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Capture One
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Capture One
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Capture One
DeveloperCapture One
Stable release
16.7.1 / November 6, 2025; 2 months ago (2025-11-06)
Operating systemWindows, macOS, iOS
TypeImage editing
Licenseproprietary commercial
Websitewww.captureone.com

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[2]. Before Axcel, Phase One including the software department was majority-owned by Silverfleet Capital.[3]

In 2022, Capture One released its iPad app with a sub-set of features from the desktop app and Capture One Live,[4] a cloud-based collaboration platform for getting feedback in real-time.

In 2023, Capture One was also released for iPhone.[5]

In 2024, the Live for Studio app for iPad was released, which works together with Capture One Mac (desktop) and allows review of photos saved on desktop via local network.[6] The app requires the Studio tier of the desktop product, but is otherwise free.

Capture One Pro is available as subscription or one-time purchase ("perpetual license")[7] 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.[8][9][10]

Version History

[edit]
Product name initial version, release date newest version, release date Key changes, supported cameras, new features (selection)
Capture One 16.7.0, 2025-10-29[11] 16.7.1, 2025-11-06[12] Additional AI-supported masking and retouching, new contact sheets, Fujifilm X-T30 III, Leica M EV1, OM System OM-5 II, Canon C50
Capture One 16.6.0, 2025-05-20[13] 16.6.6, 2025-09-10[14] 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, Nikon ZR.
Capture One 16.5.0, 2024-10-23[15] 16.5.11, 2025-05-13[16] More locally computed AI-driven adjustments and masking,[17][18] 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
Capture One 16.4.0, 2024-05-14[19] 16.4.6, 2024-09-23[20] 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
Capture One 16.3.0, 2023-10-25[21][22] 16.3.8, 2024-04-04[23] AI masking, faster browsing,[24] tethering improvements,[25] Presentation View,[26] 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 23 16.2.0, 2023-05-16 16.2.6, 2023-11-08[27] New perpetual license model[28] ,Nikon Z8, iPhone 15, Fujifilm GFX 100 II, Leica Q3, Auto Dust Removal,
Capture One 23 16.0, 2022-11-08 16.1.3, 2023-04-24 Sony A7R V, Sony FX30, Canon R6 II, Canon R8, Canon R50, OM System OM-5, Smart Adjustments
Capture One 22 15.0, 2021-12-09 15.4.3, 2022-11-22[29] Nikon Z9, Fujifilm X-T5, Leica M11, Panasonic GH6, Wifi tethering,[30] Panorama merge, HDR merge, AI Rotate
Capture One 21 14.0, 2020-12-08 14.4.1, 2021-10-21[31] Fujifilm GFX50 S II, Leica SL2, Leica SL2-S, Leica S Typ 007, Sony A1, native Apple Silicon support, Windows 11 support
Capture One 20 13.0, 2019-12-04 13.1.4, 2020-12-21[32] Leica SL2, Canon 1D X Mark III, Nikon Z5, Sony A7S III, before/after editing comparison
Capture One 12 12.0, 2018-11-29 12.1.5, 2019-12-19[33] Phase One XT, Fujifilm GFX100, parametric masks, plug-ins, Fujifilm film simulations, Enterprise features[34]
Capture One 11 11.0, 2017-11-30 11.3.2, 2018-12-10[35] Phase One iXM, Phase One IQ4, Nikon Z7, Canon EOS R, tethering via network (IP)
Capture One 10 10.0, 2016-12-01 10.2.1, 2017-11-02[36] Cultural Heritage features,[37] Sony A9 support
Capture One 9 9.0 9.3, 2016-09-20[38] Canon 5D Mark IV

Features

[edit]
Capture One 23 language preferences
Capture One 23 language preferences

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[39] 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,[40] noise reduction, color correction, spot removal, High Dynamic Range tools, lens tools and sharpening tools.

