The Hasselblad X1D will initially come with the option of two lenses: a new 45mm and 90mm.
The X1D sensor measures 43.8×32.9mm.
Speaking at a press launch in Gothenburg, Sweden, Hasselblad CEO Perry Oosting (pictured below) said: ‘We hope to write another chapter in the Hasselblad story.’
Hasselblad says the X1D is aimed at the professional – as a more portable camera – and the ‘dedicated amateur’ and semi-professional who wants to upgrade to a medium format system from a full-frame DSLR.
Hasselblad CEO Perry Oosting with the new X1D which aims to open up a new market for the 75-year-old company, and is hailed as a ‘game changer‘ [© C Cheesman]
The firm hails the X1D as a small camera with a ‘huge’ sensor, yet solid and light, at 725g weighing the same as half an Apple MacBook Air laptop.
Borrowing the imaging sensor from the H6D range, features include a touch display, ’14 stops’ of dynamic range and Full HD video at 25 frames per second.
There will be a new line of lenses called the XCD range, the first of which will be a 45mm f/3.5 (£1,788) and a 90mm f/3.2 (£2,148).
A 30mm lens will be unveiled at the Photokina trade show in Cologne, Germany in September.
Priced £7,188, the X1D is due out at the end of August/beginning of September.
Oosting said he sees the X1D launch as a ‘milestone’ for Hasselblad, but indicated at more to come during 2016, telling journalists: ‘There will be more surprises at Photokina.’
• AP INTERVIEW WITH HASSELBLAD CEO
Press release
Hasselblad announces groundbreaking X1D
The world’s first compact mirrorless digital medium format camera
Hasselblad is proud to introduce the groundbreaking X1D – weighing less than half that of a conventional digital medium format camera, the mirrorless 50MP camera is a game changer in the world of photography.
Inspired by the brand’s iconic design heritage, the camera is ergonomic and compact, offering a handling experience unlike any other. Handmade in Sweden, the X1D combines Scandinavian sensibility with beautiful performance.
Like the iconic V System, the X1D seamlessly combines portability with excellent optical quality for which the brand is renowned. Hasselblad has ingeniously introduced mirrorless technology to digital medium format for the first time ever, creating a precision performance camera that can sit in the palm of your hand. The 50MP CMOS sensor captures the finest details with true natural colours.
Commenting on the announcement Perry Oosting, Hasselblad CEO noted: “The X1D marks a pivotal point in Hasselblad’s rich 75-year history. This camera makes medium format photography available to a new generation of Hasselblad users, while pushing the existing limits of photography to new heights.”
A completely new family of dedicated autofocus lenses has been developed to support optical quality and portability, offering a wide range of shutter speeds and full flash synchronisation up to 1/2000th second.
Weighing just 725g and including HD video, Wi-Fi and built-in GPS, the X1D is a trusted partner and ideal travel companion. The robust exterior is dust and weather proof, providing durability to take with you wherever you go.
The X1D has been created with passionate photographers in mind, opening up Hasselblad to a new generation of creatives. Ideal for those who want to create the highest quality medium format images with a straightforward and easy to use camera that can fit in the palm of your hand.
Key features:
• Compact, lightweight (725g), highly portable and user-friendly medium format technology
• Large 50MP CMOS medium format sensor delivering up to 14 stops of dynamic range
• New line of XCD lenses with integral central shutter; 45mm and 90mm available at launch
• Compatible with all 12 lenses and lens accessories from the Hasselblad professional H System (adapter required)
• Multiple image format options
• High quality XGA electronic viewfinder or high resolution rear display with touch functionality
• Wide range of shutter speeds: 60 minutes to 1/2000th sec. with full flash synchronisation throughout the range
• An ISO range from 100 to 25,600
• Dual SD card slots, GPS and Wi-Fi
• USB 3.0 Type-C connector, Mini HDMI, Audio In/Out
• Weather and dust sealings
• HD video
• Phocus 3.1 for simple and quick raw image processing. Adobe Photoshop® and Adobe Photoshop Lightroom® compatible.
For additional information, please see the datasheet.
The X1D is priced at 7,900 EUR / 8,995 USD / 5,990 GBP. All prices stated are exclusive of VAT.
