Hasselblad X1D-50c Review

This is a Hasselblad X1D-50c review by fashion, beauty and portrait photographer Rick ‘Romeo’ Birt.

As soon as the Hasselblad X1D-50c and Fuji GFX 50s were announced, I wanted one of them.  The promise of Medium Format in a cheaper, smaller package was incredibly alluring.

I have now been shooting with the Hasselblad X1D-50c for a little over three months. In that time, I have compared it to the Fuji GFX, Sony a9, Sony a7R II, Canon 5DsR, Leica M (240), and the Leica Q.

When I say I’ve compared it to these cameras, I want to be clear that I have actually shot with all of them – and have compared raw images side-by-side with the Hasselblad.

The images I have been getting out of the Hasselblad exceed EVERY other digital camera I’ve ever shot with.

Hasselblad X1D-50c Review | Build & Ergonomics

This thing screams SEXY. When my wife and I opened the box, she exclaimed, “WOW! We may have to buy two of these so we don’t fight over it!”

It is that beautiful.

I shot two fashion editorials over the next two weeks, and both models commented on the Hasselblad…
“Ooooh – A Hasselblad,” … “Look at you – Rick Birt – with your fancy camera!”

Neither of them commented on the Fuji GFX. The Fuji is very…not sexy.

Should this matter? My left brain says NO! However, what is this industry about? Image – both literally and figuratively.

These tools are used to create photographs because the world has placed value on pretty images. Don’t kid yourself, image is paramount in this business – especially in the fashion/wedding/portrait industry (I can’t speak for Landscape Shooters).

 

The Hasselblad X1D-50c is equally beautiful to hold. The grip feels sublime, and the whole thing just fits my hand like a glove.

At first, my only gripe about the button placement was the AF/MF button. When I first got the camera, one would have to reach uncomfortably-far with their shooting finger to press and hold this button in order to activate the focus point selector.

Thankfully, like most gripes I had about the camera, this has been fixed via firmware. Now, one can use the touchpad on the screen to move the focus point.

As for durability, the Hasselblad X1D-50c is built from a solid block of aluminum, so it is very sturdy feeling. Since it is a new camera, I’d only be guessing at how well it can hold up over time, or in extreme conditions.

Hasselblad X1D-50c Review | Specifications

Specs are very important when comparing cameras online, but I’ve been burned a few times by making decisions based on specs alone – yes I’m looking at you Sony a7R II.

The Hasselblad X1D’s most direct competitor would be the Fujifilm GFX-50s. Both cameras use the same sensor (as do a few other Medium Format Cameras).

On paper, one might say the Fuji trumps the Hasselblad. The Fuji has WAY more features, and it’s cheaper. On the other hand, the Hasselblad is much simpler, intuitive, and elegant.

	Fujifilm GFX	Hasselblad X1D
Camera Type	Mirrorless	Mirrorless
Sensor Size	43.8 x 32.9mm	43.8 x 32.9mm
Pixel count	51.4MP	50MP
Max Resolution	8256 x 6192px	8272 x 6200px
Color Depth	14bit	16bit
Min ISO	ISO 100	ISO 100
Max ISO	ISO 12,800	ISO 25,600
Max frame rate	3 fps	2.3 fps
Autofocus system	On-sensor Contrast Detect	On-sensor Contrast Detect
Metering	On-sensor metering	On-sensor metering
LCD	3.2″ 2.36M-dot Tilting	3″ 920K-dot
Touch-sensitive?	Yes	Yes
Viewfinder	3.69M-dot EVF	2.3M-dot EVF
Video spec	1080/30p	1080/25p
Dimensions	147.5 x 94.2 x 91.4mm	150 x 98 x 71mm
Weight	920 g	725 g

 

The main advantages of the Hasselblad X1D over the Fuji GFX are:

• 16bit vs 14bit color depth
• Smaller Size
• Simple Menus
• Leaf-Shutter lenses for syncing up to 1/2000s
• Nikon Flash Mount (Fuji’s flash mount is not as widely supported)
• Better Dynamic Range and ISO performance

I’ll be quite honest – I bought the Fuji GFX thinking it would be better. This decision was based on specs, and the fact that the X1D was widely published to have some unresolved issues. The X1D I used was just a loaner sent from Hasselblad (thanks to Ming Thein).

However, after comparing the images from the two photoshoots (well over 3000), I sent back the Fuji GFX and bought the Hasselblad – warts and all! Fortunately, as I alluded to earlier, Hasselblad has released several firmware updates which have crossed off a lot of cons I initially had.

Hasselblad X1D-50c Review | Sensor

DXOMark recently hailed the Hasselblad X1D’s sensor with its highest score ever claiming: “The Hasselblad X1D-50c reaches new heights for image quality, achieving the highest DxOMark score of 102 points for any commercially-available sensor we’ve tested.”