Run Modes

[edit]

Through different license types, different feature sets in Capture One can be configured.[41][42] On January 18, 2022, the company announced discontinuation of its Fujifilm, Nikon and Sony camera brand-specific run-modes.[43][44] On December 12, 2023, it announced discontinuation of the Express Run Modes.[45] For Fujifilm users, the Fujifilm RAW Converter Run Mode was introduced as a replacement for Express for Fujifilm in December 2023.[46]

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[47]
Studio for Teams Same as Pro, plus multiple viewer windows, more crop options, multiple compare variants.
Studio for Enterprise Same as Studio for Teams, plus features for e-commerce studios, e.g. barcode-reader support[48] and extended user management[49].
Cultural Heritage File and tethering support for Phase One cameras, plus features for reprography[50], like controls for motorized copy-stands.

Timeline

[edit]
  • 2024: Introduction of Capture One Studio product.[51]
  • 2023: Capture One for iPhone is launched.[52]
  • 2022: The Capture One Live service is launched, a cloud-based option to share and review photos[53]
  • 2018: Some Capture One features are released embedded in the Phase One IQ4 digital camera back[54]
  • 2010: The Capture Pilot companion app for iOS is launched[55]
  • 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.

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Capture One

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Capture One is a professional digital asset management and photo editing software designed for photographers, emphasizing high-fidelity RAW processing, precise color grading, and tethered shooting capabilities. Originally developed in 1994 by the Danish imaging company Phase One as a RAW file converter exclusively for its medium-format cameras, it evolved into a standalone product supporting over 600 camera models and more than 700 lenses from various manufacturers. In 2003, Capture One expanded beyond Phase One hardware, becoming an independent brand accessible to users of Canon, Nikon, Sony, and other systems, which broadened its appeal among professional and enthusiast photographers worldwide. In June 2019, private equity firm Axcel acquired a majority stake in Phase One, leading to the separation of its software development arm later that year to form Capture One A/S, a Copenhagen-based company that serves over 250,000 users across more than 90 countries and processes approximately 240 million photos monthly. Key features include advanced layers and masking for non-destructive editing, AI-powered tools such as skin retouching, asset management capabilities, seamless collaboration via cloud integration, and robust tethering for studio workflows, making it a popular alternative to Adobe Lightroom for those prioritizing color accuracy and performance.

Overview and Development

Introduction

Capture One is a professional digital asset management and RAW photo editing application designed primarily for photographers seeking advanced control over image processing. It enables non-destructive editing of RAW files, tethered shooting for live capture sessions, and high-fidelity color rendering to preserve the nuances of original sensor data. Developed with an emphasis on precision and workflow efficiency, the software originated as a specialized tool from Phase One before evolving into a standalone product. The application targets professional photographers, studios, and advanced amateurs who prioritize accuracy and customization over simplified interfaces, making it a staple in high-end commercial and editorial workflows. Its unique strengths include superior through custom camera profiles, broad compatibility with over 600 camera models from major manufacturers, and seamless integration with professional production pipelines. As of November 2025, the flagship Capture One Pro version 16.7.1 is available for Windows, macOS, and iOS platforms, offering ongoing updates for enhanced performance and device support.

Company Background

Capture One originated in 1994 as a proprietary RAW image converter developed by Phase One A/S, a Danish company founded that same year by Samir Léhaff and specializing in medium- and large-format digital camera backs and systems. Initially designed to process files from Phase One's Studio camera systems, the software emerged from the company's early innovations in digital imaging technology, supporting professional photographers working with high-end hardware. Phase One's focus on open-platform medium-format solutions laid the groundwork for Capture One's emphasis on precise color science and RAW processing. In 2019, following an investment by Nordic private equity firm Axcel, the software division was spun off from Phase One to form the independent Capture One A/S, allowing it to concentrate exclusively on image editing software while Phase One continued with hardware development. This separation enabled a strategic shift toward a subscription-based licensing model, broadening accessibility for photographers beyond Phase One's ecosystem and fostering growth through expanded features and user subscriptions. Under CEO Rafael Orta, appointed in late 2020 and leading as of 2025, the company has prioritized innovation in creative workflows and community engagement. Headquartered in Frederiksberg, near Copenhagen, Denmark, Capture One maintains a global presence with key offices in Athens, Greece, and supports remote teams across multiple locations, employing approximately 150 people from diverse backgrounds. The company has cultivated strategic partnerships with leading camera manufacturers, including Fujifilm for native X-Trans sensor support, Film Simulations, and tethering integration; Sony for optimized RAW profiles; and Canon for comprehensive file compatibility and color accuracy enhancements. These collaborations ensure tailored support for nearly 600 camera models and over 700 lenses, reinforcing Capture One's role in professional digital workflows.

