They’re handing them out to MANY RUclipsrs and often the agreement includes a FREE camera. Yes, free. All part of their marketing campaign. I hope lots of people can afford these cameras; they are beautiful
The most interesting thing from this is how your pictures look the same. A sign of a great photographer. Hasselblad are just on a different level with quality and price. Back in my apprentice days in 2005 the boss had a H1- 39mp hasselblad. In 2005! It was absolutely unreal. The shadow recovery looked like soucery back then. So 19 years later I can imagine how much these cameras have evolved. Love to get my hands on one.
It's a sign of a great photographer, but also a very clear indication that a camera like this is absolutely unnecessary for the vast majority of people. I'm sure that there's a non-zero percentage of James' 257K subscribers who followed his move from MFT Lumix to full-frame Sony. I'm also sure that Hasselblad is banking on some percentage of those subscribers buying one of their cameras, even if they have to remortgage their house to do it.
A camera that's all about aesthetic: both in terms of image quality and ergonomics. It's good that companies like Hasselblad are thinking outside the box; puts more pressure on other brands too!
I bought the 907X/50C a few years ago, and loved it, but gave it up for some technical, and as it turned out, misguided, reasons. Missed it so much that I ended up going back to it last year, and so happy I did! Just a wonderfully different shooting experience combined with amazing editing dynamics and image quality. Sticking with the 50C, but glad to see the next iteration has come along. Enjoy the shooting experience!
I’ve used Hasselblad 500 and H-cameras for the greater part of my career as a fashion/beauty photographer. Esp. the digital ones are phenomenal. I was quite disappointed by the original X1D and started using my M and SL2 cameras. Still very happy with those, but 2 years ago I picked up a pre-owned X1D mkII and fell in love again. Nowadays, the studio work is done mostly with an X2D. When I need more flexibility and speed I use the SL2, SL2-S or my personal M10-R. I don’t own any Hasselblad 500 and V or H lenses anymore, but if I did I’d buy this beauty in a heartbeat. With the X2D around it doesn’t justify. The Hasselblad colour science has to be seen to be believed. There’s nothing that comes close to this re. skintones. Also the way how it renders complex textures like dark silk or linen is gorgeous. Only Leica comes close… All these years in photography has taught me that essentially only two things matter in a camera system: the processor (not the sensor!) and the lenses.
When I was a kid, I started collecting old medium format and TLR cameras, and just went ham. I had a rolleiflex, a minolta, a kodak brownie starflex, etc. Watching you shoot with this camera hit such a nostalgic nerve and now I want one so bad. T_T
One word - IBIS (actually no IBIS, unlike the X2D). If you shoot handheld, I think the X2D is a no-brainer vs this camera. I had the CFV 50C and the X1D, and moving up to the X2D with its IBIS was a total game changer. It makes a huuuuuge difference, especially in low light when you don't want to crank the ISO too high. If you want to use this as a tech cam, on a tripod, or adapted to Hassy film cameras, that's a different story.
The exterior reminds me to the SWC model that I have been working with some decades ago. That one had an optical viewfinder on top, which wasn’t great but basically worked fine in the very bright sunlight that I had to use.
I like how James went to a remote location in Wales to avoid potential photographers not seeing the Hasselblad, only panning to reveal one of the most picturesque villages you could image, ripe for photographic exploration! :)
Always good to hear your thoughts James. As a long time Hasselblad 500 Series shooter, that is a dream setup. Maybe if I hadn't sold all my gear and five CF lenses... I would suggest that a tripod is mandatory to take advantage of such a high resolution sensor. BTW, you must be a young man. Nobody over 40 would have the vision necessary to see a screen that close. Actually one of the benefits of my Leica SL-series. You can look thru the VF EVF and enlarge images to evaluate them in the sun and without bifocals! ;-)
@James Popsys ... There was no need to worry about being spotted as there is the 50 megapixel verion, which has been out for ages. PS: You mentioned the use of Xpan lenses, but not the ability to shoot in the Xpan ratio 65:24.
One of the biggest changes to this system isn't just the internal 1tb drive or the 100MPX its the fact that they have produced new contact points and a new hot shoe adaptor - as a Pro I have been screaming for this for four years after getting a Broncolor one stuck permanently on the old optic viewfinder - also on that note Hass have a new optic finder for their new lenses 28, 38, 55 - which are awesome BTW - however unless you can fix the focus point these are pretty useless in the real world - another hot tip is to tape over the release catch -
Thanks for sharing your experiences James! Hasselblad has been considered the pinnacle of camera bodies and lenses. The 907x with 100 MP CFV 100C digital back is no exception and is the dream of many photographers (like me) to own one. The only comment I disagree with you is you said one may purchase one for the novelty in it. I don't think anyone purchases a Hasselblad for its novelty.
