Capture One is a photography software suite. It includes custom support for raw image files from over 650 cameras and tethering support (remote camera control via USB, network cable or Wifi) for over 200 cameras.[1] Originally produced by camera maker Phase One, the software department was split off into its own company, called Capture One A/S, in 2019. Both companies are majority-owned by the private equity firm Axcel. Before Axcel, Phase One including the software department was majority-owned by Silverfleet Capital.[2]
In 2022, Capture One released its iPad app with a sub-set of features from the desktop app and Capture One Live,[3] a cloud-based collaboration platform for getting feedback in real-time. In 2023, Capture One was also released for iPhone, compatible with iOS 15 and newer.[4]
Capture One Pro is available as subscription or one-time purchase ("perpetual license")[5] Other product variants like Studio and Enterprise are only available as subscription. The camera maker-branded variants for Phase One and Fujifilm are free for eligible owners of the respective cameras.[6][7][8]
Version History
Product name
initial version, release date
newest version, release date
Key changes, supported cameras, new features (selection)
Retouch Faces, Session Builder, Library Tool updates, and improved Viewer performance on macOS, Blemish Protection, WiFi tethering for Panasonic Lumix S1 II, S1 IIE and S1R II, Fujifilm X-E5.
More locally computed AI-driven adjustments and masking,[13][14]Content Credentials, integration with Photoroom background replacement and extension service, faster export, Canon R100, Fujifilm X-M5, Nikon Z50 II, Panasonic Lumix DC-S9, Panasonic Lumix DC-S1RM2, Panasonic Lumix DC-GH7, Panasonic Lumix S1 II and S1 IIE, Leica SL3-S, Sony A1 II, Nikon P1100, Sony A7CR, Sony A7C II
Studio SKU, AI Crop, multiple viewer windows, improvements to tethering with Fujifilm and Sony, Fujifilm GFX-100S II, Fujifilm X-T50. Sony ILX-LR1, Nikon Z6 III, Leica D-Lux 8, Canon EOS R1, Canon EOS R5 Mark II, Leica M11-D, Leica Q3 43, Sony ZV-E10 II
AI masking, faster browsing,[20] tethering improvements,[21] Presentation View,[22] Leica M11-P, Leica SL3, Lumix G9 II, Sony A7C II, Sony A7CR, Sony A9 III, Fujifilm X100 VI, OM System OM-1 Mark II
Capture One is available for macOS and Microsoft Windows. It is localized for Chinese (simplified), Chinese (traditional), English, Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Swedish.[citation needed]
Features include[35] smart adjustments, advanced color, styles and presets, high dynamic range, skin tone editing, before and after, film grain, healing and cloning tool, dehaze, layers, keystone correction, black and white conversion, ability to print directly from Capture One, and extension to iPad and iPhone with Capture Pilot,[36] noise reduction, color correction, spot removal, High Dynamic Range tools, lens tools and sharpening tools.
Run Modes
Through different license types, different feature sets in Capture One can be configured.[37][38] On January 18, 2022, the company announced discontinuation of its Fujifilm, Nikon and Sony camera brand-specific run-modes.[39][40] On December 12, 2023, it announced discontinuation of the Express Run Modes.[41] For Fujifilm users, the Fujifilm RAW Converter Run Mode was introduced as a replacement for Express for Fujifilm in December 2023.[42]
Run Mode
Feature Set
Pro
File and tethering support for all cameras
for Phase One
Same as Pro, but file and tethering support only for cameras from the respective maker.
Fujifilm RAW Converter
File support for cameras from the respective maker. No tethering. Across-the-board reduced feature set[43]
Studio
Same as Pro, plus multiple viewer windows, more crop options, multiple compare variants.
Enterprise
Same as Studio, plus features for e-commerce studios, e.g. barcode-reader support[44]
2022: The Capture One Live service is launched, a cloud-based option to share and review photos[48]
2018: Some Capture One features are released embedded in the Phase One IQ4 digital camera back[49]
2010: The Capture Pilot companion app for iOS is launched[50]
2003: The independent Capture One brand was established and began supporting other camera brands
2002: The Phase One H20 was launched and the older "Lightphase" back was renamed as the H5 / H10 (two versions with different capabilities). At the same time the software was renamed to Capture One.
1998: Software launched as "Lightphase Capture", only camera supported was the 6mp Phase One Lightphase camera back.