Core Features

Image Adjustment Tools

Capture One provides a suite of non-destructive image adjustment tools designed for precise corrections to exposure, composition, optics, and detail, all accessible through dedicated tool tabs in the interface. These tools integrate with a live histogram for real-time visual feedback on tonal distribution, allowing users to monitor clipping and balance adjustments without altering the original RAW file. The software's rendering engine processes changes instantaneously in the Viewer, supporting workflows from basic corrections to professional enhancements. Exposure and contrast adjustments form the foundation of image correction in Capture One, located primarily in the Exposure tool tab. The Exposure slider adjusts overall brightness over a range of -4.00 to +4.00 EV, shifting the histogram without introducing color casts; an Auto Exposure option leverages meter readings and 18% gray reflectance for initial balancing. Complementary sliders for Brightness modify midtone values—decreasing it increases contrast while raising it lightens shadows—and Contrast enhances tonal separation more efficiently than advanced curves. The Highlights and Shadows controls, part of the High Dynamic Range tool, recover details in bright and dark areas respectively, with the histogram updating to reflect these targeted recoveries. For finer control, the Levels tool offers RGB channel adjustments and preset output levels, clipping at a default 0.10% (adjustable from 0-10%), while the Black and White Points set anchors to remap the tonal range effectively. Crop and rotate functions enable non-destructive framing and orientation corrections via the Composition or Crop tool tab, with real-time previews and masking options for the cropped area. The Crop tool supports fixed or unconstrained aspect ratios, including presets for common formats, and allows resizing of vignettes; holding Shift locks the ratio, while Alt centers the crop around the image midpoint. Rotation occurs through an Angle slider, freehand dragging, or preset orientations (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°), with automatic rotation configurable based on metadata. These tools incorporate lens profiles for accurate leveling, ensuring straight horizons without manual guesswork. In tethered workflows, such adjustments can apply instantly to incoming captures for efficient on-set refinements. Lens correction tools, housed in the Lens tool tab, automatically address optical imperfections using camera- and lens-specific profiles derived from metadata. Distortion correction straightens geometric warping via profile-based or manual sliders, while Aberration tools mitigate chromatic fringes by analyzing edge color shifts. Vignette compensation counters peripheral light falloff, adjustable up to ±4 EV with optional color tones like Sepia or Blue, and includes falloff sharpness controls; profiles ensure accuracy across supported lenses from over 600 models. These corrections apply non-destructively, preserving the image's integrity before further processing. Noise reduction capabilities, within the Details tool tab, target both luminance and color noise with sliders optimized for 100% view magnification. The Luminance slider (default 50) smooths pattern noise like grain from high ISOs while preserving details, and the Color slider eliminates speckles such as green-magenta artifacts; a Details slider balances edge retention against smoothing, with higher values enhancing fine textures but risking residual noise. Single Pixel correction isolates hot pixels from long exposures, applied judiciously to avoid over-softening. These tools adapt to camera-specific noise profiles, ensuring natural results across sensors. Recent versions incorporate AI enhancements for improved noise detection and reduction. Sharpening tools in the Details tab enhance edge definition post-demosaicing, using Structure for micro-contrast boosts, Amount for overall intensity, and Radius to define the edge width (typically starting low). Threshold prevents amplification of noise in uniform areas (common range 0-1.0), and Halo Suppression minimizes artifacts from aggressive settings. Diffraction Correction employs deconvolution algorithms, supporting manual lens data for precise focus recovery. Output sharpening variants for print or screen further refine results during export. Unique to Capture One's rendering engine, the Clarity and Structure sliders in the Clarity tool provide midtone contrast enhancements without affecting highlights or shadows. Clarity boosts large-scale transitions (positive values increase punchy contrast; negative softens for portraits), available in methods like Natural, Punch, Neutral, or Classic. Structure refines small-scale details such as textures in foliage, with positive adjustments adding definition and negative ones moderating softness. These sliders integrate seamlessly with the histogram, offering a distinctive approach to perceptual sharpness distinct from traditional tools.

