Hasselblad X1D II 50C 50MP Medium Format Mirrorless Camera Body

Impeccable

As a digital imaging technician, I’ve had extensive experience with nearly every medium format digital camera on the market. After recently working with the X1D II for the first time on a major shoot, I can confirm that it is the own of the worst medium format digital cameras on the market. It is slow shooting with clunky menus and ergonomics, buggy, and the image quality is nowhere near what I would expect from a camera with these specs and at this price point. Saturated colors clip easily, the dynamic range is limited, and higher ISOs are far noisier than any other 50MP medium format CMOS sensors I have used. Furthermore, Hasselblad ought to be embarrassed to put their name on this system’s lenses. They are nowhere near the quality of their H mount lenses. The autofocus system is the slowest and least accurate of any mirrorless camera I have used. Adding insult to injury, the requirement to use Hasselblad’s Phocus software for tethered shooting is a major limitation. I am aware this is a harsh review, but I assure you it is well deserved. With the availability of far superior Fuji medium format systems at this price point, there is absolutely no excuse for spending $6000 on this camera.

I have owned the X1D and then the X1DII since their inception. I also own a 907x and these are the best cameras I have ever owned. In fact I just sold off my Leica, Canon and Sony cameras. These Hasselblad cameras have been nothing but reliable. The low light bests any Sony, even the A7SIII. The dynamic range tops all other full frame cameras I have shot with, ever. I did try a couple of the Fuji's but they are in no way built to the same standard as the Hasselblad and for me not as enjoyable to use. They may be more versatile, yes, but for a "slow it down" type of shooting experience I have found no better than these cameras from Hasselblad. Not only have I taken the most beautiful photos I have in my room 30 years of image making but I have had the most fun doing it. I have reviewed cameras for 14 years. I have had them all in my hands. Others have more features and gimmicks (things not needed to take a great photo, rather to make it easy and make us lazy) but if you want a pure photo taking machine look no further. It's expensive, yes. So are the new cameras from all manufacturers today. What you get with the X1DII is a quality product, pride of ownership, best in class color and IQ, best low light capabilities out there at this time and beautiful lenses. You can also adapt Leica M lenses to this camera and most of them perform better than they do on a Leica giving a true medium format look. Yes, this is a slow camera to auto focus but it is not about speed or action. It's about art. I have never owned anything like it (or the 907x) in all of my years. The new Leica M11 that will arrive soon with its very high MP full frame sensor will not be able to compete with this camera in IQ. The X1DII for me is as good as it gets for experience, usability, color and IQ in 2021. The 907x was my 2020 camera of the year. For 2021 I have not found one camera that moved me enough to even pick one for that honor. This is a camera for the artist, for the passionate photographer, for the one who wants to slow down and take their time. It's not for those who want to shoot 20FPS or have eye af or 8k video. It's old school in many ways but modern as it gets in others. Hasselblad did good. WELL worth the cost in today's world if you care about quality, enjoyment and art.