The biggest problem with medium-format cameras, historically, has been their size: Considerably bulkier and heavier than 35mm cameras, they tended to be used primarily in the studio or at weddings. Now Hasselblad has introduced the world’s first mirrorless medium format camera—and it’s comparable in size to a very portable, pro-level 35mm DSLR. Meet the Hasselblad X1D.
The Hasselblad X1D features a big 44x33mm, 50MP sensor and new X-system lenses, the X1D weighs half that of a conventional medium-format digital camera. The design hearkens back to the classic Hasselblad V system, but thanks to its mirrorless design the camera body is roughly as thick as a Leica M and is only slightly larger, overall, than a 35mm rangefinder or MILC, and is slightly smaller than a pro-level 35mm DSLR.
Hasselblad X1D Key Features
- 50mm 44x33mm CMOS sensor
- XCD-mount lenses
- Dual XD media card slots
- Mini HDMI, USB 3.0 Type C connectivity
- 3-inch 920k dot touch screen
- 2.36MP electronic viewfinder
- PASM plus 3 custom settings
- Leaf Shutter
- Flash synch at all shutter speeds up to 1/2000 sec
- 49mm and 90mm lenses introduced along with camera
- 1,000,000 exposure minimum life cycle shutter
- 2K video at 25fps
- Hasselblad Natural Color Solution for high-dynamic range, accurate color
- Digital lens correction
The Hasselblad X1D is the first of a new generation of medium-format cameras, called the X System. It is weather and dust sealed, has a quiet shutter release and, thanks to its diminutive dimensions, unusually unobtrusive for a medium-format camera. It has such modern amenities as a touchscreen, dual SD card slots, USB 3.0 Type-C connectivity, built-in Wi-Fi, a 2.36MP electronic viewfinder and 920K pixel touch screen display. It is ruggedized against sand and rain, and can be operated in 14-113 degrees farenheight. It is definitely not just a studio camera.
The high-resolution finder displays a wide array of information, and an eyestart sensor switches it on when you bring your eye to the viewfinder. Based on user feedback, Hasselblad is offering a square format image as well as an XPan panorama format, among other aspect ratios. Unused areas of the image will be blacked out in the viewfinder.
Large Format Advantage in Smaller Body
And yet, it has the benefits of a larger-sized sensor. The 50MP sensor deliver 8272×6200 pixels. Because of its generous real estate, the pixels themselves, at 5.3×5.3μm, are larger and therefore capture more light, improving dynamic range and 16-bit color definition.
The X1D also introduces Hasselblad Natural Color Solution (HNCS), a system that Hasselblad says will deliver extremely accurate color, as well as smoother tonal transitions that they say are more like analog film and less like smaller DSLR cameras’ image-capture ability. They accomplished this by producing a color look-up table recalculated algorithms, taking into account CMOS sensitivity and filter characteristics and modifying the image accordingly for the most true-to-reality color.
For such mission-critical work as fashion photography, the Hasselblad RGB profile is available; for users who need a wider gamut, Hasselblad L*RGB profile was also created, incorporating LAB color data for an extended color space.
Integrated Software
Hasselblad’s Phocus software links iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch with the camera via a simple interface with a short learning curve. Phocus Mobile lets you view and rate images, and control the X1D remotely. It can process RAW images; while available for both Mac and Windows desktop computers, the MAC version also offers RAW file support for some 200 other digital cameras.
One of Phocus’s key features is digital lens correction. It calculates the optical correctness for every shot at the given distance and aperture setting, working automatically behind the scenes, even with older V-System lenses.
X-System Lenses
At the camera’s introduction, Hasselblad has also revealed the Hasselblad XCD 45mm f/3.5 and 90mm f/3.2 lenses; both are autofocus, and showed outstanding performance in supplied MTF charts. Hasselblad promises additional lenses soon; H-series and V-series lenses will be usable, via an adapter.
Casing the Competition
At only $1,500 more than the 35mm Leica SL (601), Hasselblad has priced the X1D within reach of the same high-end audience, but offers the temptation of the higher quality that a medium format sensor can deliver. The only camera that beats it, price-wise, in the same sensor size and resolution category, is the 51MP, $7,000 Pentax 645Z, but that camera is larger and heavier, based on a more traditional medium-format design.
The Hasselblad X1D HSX1D50C will be available from Adorama body only for . The 45mm f/3.5mm lens HS4535XCD will cost , and the 90mm f/3.2 HS9032XCD model will cost at Adorama.