Color and Tone Management

Capture One offers robust color balance tools designed for accurate correction under varying lighting conditions. The White Balance tool includes a picker that allows users to sample neutral areas, such as gray cards, to automatically set the balance, effectively implementing Gray Balance for custom setups. Complementing this, temperature and tint sliders provide manual control, with the Kelvin slider adjustable from 800 to 14,000 degrees Kelvin and the tint slider handling magenta-green casts, all rendered with live preview in the image viewer for immediate feedback. For advanced tonal control, the Curves tool enables precise mapping across multiple modes, including RGB for overall adjustments affecting color, Luma for luminance-only changes that preserve hues, and individual red, green, or blue channel curves for targeted tonal refinements. These options facilitate subtle enhancements, such as maintaining skin tone integrity during contrast adjustments, without introducing unwanted color shifts. The Color Editor stands out for its granular approach to color correction, permitting selection of specific hues via a color picker and subsequent shifts in hue, saturation, and lightness. Users can target high and low saturation points to isolate and adjust narrow color ranges, ensuring precise modifications like enhancing vibrancy in muted areas while avoiding over-saturation elsewhere. In the dedicated Skin Tone tab, uniformity sliders and presets even out variations in hue and saturation across skin areas, promoting natural consistency in portrait work. Recent AI-powered tools enhance skin retouching capabilities within this editor. Film simulations in Capture One leverage ICC profiles to replicate analog aesthetics, delivering soft tones and characteristic contrasts akin to traditional films. For Fujifilm RAF raw files, built-in simulations such as Provia for natural colors and Velvia for vivid landscapes are supported, while users can import custom ICC profiles to apply personalized recipes, including Fujifilm-inspired styles for creative emulations. Black and white conversion is handled through a dedicated tool that desaturates images while offering color filtering via individual sliders for red, yellow, green, cyan, blue, and magenta channels, allowing photographers to emphasize or suppress specific tones during the monochrome transformation. This integrates seamlessly with the Film Grain tool, which applies realistic, photorealistic grain patterns to mimic analog film textures, enhancing the tactile quality of B&W outputs. Selective application of these color and tone tools can be achieved using masks for localized effects.

Advanced Capabilities

Layering and Masking

Capture One's layering system enables non-destructive, selective editing by allowing users to create up to 16 layers for applying adjustments to specific areas of an image. Each layer supports a range of tools, including clone and heal stamps for repairing imperfections, with dedicated options to create new clone or heal layers directly from the Layers tool. Layer opacity can be adjusted via a master slider to blend adjustments subtly, ensuring precise control over the intensity of local edits without affecting the base image. Masking tools in Capture One facilitate targeted adjustments through various methods, including luminosity range masks that select specific tonal values for refining edits like shadows or highlights. Linear and radial gradient masks allow for smooth transitions across defined areas, while brush-based masks offer manual control with adjustable feather settings to soften edges and invert options to reverse selections. These tools integrate seamlessly with layers, enabling complex, localized modifications such as dodging and burning or color corrections confined to masked regions. Introduced in version 16.7 in October 2025, the Combine Masks feature allows users to merge multiple masks within a single layer using add, subtract, and intersect operations, creating intricate selections from elements like gradients, luminosity ranges, and AI masks while maintaining their dynamic adjustability. The software's retouch tools, including clone and heal options with source selection for sampling from within or outside the image, support detailed repairs on dedicated layers. Version 16.7 enhanced these with specialized presets and tools for portrait retouching, such as Retouch Teeth for whitening and evening tones, Blemish Removal with neck area inclusion, and Even Skin adjustments, all leveraging AI for automatic face detection and natural results. AI-assisted masking, first introduced in version 16.3 with tools like Subject Masking, Background Masking, AI Select, and AI Eraser, was further refined in 16.5 to include People Masking for precise subject isolation. This update also added background replacement via Photoroom API integration, enabling seamless swaps of image backgrounds while preserving layered edits. For authenticity verification, Capture One 16.5 introduced Content Credentials, which embed an editing history—including layer-based adjustments—into exported JPEG and TIFF files as verifiable metadata, promoting transparency in post-production workflows. These layering and masking capabilities apply similarly in both standalone and tethered modes, supporting efficient edits during live shoots or post-processing sessions.

