First Impressions with the Hasselblad X1D II
When Hasselblad introduced the Hasselblad X1D 50c, I was really excited, but like most early adopters, my enthusiasm was quickly replaced with disappointment in the cameras sluggish operation. It was painfully obvious that this camera wasn’t designed for shooting sports, action, or wildlife. Having become accustomed to faster, more capable digital cameras, it took a while for me to appreciate the Hasselblad X1D, but in the end, it was the images that sold me on it. While it resembles other mirrorless cameras in many ways, it was designed with a very deliberate photographer in mind, and after extensive use, I’m a true believer. The X1D became my favorite camera and now the Hasselblad X1D II is. Please note, this camera isn’t for everyone. Having been used to shooting 2000+ wedding photos in a day, I couldn’t hope to get half as many with the Hasselblad X1D II, and even less with the Hasselblad X1D. But to me, the shots with it are worth so much more.
The Hasselblad X1D II 50c comes just over 3 years after the release of their first Mirrorless Medium Format Digital Camera, the Hasselblad X1D. The new camera adopts the same 50MP CMOS sensor as the previous version, but why mess with 14-stops of dynamic range perfection… Am I right? Like its predecessor, the Hasselblad X1D II is a stylishly sleek and sexy camera. At first glance, the “Graphite Gray” body color looks to be the only distinguishable difference. It’s unnoticeably smaller and heavier, and the controls are exactly the same, but closer inspection reveals a few key improvements.
The rear touch-sensitive LCD Display is bigger, 3.6,” compared to the 3” display of the older X1D with more than twice the resolution, 2.36M dots compared to just 920K previously. Images appear bright with uncanny color accuracy and realism. The impressive OLED EVF is back with 3.39M dots this time, and you will absolutely forget you’re looking through the viewfinder at all. Another feature I appreciated was the ability to access the menu through the EVF, making setting adjustment a lot easier in bright light and making me feel less amateur as I fumbled through my options on the go.
To coincide with the release of the new X1D II, Hasselblad also unveiled an updated version of Phocus Mobile software. While this isn’t a software review, Phocus offers the Hasselblad user a very clean and seamless interface for editing, and I highly recommend trying it out. Phocus Mobile and the X1D II really take the Hasselblad studio experience to the streets because you can now shoot tethered over a USB-C connection or wirelessly directly to your iPad. The USB-C port also makes dumping a full shoot of those massive files on the go much quicker. A marked improvement.
The main point of the X1D II update, in my opinion, was to address the harshest criticisms of the X1D’s sluggish operation. And with all the rapidly responsive, high-resolution options available to photographers today, who wants to pay $9000 for a slow camera with bad shutter lag, slow start up time, and a laggy refresh rate? Not many people, that’s who. Thankfully, Hasselblad responded. The Hasselblad X1D II is about 40-60% faster all around. Start-up time is reduced, shutter lag, improved, and thanks to a faster refresh rate, autofocus is a bit snappier too, despite using the same contrast detection system as before. I definitely noticed a difference and got more photos as a result. Continuous shooting improved, 2.7fps (2.3fps before), and combined with the other speed enhancements, I found getting shot sequences much easier. Did I mention it’s cheaper? Yeah, they addressed that too. This one is “only” $5750.
Like its predecessor, the X1D II is a stylishly sleek and sexy camera. At first glance, the “Graphite Gray” body color looks to be the only distinguishable difference. It’s unnoticeably smaller and heavier, and the controls are exactly the same, but closer inspection reveals some key improvements.
Did I mention it’s cheaper? Yeah, they addressed that too. This one is “only” $5750 (more than 35% less)
With firmware updates addressing system stability and tethering capabilities and as new lenses arrive, including the anticipated new lightweight Hasselblad XCD 45mm f/4 P, This system just keeps getting better.
I love shooting with Hasselblad because the images are just stunning. The XCD lenses are beautifully sharp and the bokeh is smooth as butter. The colors match true-life better than anything I’ve ever used before. In particular, skin tones appear exactly as nature intended and in vivid detail. I especially enjoy using the Hasselblad X1D II with Profoto lighting. The X1D II with the Profoto B10 Flash Heads really brings the studio control on location for me. Wireless tethering and wireless tethering combined with 50MP of medium format perfection is total creative freedom for me and I get really excited about the results.
Additionally, with the release of the 1.2.0 firmware update, the X1DII 50C now supports video functionality. Video functionality might is not the most practical feature set on a mirrorless medium format camera, but I’m excited to see that it is finally included within the camera. And perhaps the continual firmware updates to the Hasselblad X1DII is what makes it so special to me. Medium format, by all accounts, is a niche system, and niche systems typically get neglected with updates. Hasselblad has proven that they aren’t giving up on this platform, and keep pushing out more and more updates that continue to improve the system.