Here is a chart constructed from Bill Claff’s data confirming DXOMark’s rating:

Camera	Max PDR	High ISO	Lo-Light EV
Hasselblad X1D-50c	11.98	9058	11.5
FujiFilm GFX 50S	11.9	7853	11.3
Nikon D850	11.63	4115	10.36
Sony a7RII	11.42	6800	11.09
Sony a7RIII	11.39	5406	10.76
Sony a9	10.47	6612	11.05
Leica M (Typ 240)	10.05	2428	9.6
Canon 5Ds R	9.8	4145	10.37

 

To me the benefits of moving to medium format are:

• Higher Detail images
• A more gradual (and natural) fall-off between in-focus, and out-of-focus parts of the image
• Greater Depth (or 3D pop) in the image
• Reduced Digital Noise
• Greater Dynamic Range
• Greater Tonal Gradation
• Better Skin-Tones

So now that I’ve covered numbers and specs – let’s talk about what these cameras were made for – images.  The first time I brought up the Hasselblad X1D-50c images I got a little weak in the knees.  I said to my wife: “These are the images I’ve always wanted to create.”

Granted, the files from the Fuji GFX, Sony a9, Sony a7R II, Canon 5DsR, Leica M (240), and the Leica Q were all very nice, but the Hasselblad files have something extra.  There is definitely more depth to the images, and they are somehow ‘richer’ looking than the others.

If you’d like to compare some of my images for yourself, I created a Flickr Album with several Hi-Res images.

Hasselblad X1D-50c Review | Menu

If you’ve ever used a Sony camera, using the Hasselblad menu is like a breath of fresh air. It is amazing how simple and intuitive it is.

Earlier reviews complain of lag when using the menus, however, that was fixed via firmware before I shot with it. In short – the menus are a joy to navigate.

Hasselblad X1D-50c Review | Performance

This is the Medium Format Cameras’ Achilles heel. Compared to full-frame cameras, the Hasselblad X1D is…slower. However, compared to traditional medium format cameras – it is actually quite peppy!

The Auto-Focus system uses contrast-detect AF, and there is no continuous mode. Thankfully, using the touchscreen to move the AF point around is very easy, and intuitive.

The EVF isn’t the best I’ve used, however, it is more than adequate. I would put it on par with the Sony a7RII EVF.

The battery performance is actually pretty good for a mirrorless camera. I usually need two to get me through a full day.

Hasselblad X1D-50c Review | Value

Hmmm…this is tough. Having always wanted a Hasselblad, I was honestly elated that there was finally one available for under $10,000!

Compared to other Hasselblads and Phase Ones, the Hasselblad X1D-50c is a bargain!

A lot of people that are interested in the Hasselblad X1D are those that have been lugging around Medium-Format bodies, backs, and tripods for years. They see the X1D as a much more portable Hasselblad H5.

However, one cannot ignore the lower-priced competition. The Fuji GFX is a solid performer, and quite honestly, so is the Sony a7R II and the Canon 5Ds R.

However, once I saw the difference in image quality (especially when it was packaged in such a beautiful body), I had to have the Hasselblad X1D.

Hasselblad X1D-50c Review | Conclusion

Is the Hasselblad X1D-50c Perfect? Should all of you run out and purchase one right now? Hardly. Every camera has it’s pros and cons. The one that fits your needs and budget is the best camera for you.

Pros of the Hasselblad X1D-50c

– Best IQ of any camera my wife and I have ever shot with – I love the way it handles skin tones and highlights – gives very Leica-esque glow, Very accurate colors, richness to the files

– 16bit Color and 14 Stops of Dynamic Range

– Absolutely Beautiful Camera. When we opened the box – my wife said “We may have to buy two so we don’t fight over it.” UMMMMM…OK!

– Free Phocus & Phocus Mobile – Everyone LOVES the tethering via WiFi to my iPad!!!

– Firmware updates have come fairly frequently, and are quickly striking off items on reviewers’ con lists

– LEAF SHUTTER LENSES – Flash sync up to 1/2000th of a second

– Nikon Flash mount

– Simple/Intuitive menus

– Actual Hasselblad Employees answering complaints/issues in forums (DPReview, GetDPI, Fred Miranda, etc.) – is any other camera company doing this? I haven’t seen it (at least to this extent)

– Lightroom handles the Large files beautifully. Much better than the files from the Fuji GFX

– Ming Thein – an actual photographer – isn’t just a Hasselblad Brand Ambassador – he is the Chief of Strategy. This guy understands the average working photographer, and I am confident in the future of Hasselblad as long as he is with them

– Ability to adapt Hasselblad HC lenses (soon with AF) with the recently released adapter – at a very reasonable price

– 2 SD Card Slots

Cons of the Hasselblad X1D-50c

– Fairly long start-up time – similar to Sony a7r II

– Low-res EVF compared to other new cameras- but workable (very similar to a7rII)

– What is that AWFUL sound coming from the camera after pressing the shutter?!?!? It sounds like a $5 electronic stapler. My Leica Q and Sony RX1RII have leaf shutters and they are virtually silent. **Update – there is a new silent E-Shutter Option**

– Noticeable Black-out time when shooting Raw+Jpg – fine if shooting in Raw only

– Slower (UHS-I) SD card slots – like a7r II and Leica Q

In conclusion, although the Hasselblad X1D-50c is a little slow, and is quite expensive – It takes AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL images…and that is why I love it.

Guest Review by Dallas Fashion Photographer Rick Birt | www.romeobravophoto.com