Several creators released Hasselblad videos at the same time, it's what we're used to see by other camera manufacturers when they release new products. Guess Hasselblad just jumped on the bandwagon for this marketing tool.
Another informative and easy on the eyes video James, I really enjoy your approach - and your eye for composition. Your final point was the one that struck me the moment I saw you using the camera - how does the horizontal screen perform when used in bright sunlight? So I look forward to seeing you using it in more varied lighting conditions.
I've always wondered why you didn't shoot with hasselblad, given you had shot with leica and whatnot, so it's nice to see you shooting with one; let alone having a hasselblad as a sponsor :D I'm really happy for where your photography channel and carreer is going. Keep it up! :) (sorry for any typos or mistakes in my english, I'm brazilian)
Hi James, another interesting video, but honestly mate way out of my league. In my part of the world where pockets are deep and arms a short .. it'd be sell the house, buy a van to live in and get a Hasselblad with the balance. Interesting stuff all the same as you can rely on Hasselblad to make someting very different. Keep up the good work.
I'd love one of those but would hate to buy lenses for it! I do know what you mean about looking down into the screen though, it's one of the main reasons I love using old TLR film cameras. It totally isolates you from the surroundings so you only see what the camera sees. And finally, the colours in those images was just exceptional. Loved it.
Great video, James. I still have a Hasselblad film camera with a couple of lenses, and would love to buy this to use with those. But I’ll have to think about whether or not I really want to spend that much money. Very tempting, though.
What you said at 5:20 - I really agree. Looking down at the ground glass of my TLR medium format camera means I see only what the camera sees, and I can easily spot distractions, or in some cases objects that I am missing that I would want to include. Cool looking camera, although I think the file sizes would blow up computer's editing capabilities.
I am always interested when people say they would like internal storage in their cameras. My issue with it, from a technical aspect is you just know, that should the internal storage fail, it is going to probably cost a kidney to get it replaced. Nice camera and I can appreciate the way it is so different and how that is enjoyable. John Pouw.
It will be a while before I can afford one of these, or the 50C version, and I'll likely wait until I see a good deal on a used version. But, it really is my dream medium format camera, and would pair well with my daily carry Ricoh GR3x, and the Pentax (yes, Pentax... K3iii) I have recently started using. Great video and run down, and really looking forward to trying one of these out eventually.
Opened RUclips and three vids on the Hassy from people I subscribe to. Decisions decisions.. I watched yours first and pleased I did. Refreshingly not a spec fest sales pitch.
James, Thomas reviewed the 907 several months ago. He was concerned about weather proofing. Also, as stated earlier, it is much more expensive than X2D when adding grip, viewfinder and lens. Files and color are amazing. Personally, if you go for a digital Hasselblad, you should try the X2D. Enjoy!
Lovely classic design, I'd wish one. Is the reason I love my Fujifilm X100S because that, is just nice to take with me and I know my photos come from happy moments when I use it, so I can relax from work. Plastic utilitarian cameras with kit lenses are faster, but... meh.
Near every shot you took is one I’ve taken 😊 I adore Beddgelert, such a beautiful little village. I’ll likely never venture into MF as it’s just overkill for my photography but it looks an amazing piece of kit.
Oh shi...here we go again. I never REALLY needed to step that much up to the A7 IV, but I did. Then I started planning an upgrade to the R V in the near future and thought I'd never want or need anything else. But this...I want this. I'll never need it and I'll probably never buy it but still...gorgeous! And looks like a good bit of fun to use! Can't wait to hear your thoughts after you've been using it for a while. 8 minutes later: It's actually pretty well priced for the incredible bit of kit it is, compared to a high-end full-frame body. I'd MUCH rather spend that cash on this compared to a bit less on an R3/A1/Z9 or whatever.
You really need to stick it on an Alpa STC or a Linhof Technikardan to get the best use out of it and the gorgeous lenses available. Hint: you'd need to splash 20k
That is a class looking camera. Its so strange how we generally all thrive to have modern looking things and yet often go back to classy 'vintage' style looking things. Loved the photos you took, looked really good on large TV. Would have loved to see side by side the Hasselblad vs Sony a7r5.
If you told me those images were shot on 120 transparency film, I'd believe you. I agree with what you said about looking down at the screen when using the camera. I always found that looking down at my old RB67's viewfinder, the fact the image was reversed always made me think more about my composition. I wonder where that camera is. I still have it somewhere. Now if only Mamiya would do a digital back for their cameras.