Tethering and Workflow Integration

Capture One supports tethered shooting through direct connections to compatible cameras via USB or Wi-Fi, enabling live view for real-time previewing, instant capture with remote control over settings like aperture, shutter speed, and ISO, and automatic import of images into the software's file management system. This setup is particularly valued in professional studio environments for its reliability, with USB requiring high-quality cables up to 5 meters and Wi-Fi optimized for Canon, Sony, and select Fujifilm models using a 5 GHz network for reduced latency. For session organization, Capture One offers two primary modes: Sessions and Catalogs. Sessions are project-specific, organizing files into structured folders such as Capture, Selects, and Output for efficient management of individual shoots, while Catalogs provide a centralized database for handling large, multi-project libraries across various locations. Metadata embedding occurs automatically in Catalogs for seamless file portability, whereas Sessions require manual export to embed adjustments; both modes support batch renaming, though Catalogs offer more advanced options for renaming across extensive collections. Workflow tools in Capture One enhance efficiency through customizable keyboard shortcuts, which users can edit via predefined or user-created sets to accelerate tasks like tool selection and adjustments, and custom workspaces that allow rearrangement of tool tabs and panels to suit individual preferences. Additionally, Capture One Cloud, introduced in version 16.5, facilitates synchronization of export recipes, shortcuts, workspaces, and styles across multiple devices, supporting seamless transitions between workstations in collaborative or mobile setups. Integration with other software includes round-trip editing with Adobe Photoshop, where variants can be exported directly to open in Photoshop while preserving layers and adjustments for return import, and compatibility with Adobe Lightroom through catalog imports that maintain folder structures and metadata. Capture One provides full support for DNG files, treating native DNGs as standard RAW formats for editing and export, and features ProStandard profiles—a set of hand-calibrated ICC profiles designed for natural, consistent color rendering across camera models, ideal for portrait and product photography to ensure uniformity in workflows involving multiple devices. Version 16.7 introduced enhanced tethered controls, including improved camera focus management for all supported Fujifilm models, which contributes to faster capture rates by streamlining remote operations during live shoots. Multi-camera support is also bolstered through compatible hardware setups, allowing simultaneous tethering for complex studio sessions. An AI-powered background replacement tool, added in version 16.5 via integration with the Photoroom API, enables users to swap image backgrounds post-capture directly within tethered workflows, supporting exports as transparent PNGs for further editing in integrated applications like Photoshop.

