Legendary Swedish camera maker Hasselblad just introduced the X1D II 50C mirrorless medium format camera, a new and improved successor to the X1D. Hasselblad also announced the much-awaited XCD 35-75mm f3.5/4.5 Zoom Lens and Phocus Mobile 2 tethering solution. In addition, Hasselblad also announced development details of the upcoming CFV II 50C digital back and 907X camera body.
Hasselblad developed their new X1D II 50C compact mirrorless medium format camera after listening to user feedback from X1D users and improved upon the first generation with enhanced electronics for a quicker and more intuitive medium format experience by giving the successor a higher resolution OLED EVF and a better (and bigger) touch screen, all while retaining the same form factor as its predecessor.
The X1D II 50C has been designed to take medium format photography out of the studio and into the world, without sacrificing image quality. After all, this is Hasselblad; the new X1D II sports a 50-megapixel CMOS sensor (43.8 x 32.9 mm) that is 1.7 times larger than 35mm full format sensors, packing in huge pixels (5.3 x 5.3 μm) for capturing images with superb tonality.
Images by Hasselblad
The X1D II boasts outstanding colour depth and an impressive dynamic range of 14 stops, which allows for capturing immense details in both shadows and highlights, while leaving photographers plenty of room for manoeuvring in post.
Building upon the award-winning first generation, the X1D II 50C blends form and function with minimalistic, Scandinavian design aesthetics with a graphite grey exterior and a smooth handling experience with its ergonomic grip. The new X1D II 50C continues to provide creatives with incredible Hasselblad image quality, with 16-bit RAW images and now full resolution JPEGs, in a compact, lightweight design.
As mentioned before, the new, larger touch screen on the back of the new X1D II 50C is one of the major improvements over the previous generation. The X1D II has a higher resolution 3.6-inch 2.36-million-dot touch display with 1024 x 768 resolution, which, according to Hasselblad happens to be, in physical terms, “the largest LCD display currently available on a digital medium format camera.”
Hasselblad X1D II 50C Features
- 50 Megapixel (43.8 x 32.9mm) Medium Format CMOS Sensor
- 16-Bit Color processing, 14-Stop Dynamic Range
- Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution
- 0.87x 3.69m-Dot Electronic Viewfinder
- 3.6″ 2.36m-Dot Touchscreen LCD (1024 x 768)
- Leaf Shutter System, 1/2000 sec Sync
- ISO 100-25600, Up to 2.7 fps Shooting
- Dual SD UHS-II Card Slots
- Built-In Wi-Fi
- USB 3.0 Type-C
- Pre-order:
- Available: $5,750 at B&H
Additionally, the X1D II 50C features a higher resolution enhanced OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) with 3.69-million dots and a high magnification of 0.87x.
The X1D II 50C’s live view features a faster refresh rate, reduced shutter lag and black out time between frames, an improved continuous capture rate, and a startup time cut almost in half from the first generation.
Building upon the highly-intuitive Hasselblad User Interface (HUI) of the previous model, further refinements have been made to the X1D II 50C to improve the camera’s handling experience, including the ability to access the menu system when looking in the EVF, giving greater usability in the sunniest conditions.
Enabling an even more portable medium format workflow, Hasselblad’s post production solutions now include the new Phocus Mobile 2. Connected via USB-C and Wi-Fi, photographers can transfer RAW and full quality JPEG files directly from the X1D II 50C and edit RAW images on their iPad Pro or iPad Air (2019) while out on the field.
Phocus Mobile 2 can be downloaded free of charge by Hasselblad users starting in July 2019.
Oddly enough, there is no mention of video functionality (not even 1080p) anywhere in the specs, which is a bit strange for an expensive pro camera announced in 2019, but this is Hasselblad and since this is a medium format camera for pro photographers and wealthy enthusiasts, I guess Hasselblad just figured the intended customer base for this model doesn’t need video at all.
According to the spec sheet though, there is headphone jack next to the USB-C port, so not all is lost and surely they must be thinking of adding video (and hopefully more than 1080p) in a firmware update… If that’s even possible, but then why would you have a headphone jack in?… The X1D could record plain old 1080p, and even though no one buying a Hasselblad camera is going to be buying it for the video functionality or lack-thereof, but having the ability to press a button and record a short video on-location can be useful, just in case you needed it.
The X1D II 50C is available to pre-order for $5750 and is expected to start shipping in July 2019.
In addition to the X1D II, Hasselblad also announced the highly anticipated XCD 35-75mm f3.5-4.5 zoom lens that Hasselblad says delivers prime lens performance in a zoom lens form factor. The Hasselblad XCD primes are known for delivering outstanding image quality from edge-to-edge and the new 35-75mm zoom should be no different offering on par performance as the XCD prime lenses.
The zoom lens has and internal focus design keeps the lens’ dimensions constant, delivers quick autofocus and additionally keeps the overall weight down. Ideal for shooting anything from wide angle landscapes to portrait images, this lens is perfect for photographers who are looking to keep the amount of equipment they carry when travelling to a minimum but don’t want to compromise on image quality.
Images by Hasselblad
Like the rest of the XCD lens range, the newly announced XCD 35-75mm f/3.5-4.5 zoom lens features an integral central lens shutter, offering exposure times from 68 minutes to 1/2000s with full flash synchronisation throughout.
The XCD 35-75mm zoom lens is expected to start shipping in October for a MSRP of $5,175 US / €4500 / £4050 + VAT.
Hassleblad also announced some details of their new CFV II 50C digital back and the brand new 907X camera body, which together will connect Hasselblad’s photographic history into one system.
The CFV II 50C digital back, which will have an outstanding medium format 50-megapixel CMOS sensor (43.8 x 32.9 mm), will be compatible with most V System cameras made from 1957 and onwards in addition to third party technical or view cameras. to bring them into the 21st century.
The Hasselblad CFV II 50C will feature a tilt screen with full touch support and Hasselblad’s renowned user interface for settings, image review, and menu navigation. Users of previous CFV digital backs will appreciate a new fully-integrated battery, the same used on the X System, which will reduce overall size and with the option to recharge in-camera via the USB-C port.
Coupling the CFV II 50C with Hasselblad’s smallest medium format camera body ever, the 907X, creates a highly compact package. This combination will offer a truly distinct photographic experience, including the classic waist-level shooting style of the V System enabled by the CFV II 50C’s tilt screen. With the 907X, photographers will have access to all of the high-quality X System Lenses in addition to a vast range of Hasselblad optics via adapters, including the H System, V System, and XPan Lenses.
In addition, the 907X will enable compatibility with a wide range of third-party adapters and lenses. Planned accessories to beautifully complement the combination include the 907X Control Grip and 907X External Optical Viewfinder.
Pricing and availability for the CFV II 50C digital back and the 907X will be made official later in the year. For more information on all new Hasselblad announcements head over to Hasselblad.
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