel. With standard pixel color filtration (see Fig.5) one is able to quickly fill the pixel well. However, that value is much less accurate as it contains unwanted and impure color information. With a better color filter array, shown in the Trichromatic example (see Fig.4), we are able to use the full potential of the pixel well to capture only the pure and wanted color data. This provides for maximum color saturation values to be captured at a sensor level Base ISO 35 while still maintaining complete luminance detail. Not only does the Trichromatic render colors with more depth pixel. As the pixel no longer has to compromise by capturing and more nuances, but there are also other advantages. impure color information, we are able to further tune the The design of the color filter on the Trichromatic sensor sensor to its maximum efficiency and achieve a lower base means that it appears to be less sensitive. However, this is, ISO setting (ISO 35). in fact, a benefit because it ultimately means more dynamic range with less color noise. There is less color noise at the Traditional sensor manufacturers might view having less extreme ends of the ISO range, and this is thanks to the more color filtration as a way to improve sensor sensitivity and pure capture of blue, green and red light. The Trichromatic thus achieve higher ISO performance. However, this is gives a better performance at lower ISO with cleaner signals, somewhat of a paradox as most of the extra sensitivity without sacrificing anything at the higher ISO. gained in the first instance ends up being reduced again in color processing, leaving only the drawbacks of that The Trichromatic sensor has a more even balance between compromise. Because Phase One has decades of experience color channels. This is particularly evident in the elimination in sensor technology, hardware, and software; we have of red light contaminating the blue channel (see Fig.2.1). a unique overview of the aspects of how to capture the A further benefit of the new color filter array is a more perfect colors at a sensor level. efficient utilization of the electron wells in each individual Clean base ISO min. exposure Figure 4 Trichromatic filter Figure 5 Standard filter Low base ISO (images pushed 8 f-stops) Purple fringing Purple fringing is described as an out-of-focus magenta ghost that can appear as a coloring and lightening of dark edges next to areas of bright illumination, resulting in a purple anomaly and a loss of edge contrast. This is caused by a combination of many factors in digital photography, both from the optics and sensor. Precision optics, optical UV coatings, and software algorithms can mitigate purple fringing, but its effects in compromised edge contrast will always be a factor unless addressed at a sensor level. The Trichromatic has a significantly Original image IQ3 100MP at 200% zoom IQ3 100MP Trichromatic at 200% zoom IQ3 100MP at 250% zoom higher resistance to purple fringing owing to cleaner color separation. In addition, many digital sensors have a sensitivity to UV light, CMOS High ISO (image enhanced to show noise) in particular. This means that depending on how much UV light you have in the scene, the color actually shifts when it is recorded by the sensor. But as the Trichromatic sensor can record blue with negligible UV contamination, we are left with clear and contrast-rich images. This is best observed in landscape images where distant objects lose contrast or take on a slightly blue haze. Previous solutions relied on UV filters which sacrificed blue sensitivity, or software manipulation, which tends to over-saturate blue. To address UV contamination at a sensor level, the color filter array of the Trichromatic sensor ensures clean, even color separation (see Fig.1). With the Trichromatic sensor, Original image 6 IQ3 100MP at 200% zoom IQ3 100MP Trichromatic at 200% zoom IQ3 100MP Trichromatic at 250% zoom the UV contamination to a digital capture is at an absolute minimum. 7

5 New IQ3 100MP Trichromatic The art of expression The science of color Phase One All rights reserved. September 2017, content is subject to change without notice. P/N: For more information, please visit Follow us on: