Hasselblad announces updated, faster, 50-megapixel medium format mirrorless: the X1D II 50C

posted Wednesday, June 19, 2019 at 8:00 AM EDT

Click here to read our Hasselblad X1D II Preview

Hasselblad has announced a flurry of new products today, capped by the reveal of the X1D II 50C, the successor to the X1D medium format mirrorless camera. The X1D II 50C is the second generation medium format mirrorless that brings 50-megapixel medium format image capture into a compact and lightweight body. Additionally, Hasselblad announced a new XCD 35-75mm f/3.5-4.5 zoom lens to accompany the new X1D II, an update to their Phocus Mobile application, and the development announcement of the CFV II digital back for the brand new 907x camera body.

[Updated 6-20 with Hands-on notes and images from the launch event!]

Compelling Price Point for Medium Format

We go into a lot of details into what is new on the second iteration of Hasselblad's mirrorless camera, but the biggest stand-out feature has to be its price point: just $5750.

This is Hasselblad's most affordable digital medium format camera with that kind of day-one price point, and even though the list of updates is incremental and hardly ground-breaking, combined with that price point it becomes a compelling option. Click here to read more about the Hasselblad X1D II 50C.

Phocus Mobile 2

Though not a camera feature, Hasselblad has also announced an update to Phocus Mobile that will allow for tethered capture to an iPad. Specific to this update, Phocus Mobile 2 adds the ability to support full quality image export, tethered shooting and direct camera control. Compatible with the X1D II 50C via either USB-C or WiFi, this app is currently supported on the iPad Pro and iPad Air (2019) models. The app will allow you to have quicker access to images in a lighter package. The app supports import, edit and rating of RAW images, as well as import and rating of full quality JPEG images directly to the iPad.

XCD 35-75mm f/3.5-4.5 zoom lens

The ninth addition to the X System lens range is the XCD 35-75mm f/3.5-4.5. Hasselblad states that users should expect the same "superb image quality" from edge to edge as the XCD prime lenses. It features internal focusing to keep the lens' dimensions constant and overall weight down. Hasselblad goes so far as to say that it promises "quick" autofocus, as well. Like the rest of the XCD lens range, the XCD 35-75mm features an integral central lens shutter, offering exposure times from 68 minutes to 1/2000s with full flash synchronization throughout.

Development announcement of the CFV II digital back and 907X camera

Hasselblad also announced the development of the modernized CFV II 50C digital back and the brand new 907X camera body, which together will connect Hasselblad's photographic history into one system.

The CFV II 50C digital back, which will have a medium format 50-megapixel CMOS sensor (43.8 x 32.9 mm), will enable use with most V System cameras made from 1957 and onwards in addition to third-party technical or view cameras. Improving upon the user experience of the previous generations, the CFV II 50C will feature a tilt screen with full touch support and Hasselblad's user interface for settings, image review, and menu navigation. Users of previous CFV digital backs will appreciate a new fully-integrated battery, the same used on the X System, which will reduce the overall size and offer the option to recharge in-camera via the USB-C port.

Coupling the CFV II 50C with Hasselblad's smallest medium format camera body ever, the 907X, creates a highly compact package. This combination will offer a truly distinct photographic experience, including the classic waist-level shooting style of the V System enabled by the CFV II 50C's tilt screen. With the 907X, the photographer will gain access to all of the high-quality X System lenses in addition to a vast range of Hasselblad optics via adapters, including the H System, V System, and XPan Lenses. In addition, the 907X will enable compatibility with a wide range of third-party adapters and lenses. Planned accessories to complement the combination include the 907X Control Grip and 907X External Optical Viewfinder.