Operating Modes

Standalone Processing

Capture One operates in standalone processing mode as a post-capture editor, allowing users to handle imported image files independently of any live camera connection. This mode supports batch importing from memory cards, external drives, or folders, where users can select multiple images for ingestion into Sessions or Catalogs. During import, Capture One generates thumbnails and previews automatically to facilitate quick review, with options to adjust preview quality and size for performance. Duplicate detection is integrated, enabling the exclusion of previously imported images from the same source to prevent redundancy, such as when re-importing from a card with residual files. Asset management in standalone mode emphasizes organization and iteration tools tailored for post-production workflows. Variants enable the creation of multiple edited versions from a single original image, preserving non-destructive adjustments for client iterations or comparisons. Smart Albums function as dynamic collections filtered by criteria like metadata, star ratings, color tags, keywords, or EXIF data, automatically updating to reflect changes in the library. Search capabilities allow precise querying by these attributes, including ratings (1-5 stars) and custom metadata fields, streamlining access to large catalogs without real-time tethering. Export functionalities provide versatile output options for final delivery in standalone processing. Supported formats include JPEG, TIFF, PNG, and PSD, with customizable settings for resolution, color space, and sharpening. Watermarking can be applied directly during export to JPEG, TIFF, PNG, or PSD files, using text or graphical overlays for copyright protection. Lookup tables (LUTs), often converted to ICC profiles or applied via Styles, can be incorporated into exports to maintain consistent color grading across formats. Additionally, web gallery generation via Web Contact Sheets creates HTML-based proofing pages with thumbnails, metadata display, and navigation, suitable for client previews without external tools. Performance in standalone mode benefits from hardware optimizations to handle demanding tasks efficiently. GPU acceleration, via OpenCL or Metal on compatible systems, speeds up preview updates, adjustment previews, and export processing. The software employs 64-bit architecture for robust handling of large RAW files and high-resolution images, minimizing memory constraints during batch operations. This contrasts briefly with tethered capture, which prioritizes real-time ingestion over these post-import efficiencies. Contact sheets and proofing tools enhance client review workflows in standalone processing. The Contact Sheets feature, introduced in version 16.7, allows customizable grid layouts of multiple images, including options for borders, captions, and export to PDF or JPEG for print or digital sharing. These tools support quick proofing by incorporating ratings and metadata, facilitating iterative feedback without live sessions. Mobile integration extends standalone capabilities through the Capture One iOS app, enabling on-the-go culling and basic edits that sync to the desktop version. Users can import images directly to the app, apply ratings, color tags, and simple adjustments like exposure or cropping, then transfer via cloud sync or AirDrop for seamless continuation in full standalone mode on desktop. This one-way sync from mobile to desktop preserves workflow continuity for photographers reviewing shoots remotely.

Tethered Capture

Tethered capture in Capture One enables photographers to connect compatible cameras directly to a computer or mobile device for real-time control and image transfer during shoots. Connection setup typically involves a USB cable for most supported models, utilizing protocols such as PTP (Picture Transfer Protocol) for Canon and Sony cameras to ensure reliable communication. For example, Sony Alpha series cameras require setting the USB connection to "PC Remote" or PTP mode in the camera menu to avoid recognition issues, while Canon EOS models often default to native USB tethering but may need driver updates for stability. Troubleshooting common problems includes verifying camera firmware compatibility, using high-quality USB cables to prevent disconnections, and switching to MTP mode if PTP fails on older devices. Live view features provide an immersive preview of the scene directly in the software, displaying a full-screen view from the camera sensor for precise composition. Focus peaking highlights in-focus areas with color overlays, aiding manual adjustments, while exposure simulation via the DOF/EPV (Depth of Field/Exposure Preview) button mimics final image results, including histogram overlays for tonal analysis. These tools allow photographers to evaluate sharpness, exposure, and clipping in real time without capturing test shots. Capture controls extend to remote shutter release, enabling trigger from the computer keyboard or software button to minimize vibrations in studio setups. File naming conventions can be customized in Capture One to include metadata such as date, session name, or sequential numbers, facilitating instant review as images appear in the Capture folder immediately after exposure. Studio enhancements integrate seamlessly with professional setups, including lighting control where aperture or ISO adjustments in Capture One can automatically sync power output on Profoto Air-enabled strobes for consistent illumination. Multi-light metering is supported through adjustable camera modes, allowing evaluation of combined light ratios via live histograms. For larger displays, HDMI output from the camera can mirror the live view to external monitors, complementing the software's interface for team collaboration. Version 16.7 introduced improvements to tethered speed and reliability, particularly enhancing Fujifilm compatibility with added Focus Cursor tools in live view, alongside wireless options for select Canon and Sony models via Wi-Fi for cable-free operation. Version 16.7.1, released November 6, 2025, further addressed tethering stability issues, such as crashes during image ingestion. These updates reduce latency in image transfer and stabilize connections during high-volume shoots. Common use cases include fashion shoots for dynamic posing adjustments with client input, product photography for precise focus verification on details, and portrait sessions enabling real-time approvals to streamline creative decisions. In these scenarios, adjustment tools can be applied live to previews for immediate feedback.

