Phase One 645DFFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 5 mentions across 5 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment80%
PROS 80%
CONS 20%

Rank based on 5 mentions across 5 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want a major step up in detail and dynamic range from full-frame DSLRs
  • You're already invested in medium format workflows and want instant digital feedback
  • You don't mind carrying heavier gear for image quality gains

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You're not prepared to handle a heavier camera system
  • You need instant lightweight portability over image quality
  • You're satisfied with full-frame DSLR image quality

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice
1Premium
Phase One XF
Exceptional image quality
Phase One XF
Exceptional image quality
You are here
2Premium
Phase One 645DF
Exceptional detail and dynamic rangeInstant image review via digital backStrong desirability among medium format enthusiastsNotable body weight
Phase One 645DF
Exceptional detail and dynamic range
Instant image review via digital back
Strong desirability among medium format enthusiasts
Notable body weight
3
Phase One IQ150
Beautiful skin tonesClassic CCD lookMedium format rendering and dynamic rangeAutofocus weaker for people photographyPost-processing didn't match camera's level
Phase One IQ150
Beautiful skin tones
Classic CCD look
Medium format rendering and dynamic range
Autofocus weaker for people photography
Post-processing didn't match camera's level
Best value
4Mid
Fujifilm GFX 50S
Excellent compatibility with adapted vintage lensesOutstanding image qualityStrong value on the used marketSlow and unreliable autofocusFirmware and menu quirksLack of a fast native normal lens
Fujifilm GFX 50S
Excellent compatibility with adapted vintage lenses
Outstanding image quality
Strong value on the used market
Slow and unreliable autofocus
Firmware and menu quirks
Lack of a fast native normal lens
5Premium
Phase One P45
Excellent color and image qualityCommon battery compatibilityOngoing manufacturer servicingCostly repairsHardware reliability issueHigh overall system cost
Phase One P45
Excellent color and image quality
Common battery compatibility
Ongoing manufacturer servicing
Costly repairs
Hardware reliability issue
High overall system cost
6
Phase One P20
Best Unlocked With Capture OneClean Files at Base ISO 50Distinctive Film-Like CCD LookRequires Capture One WorkflowLow Base ISO Limits FlexibilityCCD Noise in Bright Conditions
Phase One P20
Best Unlocked With Capture One
Clean Files at Base ISO 50
Distinctive Film-Like CCD Look
Requires Capture One Workflow
Low Base ISO Limits Flexibility
CCD Noise in Bright Conditions
7Mid
Fujifilm GFX 50R
Exceptional image qualityExtensive lens adaptabilityUsable as an everyday or travel cameraSlow autofocus and burst rateNo in-body image stabilizationStill a significant price investment
Fujifilm GFX 50R
Exceptional image quality
Extensive lens adaptability
Usable as an everyday or travel camera
Slow autofocus and burst rate
No in-body image stabilization
Still a significant price investment
8Premium
Phase One IQ4
Exceptional detail and resolutionOutstanding dynamic range and colorFrame averaging featureExtremely high total costLimited movements on some body variantsDebatable image quality edge over rivals
Phase One IQ4
Exceptional detail and resolution
Outstanding dynamic range and color
Frame averaging feature
Extremely high total cost
Limited movements on some body variants
Debatable image quality edge over rivals
9Premium
Phase One XT IQ4
Exceptional detail and image qualityOutstanding dynamic range and colorTrusted, long-term workhorse for professionalsNo tilt or swing movementVery high price relative to outputLimited lens selection
Phase One XT IQ4
Exceptional detail and image quality
Outstanding dynamic range and color
Trusted, long-term workhorse for professionals
No tilt or swing movement
Very high price relative to output
Limited lens selection
10Premium
Phase One XF IQ3
Wireless tethering supportHigh-resolution 100MP backModular system designAutofocus system concernsCheap-feeling build qualityNo vertical grip for portrait shooting
Phase One XF IQ3
Wireless tethering support
High-resolution 100MP back
Modular system design
Autofocus system concerns
Cheap-feeling build quality
No vertical grip for portrait shooting

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

The 645DF delivers a striking upgrade in image quality over full-frame DSLRs. A user who switched from a Canon 5D Mk II to the 645DF paired with a P45+ back and Schneider 80mm f/2.8 lens described being unprepared for the level of detail and dynamic range the system produced. They called the overall look of the images 'incredible,' suggesting a substantial perceptible difference when moving from full-frame to medium format digital capture, particularly in tonal range and resolved detail in real-world shooting conditions.

Long-time film shooters find themselves drawn to the system despite the medium format learning curve. A commenter with a collection of Hasselblad and Mamiya film cameras, plus a Fujifilm X1Dii, admitted an 'unreasonable' desire to own a 645DF-based setup. They noted their favorite film cameras were similarly sized medium format bodies, and that carrying heavier gear on photo walks was not a concern for them, suggesting weight is a manageable tradeoff for enthusiasts already used to medium format handling.

Digital backs bring workflow benefits that film-era medium format shooters didn't have. One commenter noted that models being photographed likely appreciate seeing shots immediately, contrasting this with film days when photographers and subjects sometimes never saw the final image at all. Another added that testing a new back's resolution benefits from sharp, comparison-ready images rather than creative shots, reinforcing the digital back's practical value for technical evaluation and immediate feedback during shoots.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?