Changing the game: Hasselblad launches world’s first mirrorless medium format camera

by Jeremy Gray

posted Wednesday, June 22, 2016 at 10:00 AM EDT

Digital medium format cameras have traditionally been large, unwieldy and complicated pieces of gear. Hasselblad hopes to have changed this with their new mirrorless medium format X1D-50c. As was the case with the popular mirrorless Xpan film camera of the late 90s, Hasselblad has again created an entirely new camera segment and hopes to bring more photographers into the fold while providing users creative freedom and versatility.

Striking design combines a medium format sensor and compact form factor
Featuring a 50-megapixel medium format CMOS sensor and a camera body that is a bit smaller than a Nikon D810, the Hasselblad X1D combines resolving power and portability. The striking X1D design retains iconic Hasselblad styling and includes DSLR-inspired ergonomics. With a couple of command dials and a relatively small number of buttons, Hasselblad has designed this 1.6-pound X1D to combine portability and intuitive controls.

The 50-megapixel sensor provides up to 14 stops of dynamic range and outputs 16-bit RAW files. ISO ranges from 100 to 25,600. The body also includes built-in Wi-Fi and GPS (although GPS functionality will be added following launch) and has dual SD card slots.

Pricing and availability
Launching at just under US$9,000 for the body only, the Hasselblad X1D is one of the more affordable digital medium format options available. The camera is also launching with a new line of Hasselblad lenses. These XCD lenses will be available in 45mm f/3.5 and 90mm f/4.5 flavors for around US$2,300 and US$2,700, respectively, at launch with additional XCD lenses releasing in the future. The dozen H-series lenses available now can be also used with the X1D via an optional adapter.