Version History

Early Development (1994–2010)

Capture One was initially developed by Phase One and launched in 1997 as version 1.0, serving as tethered software specifically for the company's digital backs, functioning primarily as a RAW file converter to support high-end medium-format photography workflows. The software started as a niche tool tailored to Phase One's hardware, enabling direct camera control and immediate image preview during shoots, which was a significant advancement for professional photographers at the time. Early iterations focused exclusively on Mac platforms, reflecting the prevalence of Macintosh systems in professional creative environments during the 1990s. Version 2, released in 1997, introduced batch processing capabilities, allowing users to apply adjustments and export multiple images efficiently, which streamlined post-capture workflows for studio users. By version 3 in 2002, support for Windows was added, broadening accessibility to a wider user base beyond Apple ecosystems. Version 3.5 in 2003 extended compatibility to JPEG files, enabling editing of compressed formats alongside RAW, though the core emphasis remained on high-fidelity medium-format support. Version 4, launched in 2005, marked a pivotal expansion by introducing tethered capture for DSLRs from Canon and Nikon, allowing photographers to connect consumer-grade cameras for live view and instant transfer, thus bridging the gap between medium-format specialists and DSLR users. This shift helped Capture One compete with emerging alternatives like Adobe's Camera Raw, though its roots in medium-format optimization posed challenges in scaling to broader consumer camera support amid Adobe's growing dominance in general RAW processing. In 2008, Phase One consolidated control over the software's development, coinciding with version 5's release, which added layering tools for non-destructive local adjustments, enhancing creative flexibility for complex edits. The period saw ongoing refinement to balance medium-format precision with DSLR expansion, navigating competition from Adobe's integrated ecosystem.

Recent Releases (2011–Present)

Capture One's recent releases from 2011 onward have focused on enhancing processing engines, user interfaces, and professional workflows, reflecting the software's evolution as an independent entity following its spin-off from Phase One in 2019. These updates introduced advanced masking, AI-driven tools, and expanded hardware compatibility, while shifting toward flexible licensing to accommodate diverse user needs. Version 7, released on October 25, 2012, featured a new processing engine that significantly improved image quality, particularly in high ISO noise reduction and color rendering. It unified the interface for streamlined asset management and editing, reducing workflow friction across catalog and session modes. An early update, version 7.0.2 in January 2013, added native support for Fujifilm's X-Trans sensors, enabling superior RAW processing for cameras like the X-Pro1 and X-E1. Following incremental updates in versions 8 through 11, version 12 arrived on November 29, 2018, overhauling layers and masking with new linear and radial gradient tools alongside luminosity masking for precise, non-destructive adjustments. It also enhanced tethered shooting with faster live view and expanded camera compatibility, optimizing studio workflows. The interface was redesigned for consistency across macOS and Windows, improving accessibility during extended sessions. Subsequent releases adopted year-based versioning starting with version 20 in December 2019, followed by versions 21 (2021), 22 (2022), and 23 (late 2022), which introduced features like the Layers Curve tool, enhanced AI masking, and initial native Apple Silicon support in version 21.1 (2021). Version 23 marked the last year-based name before transitioning to sequential numbering in the 16.x series. Version 20, released in late 2019 with major updates through 2020, provided early support for Apple Silicon processors in subsequent updates and introduced Capture One Live for Events, a real-time collaboration tool allowing photographers to share and review tethered shoots remotely, ideal for event and studio applications. In 2021, Capture One refined its licensing model, emphasizing subscriptions alongside perpetual licenses to ensure ongoing access to updates, with price adjustments for brand-specific editions (Nikon, Sony, Fujifilm) rising to $12.50 monthly (annual prepay) before their discontinuation in 2022. By 2024, version numbering continued in the 16.x series. Capture One 16.5, launched on October 23, 2024, integrated Content Credentials for embedding editing history in exported JPEGs and TIFFs to verify authenticity, alongside Cloud Settings for syncing workspaces, styles, and export recipes across devices. It also added background replacement via Photoroom API integration and AI-powered People Masking for selective portrait edits. Capture One 16.6, released on May 20, 2025, advanced retouching with auto-detected Face Retouch tools that refine skin, eyes, and expressions without manual masking, alongside session enhancements like hierarchical folder structures and external drive backups for organized on-location workflows. These updates prioritized efficiency in mobile and tethered scenarios, including wireless support for Panasonic LUMIX cameras. The latest major release, Capture One 16.7 on October 29, 2025, introduced Combine Masks for intersecting and blending multiple layers to create complex selections, and expanded the Retouch Tool with dedicated Teeth Retouch for natural smile enhancements. A follow-up service release, 16.7.1 on November 6, 2025, addressed bugs related to export stability and mask rendering while maintaining backward compatibility. As of November 2025, Capture One Pro offers subscription tiers starting at $15.75 monthly (billed annually at $189) for core editing and tethering, with perpetual licenses at $299 one-time, and higher plans like Studio at $40.75 monthly.

