Phase One has announced an updated version of its Capture One 4, PRO and DB RAW workflow software. Version 4.7 introduces a new Enhanced Image Package (.EIP) file format that combines Capture One changes with lens calibration data and the original RAW data in a single file. Furthermore, JPEG and TIFF files can now be edited directly in Capture One. It also supports tethered shooting with Canon EOS 5D Mark II and Nikon D3x DSLRs.

Jacob Frost, Head of application development at Phase One explained what the EIP file format aims to achieve. Combining the RAW data and settings together in one file it makes it easier to move across computers. "You've got everything in one small package, in a single file, which makes it easy to move around," he said. "But the original RAW data is untouched and can be unpacked from the file if you want."

"It's something photographers were asking us for," he said: "in big professional setups with a lot of photographers delivering images to an agency, it's useful if they can deliver the original RAW data without having to bring a whole directory with the RAW files, settings files and LCC files separately. It makes the whole thing much easier to manage, even on a single workstation."

Phase One has also developed a Windows Imaging Component (WIC) codec for Windows and Quick Look plugin for Mac so that EIP files can be easily previewed and managed in those operating systems.

Press release:

Phase One releases Capture One 4.7

New file format packages Phase One RAW images with applied settings; new support for JPEG and TIFF files; more tethered support

COPENHAGEN, April 2, 2009 -- Phase One’s Capture One version 4.7 introduces a new enhanced image package file format to make it easier to share adjusted Phase One digital back-generated RAW files. It also permits adjustment of both JPEG and TIFF files. And it adds tethered shooting support for Canon 5D Mark II and Nikon D3X.  

New features include:

NEWLY-DESIGNED FILE FORMAT for Phase One RAW files
The Enhanced Image Package (.eip file extension) permits packaging of a Phase One RAW image file together with the adjustment settings applied to the RAW file, with no changes to the original RAW file or re-arrangement of settings. 

Ideal for photographers working with retouchers or pre-press, the .eip file format makes it easier to share adjusted Phase One RAW files and helps simplify image archiving and management.

The concept is simple and based on well known, proven ZIP technology (but without the file compression). It is possible to capture directly to .eip or to convert existing files into .eip files. The .eip format leaves the original RAW file untouched, so it is always possible to ‘unpack’ the original RAW file and settings.

SUPPORT FOR JPEG and TIFF files as ‘Input’ Files
Many unique attributes of Capture One 4 have been available only for Phase One back users or DSLR shooters using RAW capture. With v4.7, JPEG and TIFF support has been added. All of the existing technology in Capture One 4 is activated for both JPEG and TIFF files with the exception of the Lens correction tools. Now, scans, or older archived files that are in TIFF or JPEG format can be added to existing work and adjusted using Phase One’s patented algorithms.

Note: For optimal image quality, it is still recommended to capture and work with images in RAW format.

Added tehered capture support (PRO and DB versions)
Canon 5D Mark II
Nikon D3X

Availability
Capture One 4.7 is available now and comes in three versions: 4.7, 4.7 PRO and 4.7 DB.  Capture One 4.7 is a free service release to existing Capture One 4.x owners. Capture One 3.x customers can upgrade to a similar version of Capture One 4.6 at no extra cost.

Click here to download Capture One 4.7, 4.7 Pro and 4.7 DB