Another great video. The photos match your style well despite a different camera. Great editing. What bag are you carrying? Looks discrete and comfortable.
Well that was completely unexpected, James! In a good way. Loved the video and your photos as usual. Thanks for sharing. That's as close as I ever expect to get to a Hasselblad. Two handed or right handed cameras have never been made for me. Oh well, c'est la vie.🤪 Amazing tech though.
It's a 21st century box Brownian as far as viewing the scene is concerned, but it wouldn't be upsidedown. Boy was that hard to get used to. Showing my age, lol
Hi James, Nice video. May I ask how many bits the camera has? I'm asking this as I noticed some colour artefacts on the leaves on the ground on the image at minute 4.14. It's probably due to the selective colour change but I wonder whether the camera has 16bit depths, in that case, the artefacts should not be there...or it's just YT Keep up with the great content! Thanks,
Medium Format? Marketing F-up. In the film days, in photography school, we defined "medium format" as too large for 127 film and under 9cm*12cm. This is video's camera really is "Small Format" by that definition. 127 film confection is the 40mm wide version of 60mm wide 120 or 620 roll film. Usable frame height is 36mm and this means that a frame with one side smaller than or equal to 36mm fits on 127 confection. At 3:2 aspect ratio, 127 film could go up to 54mm * 36mm. The upper limit of small format. A fluencer, years ago, did a series based on the concept of "pro photographer and cheap camera". Check that out. Over 20 videos, IIRC. This new baby Hassy looks great and has a I Want One Of Those quality. I'll admit to that. As an old real-medium format and large format shooter, to me the leaf shutter (in other languages called "central shutter" because it is in the center of the lens) still has an attraction, but I don't need every lens to have its own shutter any more. This baby is not a model 503 Hasselblad. The lenses are not the original Zeiss lenses with T* update. Yes, much smaller and lighter, but no longer medium format. You "need" 100MP? No, you don't. MP are an area unit that predicts file size, required storage capacity, and required processing power. It does not predict human perception of sharpness. And at 100MP the theoretical advantage of a slightly larger photosite evaporates in photosite density. Human perception of detail resolution (AKA sharpness) follows a linear measurement and unit. That's not a "perception"-as-imaginary effect, but follows from the very lossy compression in our retina. That's why, in the past 100 years or so, folk who went to photography school measured resolution in "LinePairs per millimetre" (LP/mm) - a linear (length, one-dimensional) unit. To predict - ceteris paribus - your visible gain from more MP, you need to compare one side of the frame (or the diagonal if the aspect ratio changes in the comparison). If your sensor is X*Y=MP and you want to see "double" resolution, then you linearly go double as follows: 2X*2Y=4MP. Which tells you that 100MP is twice as good as 25MP. CETERIS PARIBUS - if everything else is the same (assuming the other factors allow us to make the difference visible). The biggest VIOLATION of ceteris paribus in a comparison is in the presence/absence of an OLPF. That dispersion filter was invented, in the Bayer paradigm of colour photography with an analogue and colour-blind sensor, as a way to make "raw processing" (conversion) easier. The raw file consists of monochrome (mono=single, chrome=colour) data elements and these need to be turned into RGB pixels (a sensor and raw file by definition have no "pixels" - picture elements). At low resolution the bad impact of the OLPF does not become visible and it indeed makes (mathematically precise and repeatable) wild-assed guessing for missing colours a lot easier. With increasing resolution all sorts of problems become visible or get in the way. Over 10 years ago, Nikon Eliminated the OLPF from the D800 in the ceteris paribus D800E. Adobe only last year, 10 years later, came up with AI Denoise (years after Adobe's competitors came up with better suppression of Bayer noise - because what the naive call luminance noise or colour noise in general is inadequate old school deBayerisation). The raw file is a Bayer file and the result of raw processing follows from deBayerisation - euphemism for inventing the missing colours. The impact of removal of the OLPF is huge. Much bigger than more MP or better lenses. Go to DxOMark, find the sharpest lens with Nikon F-mount that they tested with both the D800 and D800E. That's your "ceteris paribus" comparison. Then compare a 24MP Nikon with that same lens to the D800 (both with OLPF) and the difference in sharpness is marginal. Next compare a no-OLPF 36MP D800E to a no-OLPF 45MP D850 and the sharpness difference is marginal. As APS-C cameras often don't have an OLPF, this is part of "why they are so good" compared to full frame with OLPF with the same MP. So there are two problems in the way of "everything else the same": the naive not knowing about raw processing and the naive not knowing about the OLPF and its impact. As DxOMark may never have mentioned the OLPF, we should