References

  1. https://www.captureone.com/en/about-capture-one
  2. https://support.captureone.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002718118-Camera-Models-and-RAW-Files-Supported-by-Capture-One
  3. https://cyme.io/en/photographers-tips/photo-editing-software/capture-one-pro/capture-one-history/
  4. https://axcel.com/axcel-invests-in-phase-one/
  5. https://www.captureone.com/en
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  11. https://www.phaseone.com/about/
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  25. https://support.captureone.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002601358-The-Color-Editor-overview
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  29. https://support.captureone.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002409057-How-do-I-install-and-import-my-own-color-profiles
  30. https://www.captureone.com/en/products/styles/film-styles
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  38. https://support.captureone.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002615497-Opacity-slider-effect-in-the-Layers-tool
  39. https://support.captureone.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002622857-Creating-a-Luma-Range-Mask
  40. https://support.captureone.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002601658-Overview-of-Layers-and-Masks
  41. https://support.captureone.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002622897-Editing-the-Luma-Range-Mask
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  43. https://support.captureone.com/hc/en-us/articles/30695491704349-Introduction-to-Combine-Masks
  44. https://support.captureone.com/hc/en-us/articles/8081197536669-Healing-and-Cloning
  45. https://support.captureone.com/hc/en-us/articles/31234408180893-Retouch-Teeth-Tool
  46. https://support.captureone.com/hc/en-us/articles/14055231933853-AI-Masking
  47. https://support.captureone.com/hc/en-us/articles/22162074930589-Capture-One-16-5-0-Release-Notes
  48. https://support.captureone.com/hc/en-us/articles/22145897282717-Edit-Background-with-Photoroom-API-All-in-One-and-Studio-in-Sessions
  49. https://support.captureone.com/hc/en-us/articles/21230910200477-Content-Credentials-All-in-One-Studio
  50. https://www.captureone.com/blog/shooting-tethered-with-capture-one-pro
  51. https://support.captureone.com/hc/en-us/articles/30041173920029-Sessions-vs-Catalogs-in-Capture-One-how-they-work-and-where-to-store-them
  52. https://support.captureone.com/hc/en-us/articles/360002490637-Keyboard-shortcut-sets
  53. https://support.captureone.com/hc/en-us/articles/22189195526429-Cloud-Settings-All-in-One-Studio
  54. https://www.captureone.com/blog/quick-round-trip-photoshop
  55. https://www.captureone.com/blog/jumping-ship-to-capture-one-pro-from-lightroom
  56. https://support.captureone.com/hc/en-us/articles/360003336397-DNG-Support
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