Hasselblad has announced the X1D II 50C medium format mirrorless camera which will retail for $5,750 USD.
While it is not that much different from the original, it costs $3,245 US less. Maybe this more aggressive pricing has something to do with DJI now controlling Hasselblad.
The Hasselblad X1D II 50C is a second-generation X System camera. While it shares the same Sony 43.8 x 32.9mm 50MP CMOS sensor as the original X1D 50C, Hasselblad has enhanced the feature-set to make overall operation even more intuitive and streamlined.
Key features
- 50MP 43.8 x 32.9mm CMOS Sensor
- Resolution: 8272 x 6200
- 16-Bit Color, 14-Stop Dynamic Range
- Hasselblad Natural Color Solution
- 0.87x 3.69m-Dot Electronic Viewfinder
- 3.6″ 2.36m-Dot Touchscreen LCD
- Leaf Shutter System, 1/2000 sec Sync
- ISO 100-25600, Up to 2.7 fps Shooting
- Dual SD UHS-II Memory Card Slots
- Built-In Wi-Fi, USB 3.0 Type-C
What’s the same?
The 43.8 x 32.9mm 50MP CMOS sensor still gives users the same 14-stop dynamic range, 16-bit color depth, ISO 100-25600 sensitivity range, and Hasselblad’s Natural Color Solution as the previous model.
The new model also doesn’t have image stabilization or an articulating screen. The video functionality also appears to be the same. A very bland 1920 x 1080 at 25 and 30p recorded as H.264.
I thought with DJI now in control of Hasselblad that we may have seen updated and better video functionality in the X1D II 50C. The Hasselblad H6D-100c can shoot 4K RAW video.
What’s new?
Hasselblad has updated the electronic platform to enable a faster 2.7 fps continuous shooting rate as well as a 46% faster startup time, reduced shutter lag and blackout times, and more responsive autofocus performance.
“There are a bunch of small enhancements to the X1D II 50C that drastically enhance my workflow, from a redesigned viewfinder to an improved rear display and polished menu systems/functionality.“
Hasselblad Master Ben Thomas
The X1D II also gets an updated body with a larger 3.6″ 2.36m-dot touchscreen LCD and a 0.87x-magnification 3.39m-dot OLED electronic viewfinder. While the body has been updated, the camera retains the signature physical design, with a deep right-hand grip.
The body design uses a milled aluminum alloy chassis and a minimal number of buttons and dials for a more streamlined user interface.
Another new addition is that the menu system is now accessible when looking in the EVF. Further additions to the rear display include autofocus point drag and drop placement and autofocus point size changes with pinch/spread finger movement.
PHOCUS MOBILE 2
Phocus Mobile 2 takes the image editing process to a portable level. Compatible with the X1D II 50C via either USB-C or Wi-Fi, Phocus Mobile 2 is supported on iPad Pro and iPad Air 2019 models, giving traveling photographer a quicker and more seamless workflow. With Phocus Mobile 2, users can import, edit and rate RAW images and import and rate full quality JPEG images directly on their device. In addition, Phocus Mobile 2 supports full quality image export, tethered shooting, and direct camera control.
NEW XCD 3.5-4.5/35-75 – PRIME LENS PERFORMANCE IN A COMPACT ZOOM
The ninth addition to the X System lens range is the XCD 3,5-4,5/35-75 Zoom Lens. Hasselblad claims that it delivers the same superb image quality from edge-to-edge as the XCD prime lenses.
Its internal focusing keeps the lens’ dimensions constant, delivers quick autofocus and additionally keeps the overall weight down. Hasselblad says that it is ideal for shooting anything from wide-angle landscapes to portrait images.
“This really is the best lens Hasselblad has developed – its performance is extremely high, competing with our prime lenses. I can even go as far as to say that it’s probably the best zoom lens currently available on the market.”
Per Nordlund, Hasselblad Lead Optical Designer
Like the rest of the XCD lens range, the XCD 35-75 features an integral central lens shutter, offering exposure times from 68 minutes to 1/2000s with full flash synchronisation throughout.
Price & Availability
The Hasselblad X1D II 50C will retail for $5,750.00 USD and it’s now available to pre-order. At $5,750 USD it’s considerably cheaper than its predecessor the X1D which cost $8,995 USD.
Even at $5,750 USD, it’s still not as affordable as either the Fujifilm GFX50R ($3,999 USD) and the Fujifilm GFX50S ($5,499 USD).