hold that against them. We should also give them a fail for implying they test "sensors", not cameras. But they use a very basic form of deBayerisation that does no "demosaicking" and that seems fair to me when comparing sharpness. As demosaicking is needed to remove the "mosaic" problems generated by simple deBayerisation, a doubt remains here if basic deBayerisation negatively impacts the measurement of lens resolution. Noise and digital artefacts? As indicated above, we should call noise in our images "Bayer noise". "Not enough photons" and blabbering about quantum physics is only relevant, maybe, in shooting the night sky. In your regular images, the noise you see in the blurry, or darker, or low contrast image zones is 100% failed raw processing. This may simply be your raw processing software not dealing with the absence of the OLPF well enough. Look for, at, test images by fluencers in the interwebs and knowing that LV=EV@100ISO, you can convert their exposure from EV to equivalent LV. Nobody, generally, ends up under LV 10. (Aside: makes any statement about how good recognition-AI-AF is, totally irrelevant.) We can blame Mr. Bayer and his invention for "noise" but there is no decent alternative [1]. In the Bayer conspiracy (pfun intended) the responsibility to give us images that look perfect, is the responsibility of the software developers of "raw processing" (conversion) applications. When their algorithms (old school or new school AI) generate visible (from deBayerisation) noise or artefacts - crinkly lines, Moiré, - or noise introduced by demosaicking then it's not good enough. Less-is-more? At lower MP, the camera with a sensor with OLPF cannot reveal lens issues very well and you get a soft smoothness because of that. At 24MP with OLPF, however, chromatic aberration is very visible. And so are pores and down hairs in peoples faces that the naked eye doesn't see, normally. I can upsample (not exactly the same as upscale) a 24MP shot from 6,000 * 4,000 to 32,000 * 21,333 (683MP). Topaz Gigapixel AI does an excellent job at that - much better than repetitive bi-cubic upscaling as simple tool to get more pixels. Linearly by X-axis, 100MP is only 140% of 45MP (or 145% diagonally between the 44*33 and 36*24). Much more expensive. Status symbol? Compensation? 16 bits? One foundry (AKA "fab" - a chip print house) advertised their proprietary sensor as 16 bits and that's true at the binary data level, but only 14 are photographically meaningful according to their smartly placed footnote out of plain sight. (Aside: Note that in the chip world clients create logical designs of the chips they get made by the fab. ARM never "made" a chip and always used fabs to print their designs - billions are present in smartphones today. And even Apple's recent processor models are based on ARM.) Adobe Camera Raw generates a 16 bits per channel (48 bits per pixel) image from your 14 bits raw in a ProPhoto colour space. Photoshop can turn that into 32 bits per channel. But your cheap monitor probably fakes 8 bits per channel with 7 bits. An expensive Eizo or BenQ may be able to display 100% Adobe RGB (and some of the gradation resolution gain from the 32 bpc becomes visible on these). In print this is a different story. Some of the photographic pigment printers have a larger than Adobe RGB colour space (note that the interwebs are full of sRGB - with "s" meaning simplified). Have you shot weddings? Or lifestyle portraits? And noticed that the sitters expect you to turn them into supermodels in your images? And will express their disappointment when your images do not give that to them? What do you answer? But look how sharp my shots are? But look how beautiful the background blur is in my photographs? If you need more MP in a landscape, just put the camera on a tripod with a nodal slide between camera and tripod head. Set this to get the rotation in the head above the lens's nodal point. Shoot a panorama and stitch in Photoshop. Need to go very large (print), the upsample the individual shots with Gigapixel AI. As most "models" actually have less optimal skin (because of bad make-up hygiene), you do not want more sharpness but better AI to mask that without getting "plastic" images. Henri Cartier-Bresson: "sharpness is a [petit] bourgeois concept." That was meant in a condescending way to talk down middle class or poorer narrow-minded people with, in his opinion, bad taste in art and no education in it too. While that's offensive, we still love his images, sharp or not. Or, "a fool with a tool is still a fool". [1] A startup tried to mimic a 3-layer colour film that has RGB in each coordinate with a 3-layer sensor. They folded, got acquired by Sigma for cheap, and Sigma has neither been able to live up to expectation, nor defeat Bayer marketing hype.
Yes this is the Hassie I would get if I had the money. Love the style and form factor and I also would love to have a 501CM. Wouldn't need too much else besides those 2 in my kit.
Dude, how can you say no to the X2D? That's basically my dream camera for photography combined with the 38mm, 55mm and 90mm. Unfortunately I'm too much into video business wise, to justify the expense solely for photography, but I'll be willing to test it in a minute haha.
