Phase One P20From real comments

Verdict distilled from 18 mentions across 9 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment63%
PROS 62%
CONS 38%

Rank based on 18 mentions across 9 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want distinctive CCD color and a film-like look, especially for portraits
  • You're willing to shoot at base ISO 50 and process files in Capture One
  • You want a proven back that owners say still performs well after 16 years

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You rely on Lightroom and don't want to switch raw converters
  • You need clean results at higher ISOs without noise or hot pixels
  • You're bothered by inconsistent spec documentation from the manufacturer

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
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
You are here
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

Color and dynamic range impress when exposure is dialed in. Users who shoot at the P20's base ISO of 50 and expose carefully describe results that beat higher-resolution DSLRs in color and depth. One commenter compared it favorably to a Canon 5DSR, saying the medium format file held more editing flexibility. Another said the CCD sensor gives a distinctive look they specifically love for portraits, wishing similar bodies and backs were still made.

Capture One is essentially mandatory for best results. Multiple commenters insist that Lightroom fails to extract the P20's full potential, producing more digital noise and less accurate conversion. They report switching to Capture One transformed previously disappointing files into strong, detailed images. One user called this the single biggest factor separating good and bad results from the same digital back files.

The CCD sensor shows its age in bright or imprecise conditions. One commenter warns that being an older CCD design, the P20 doesn't like 'hot pixels' and can get noisy in bright conditions, calling this expected for the era's technology. Another owner separately noted a discrepancy between the manual's stated sensor active area and what they believe is the sensor's actual size, suggesting a manufacturer documentation error.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?