Hasselblad Introduces Second Generation X1D Medium Format Digital Camera

Earlier today Hasselblad announced several new products including a second generation compact medium format digital camera – the X1D II 50C as well as a new zoom lens for the X-mount – the XCD 35-75mm F3.5-4.5 and finally an upcoming retro 907X camera body and the modernized CFV II 50c camera back.

Although externally this is still the same body and the same 50MP sensor as the first generation, Hasselblad did listen to its users and made several important changes that should help make the new model easier to use and more functional.

The new X1D II 50C medium format camera

Here is a list of the improvements in the new model:

  • New, faster processor with faster boot times and less shutter lag.
  • Higher resolution monitor
  • Faster shooting speed (2.7 fps – still not exactly a sport shooting camera).
  • Higher resolution EVF (3.69M dots with 0.87x magnification), with 62% better refresh rate compared to the first generation model.
  • Improved menus and interface.
  • Built-in GPS (unlike the external unit before).
  • USB-C charging.
  • Pricing: $5750.

Hasselblad also finally published the release date for its long-awaited XCD 35-75mm f3.5-4.5 zoom lens (Ocotober 2019). This lens the company claims is the best zoom lens it has ever made and is an optical marvel. It has an equivalent focal length (in 35mm) of 28-58mm, 40cm minimum focus distance and an expected price tag of $5175.

The last announcement is of two upcoming products so information is still a little bit missing (no price or release date yet), but it is actually pretty interesting – especially for those who still have (or love) the older V-system medium format film cameras (Hasselblad has been making those for well over half a century).

Hasselblad 907X is the smallest medium format camera body ever made by the company and with the upcoming CFV II 50C digital back, it will create a unique medium format system. The CFV II 50C can be used with almost any V-system camera including some of the very old ones such as the camera Hasselblad developed for the moon landing in the 1960’s.

This means that you can turn your old film Hasselblad into an up to date 50MP digital monster with a tilt touch screen USB-C and all the modern advanced functionality but with the same retro feel of the body and lenses.

The upcoming CFV II 50C digital back and 907X body

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Iddo Genuth
Iddo Genuth is the founder and chief editor of LensVid.com. He has been a technology reporter working for international publications since the late 1990's and covering photography since 2009. Iddo is also a co-founder of a production company specializing in commercial food and product visual content.

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