Last Updated on 06/19/2019 by Mark Beckenbach
Hasselblad has just dropped the latest additions to its portfolio which promise to bring impressive medium format photography to more creatives.
Hasselblad continues to place itself on the front line of medium format photography today with the introduction of the latest additions to its product portfolio. The highlights of the announcement are the evolved X1D II 50C camera, the much awaited XCD 3.5 – 4.5 35-75 Zoom Lens, and the iPad-supported Phocus Mobile 2 image editing application. The company also shared more details about the development of the upcoming CFV II 50C digital back and the 907X camera body which can be combined into a highly compact package.
The New X1D II 50C
For the X1D II 50C, the second model in X System of medium format, mirrorless digital cameras, Hasselblad took note of user feedback to improve the first generation in the series. With its enhanced electronics for quicker and more intuitive performance, the company sees the new X System camera catering to a wider audience of creatives.
Like its predecessor, the X1D II 50C remains a portable and lightweight medium format digital camera with a smaller footprint compared to most Full Frame DSLRs. It boasts a large, high-resolution 50 Megapixel CMOS sensor (43.8 x 32.9 mm), which is 1.7 times larger compared to 35mm sensors. This creates 16-bit RAW images (and now in full resolution JPEGs as well) with superb tonality, outstanding color depth, and a dynamic range of 14 stops to make sure photographers have extensive details in both shadows and highlights to work with during post-processing. The new model also comes integrated with the Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution (HNCS) technology that allows it to produce true-to-life tones that match what the human eye sees.
Hasselblad also beefed up the X1D II 50C’s electronic platform which includes a higher resolution 3.6-inch 2.36-million-dot touch display — physically the largest LCD display to date on a medium format digital camera. The OLED electronic viewfinder (EVF) has also been upgraded with 3.69-million dots and a high magnification of 0.87x, while the rear display screen also now has a much higher resolution of 1024 x 768.
Other notable improvements implemented on the new X1D II 50C include faster refresh rate, reduced shutter lag and blackout time between frames, improved continuous capture rate, startup time cut almost in half, and refinements on the Hasselblad User Interface for better handling experience.
The New XCD 3.5 – 4.5 35-75 Zoom Lens
The ninth member of the X System of lenses, Hasselblad introduced the XCD 3.5 – 4.5 35-75 Zoom Lens as a high performance and compact mid-range zoom that covers a wide angle to short telephoto focal lengths. This new edition boasts of internal focusing that keeps the lens dimension constant and autofocus quick, making it ideal for shooting a wide variety of subjects in the best image quality while also keeping the equipment at a minimum for photographers. The XCD 3.5 – 4.5 35-75 also has an integral central lens shutter, with exposure times of 68 minutes to 1/2000s with full flash synchronization throughout.
Phocus Mobile 2
Hasselblad also expands its medium format workflow with the introduction of the Phocus Mobile 2 image editing application. Designed with the traveling photographer in mind, the application is compatible with the X1D II 50C using either USB-C or Wi-Fi and supported on iPad Pro and iPad Air (2019) models. The Phocus Mobile 2 allows users to import, edit, and rate RAW images, as well as import and rate full quality JPEG images directly on the mobile device. Users can also now enjoy full quality image export, tethered shooting, and direct camera control through this new app.
CFV II 50C digital back and the 907X camera body
Hasselblad is also currently developing the modern CFV II 50C digital back as well as a brand new 907X camera body that will consolidate the company’s legacy into one system. The digital back will have a medium format 50 Megapixel CMOS sensor and will support most V System cameras from 1957 onwards, as well as third-party technical or view cameras. It will also have a tilt screen with full touch support and Hasselblad’s user interface for settings, image review, and menu navigation.
Hasselblad will also improve the experience for those who are already familiar with the previous CFV backs, as the new digital back will come with a new fully-integrated battery — the same one used on the X System — which can be recharged in-camera through USB-C port.
Meanwhile, the 907X is set to be Hasselblad’s smallest medium format camera body to date, and when combined with the CFV II 50C, it will make a highly compact setup. Photographers will also be able to shoot in the waist-level style of the V System, thanks to the digital back’s tilt screen. The upcoming camera body will also allow photographers to use all of the high-quality X System lenses on top of a great range of Hasselblad optics — including the H System, V System, and XPan lenses — by using adapters. It will also be compatible with a wide range of third-party adapters and lenses, and accessories designed to complement the compact combo (such as a control grip and external optical viewfinder) are also planned.
Interested in any of Hasselblad’s newest offerings? The X1D II 50C is priced at $5,750, and now available for order with delivery set for July 2019. The XCD 3.5 – 4.5 35-75 Zoom Lens is priced at $5,175, with ordering details to be announced shortly before the delivery slated for October 2019. Hasselblad users can download the Phocus Mobile 2 for free beginning in July 2019. Hasselblad will share the product information details, pricing, and availability for the CFV II 50C and 907X later in the year.