The Pros:
I love shooting with this camera. The XCD lenses are just spectacular with optics as good as most anything out there. The on-board image processor renders color in such a realistic way and the interfacing improvements (display, EVF, and tethering) make getting the shot the way I want it the first time much easier. The speed enhancements improve my workflow pretty significantly. The reduced price tag is my favorite part. There was a lot to love about the original X1D, but at $9000, it just wasn’t as accessible. Early adopters might be a little miffed to have spent more on their slower 50MP Medium Format Hasselblad, but I think everyone can agree that more users will translate to more support and options for this powerful and impressive system.
The Cons:
I said it’s faster, but it’s not fast. This camera isn’t for sports, action, or wildlife shooters. Even with the improvements, AF speed and continuous shooting, lag, and refresh rates don’t compare to most modern professional systems. It’s just not designed for it.
So is the Hasselblad X1D II the perfect camera? No, it’s far from it. But if you’re looking for the incredible image detail that comes from the medium format platform (albeit crop medium format), and have a bit of patience with your photography, the Hasselblad X1D II is a great update to the Hasselblad mirrorless line, and the price drop only makes it more enticing. For what I look for in a camera, the Hasselblad X1D II checks nearly all the boxes, and I’m excited to spend more time with it.
28 Comments
J.L. Williams ·
Faster, more lens options, same or higher-resolution sensors, similar price bracket… is there any particular reason a sensible person would NOT choose one of the Fujifilm options instead?
Lynn Green ·
I guess if you’re looking for a bargain. I don’t think Hasselblad has ever been after that market though. I’m not telling you not to think that way, but shooting with the X1D II is a totally different experience. You’ll either like it or you wont. I like the images better. I don’t mind that it’s slower and a little quirkier for that reason. I think the XCD lenses are pretty darn spectacular and I’m excited about the new Hasselblad XCD 35-75mm f/3.5-4.5 Lens. The GFX cameras are all bulkier. And Hassie does have a 100MP option, just not in a mirrorless camera (yet). Also, I consider myself “sensible.”
Cynistrategus ·
The Texas Leica Fuji digital Medium Format didn’t seem particularly bulky.
Lynn Green ·
The GFX 50R is smaller than the 50S , but I find it an awkward camera to hold and imo still bulky. In the way that the Fuji XPro cameras only look like rangefinders, I feel the same way about the 50R. I really love rangefinder cameras, and while the EVF and decent AF make the 50R a nice camera, I’m not sold on the design or ergonomics. To me, it begs the question “why?” That may be an unpopular opinion, but the 50R is no GW690ii. Why pretend? The X1Dii doesn’t feel oversized for a “medium format.”
Lynn Green ·
the Texas Leica is a film camera. The GFX 50R is most like the Texas Leica (GW690) but actually smaller. Of course, it doesn’t do 6×9 res, still less bulky and no chemicals. I maintain the X1D II is better at color reproduction. To your point… this is still less bulky than the GW690.
Eric Tongtong ·
Because the Fuji body is soooo ugly. 23333333
J.L. Williams ·
Faster, more lens options, same or higher-resolution sensors, similar price bracket... is there any particular reason a sensible person would NOT choose one of the Fujifilm options instead?
Lynn Green ·
I guess if you're looking for a bargain. I don't think Hasselblad has ever been after that market though. I'm not telling you not to think that way, but shooting with the X1D II is a totally different experience. You'll either like it or you wont. I like the images better. I don't mind that it's slower and a little quirkier for that reason. I think the XCD lenses are pretty darn spectacular and I'm excited about the new Hasselblad XCD 35-75mm f/3.5-4.5 Lens. The GFX cameras are all bulkier. And Hassie does have a 100MP option, just not in a mirrorless camera (yet). Also, I consider myself "sensible."
Bardoliak ·
The Texas Leica Fuji digital Medium Format didn’t seem particularly bulky.
Lynn Green ·
the Texas Leica is a film camera. The GFX 50R is most like the Texas Leica (GW690) but actually smaller. Of course, it doesn't do 6x9 res, still less bulky and no chemicals. I maintain the X1D II is better at color reproduction. To your point... this is still less bulky than the GW690.
Carlos ·
Well Leaf shutter lenses that can sync at 1/2000 which is why I went MFDB in the first place - why only go 1/2 way into medium format and not the whole way down the rabbit hole (no more damn ND's with strobes in sunlight) vs. HSS. The ability to store RAW files on tablets (like iPad in the field), which is a great addition. Along with some creative options:
- ability to control bokeh smoothness one to allow for the standard hex pattern bokeh and an option to make the opening circular for round bokeh.
- ability to shoot and see / framing with Xpan lenses
- shooting with XCD 21mm and true 1:1 will give you a Hasselblad STC style view / framing
- Hasselblad support (not 3rd party) for making a good selection of their lenses tilt-shift with the use of the XH + HTS Adapter which allows:
HCD 24mm, HCD 28mm, HC 35mm, HC 50mm II, HC 80mm, HC 100mm to be used as tilt-shift lenses. (example: https://blog.mingthein.com/...
JacobB-G ·
1. Colors. The reviewers who only spend few hours with this camera rarely mention that, but the Hasselblad colors are outstanding. They are incredibly natural and very neutral, you'll rarely want to do any processing on them. "Like all Hasselblad cameras, sensors used in the X1D are individually profiled to a fixed reference color standard at all ISOs – I shoot the X1D comfortably to ISO 12,800. In fact, each camera has nearly half a gigabyte of calibration data in it. I believe Hasselblad is the only company to do this – it’s one of the reasons output is so spectrally neutral and tonally natural across the sensitivity range" (source: https://blog.mingthein.com/...
2. Leaf shutter. Sync your flash at any speed. Also and forget about flickering when shooting under artificial lighting.
3. Body design. It's a work of art.
4. Lenses. All the XCD lenses I tried, with no exception, had out-of-this-world optical quality. The Fuji GFX lenses are very good too, but the XCD system is just better.
Generally, Fuji GFX is an excellent system. But if you can comfortably afford the Hasselblad XCD system you wouldn't want to go back to GFX.
Elgar Normunk ·
This is the ugliest camera I’ve ever seen. The whole design and unthoughtful details look as if were created in early 90s. And I mean it not in a good way. Yes, I am a bit harsh on Hasselblad, but this one is… made for throwing at enemies in a fight to scare them away. Sorry for, probably, unwelcomed negative comment. But I can’t understand why Scandinavians, who are known for their beautiful minimalist design skills, did create this “awful thing”
Franz Graphstill ·
I disagree – this looks exactly like a minimalist design, with smooth lines. I haven’t held one, but it looks like it might be pleasant to hold.
Paul Moore ·
I agree! I think it’s beautiful
Joakim Sundberg ·
Look what just crawled out from under the bridge..
GK Kutar ·
Hasselblad looks so sexy. It is your problem
saynotocoakley ·
I think this Hasselblad is gorgeous! I can’t wait to get one 🙂
Elgar Normunk ·
This is the ugliest camera I've ever seen. The whole design and unthoughtful details look as if were created in early 90s. And I mean it not in a good way. Yes, I am a bit harsh on Hasselblad, but this one is... made for throwing at enemies in a fight to scare them away. Sorry for, probably, unwelcomed negative comment. But I can't understand why Scandinavians, who are known for their beautiful minimalist design skills, did create this "awful thing"
Lynn Green ·
https://youtu.be/pWdd6_ZxX8c
Franz Graphstill ·
I disagree - this looks exactly like a minimalist design, with smooth lines. I haven't held one, but it looks like it might be pleasant to hold.
saynotocoakley ·
I think this Hasselblad is gorgeous! I can't wait to get one :)
Paul Moore ·
Thanks for this First Impressions feature. I’ve starting selling all my Sony gear to move to this system, and this further convinces me to make the move. For landscape and nature photography this seems like the perfect system. I will undoubtedly rent it from Lensrentals before making the move. My only hesitation it the hefty prices of the lenses.
Lynn Green ·
Paul, there is alot to love about their design and resolution. Price is always a consideration, but with supported adapters for using other Hasselblad lenses (see https://www.bhphotovideo.co... )
there are some more affordable options.
The X-Pan adapter has my eye https://www.bhphotovideo.co...
Robert ·
Congratulations Lynn! I myself got a used H6D 100 recently and you are right: Those files are just .. extraordinary! I like the colors particularly. After 30 years of Nikon I did not know something like that is possible, but there you are, it is. So the volume and weight are being accepted, I haul the thing up the slopes (Swiss Alps) as long as I can. (Nikon is still in use if I need tilt/shift, tele, stitch, etc.)
GK Kutar ·
Fuji colors are amazing and Fuji lenses are better than XCD lenses. Also they are much faster too.
cd ·
Two concerns; First. I am less intrigued by high MP 60mp+, image files. More interested in the fidelity of the medium format image, versus the current iteration of Canon, Sony et.al. mirrorless systems. I do currently shoot Sony and love it. Have always been interested in a MF system, but can't spend $40.000+ to get into a MF system with lenses. Just wondering if the image quality (not size) of the X1D is that much better than any of the DSLR/mirrorless to make it worth the $$ investment; still pricy but not as painful as a 100+mp MF system.
Second concern; Capture One, my image processor of choice, which I can manipulate almost in my sleep. Is there ANY way to get the X1D files to function in C1, maybe utilizing the Adobe DNG converter? I just have no desire to learn another proprietary raw converter/processor.
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