I see you've been to the barber for your Hasselblad review. Which, of course, is nothing like the shave you'd get if you actually bought the thing itself. Your cool rating just went up several notches in my mind.
Always wanted a hassie but lacking crucial lenses just don’t make it worth it in my opinion. Need some wide angle and fast portrait primes to be a contender with the Gfx system.
love you videos James. I 'm not in the price bracket for such a great camera but where did you get that shirt! I love it! I mean it! Where did you get it? Who made it? Thanks! : )
The X2D, with kit lens, sells for $8500. And it has IBIS. The 907X/CVC 100C combo, with no lens, costs $8200. To equip the 907X/CVC 100C with a (dumb) viewfinder and grip (The grip is definitely required, IMO) would add $1400 to the price, for a total of $9800, WITHOUT A LENS! There is no reason whatsoever to opt for the 907X/CVC 100C combo.
Yeah, absolutely. This is for the 500 series classic camera fans, and its functionality is heavily compromised by that legacy compatibility. Unless you really want the quirky styling for some reason, X2D is the Hasselblad you should be buying.
I just looked up pricing in Europe, straight from Hasselblad's store.. X2D 100C is priced at 8699 Euros without lens and the 907X 100C is actually 900 Euros cheaper at 7799 Euros, again, no lens included.
@@TsvetanVR Well, I was looking at the US Hasselblad website and that's their pricing. And, as I said, you'd have to pay $1400 more for the VF and grip, which still makes it more expensive. And it still doesn't have IBIS, which the X2D does.
@@QuicknStraight I can't argue with that. But if someone's after a good price/performance bargain, they wouldn't go for a Hasselblad in the first place. The way I see it, it's more of a niche and boutique product.
James. Good video as usual. I am ready to smash the piggy-bank, but one thing is bothering me: Is there a tripod mount/socket on the underside of the hand-grip (907x Control Grip). I can't find a picture anywhere and the dealers here don't have it in stock to look at. I would want to use the grip, but without IBIS I would want to use a tripod (pref an Arca Swiss plate) as well....or.......Is there a secondary screw hole on the underside of the back (CFV 100C)?
Hi James....really enjoyed the video but as I will never buy that camera I am more interested in the green hat you were wearing at the start....could you possibly provide a link?
I know that the camera body is not weather sealed, but can it be used in misty and humid conditions, for example, in a forest early in the morning? When looking closely at the part with the sensor, it simply clips onto the body! I get the feeling that it's not securely attached to the body, just a click without any sealing based on what I see. Does dust and moisture have a way of getting in between the body and the sensor part?
It’s nice to see built in storage these days considering how cheap ssds are. 1tb costs a consumer 50 dollars or less, let alone to a business en masse.
I miss that village! I’ve taken soooo many pics there, on that bridge and of the train and (obviously) of the sheep! Intrigued by Hasselblad - I think DJI own them now don’t they? Or they own DJI? Either way they’re both doing cool things with cameras!
Hey man love the Chanel. Great video, cool camera. Would love to know the name of the fjalraven jacket your wearing out in the field. Dumb question I know, and probably a little annoying, but would love to know all the same
Great to see an interesting form factor in the industry for a change. Design has become so dull. I hope some less expensive cameras take a risk on some interesting form factors.
WOW, I want one SO BAD. But I'm so poor. I would like one especially to use with the 500C/M I used to own when I was dumb enough to think I wanted to be a wedding photographer.. His never having used the original Hasselblad cameras is a shame. Those cameras were works of art. Somebody needs to get this guy a 500 C/M with an assortment of lenses or at least a 40mm and 150mm lens to shoot a few landscapes and portraits.
Amazing to see the tech in that box mate. The fact that the actual camera is only around a centimetre thick!! What will they think of next? Despite the tech and change of camera, your tones and subject matter are always first rate. Keep it up fella. Really enjoy everything you do 👍
To be fair the 1cm bit is really just a glorified lens mount! The sensor and most of the smarts are in the digital back, which is quite a bit bigger! Although, still very small for a medium-format camera.
I've given you a thumbs up, but it's still a one trick pony with a very small native lens selection. Plus it seems like they've targeted landscape photographers on RUclips but it probably isn't weather sealed.
Very cool camera, especially if someone wants to use full frame lenses beyond their official potential. But in my book it's lacking a bigger sensor. The 100Mpix is hyped too much and talked about too much. 50Mpix and an actually full frame medium format sensor would be a dream come true!
being sponsored by hasselblad is insane, especially getting to use an unreleased hasselblad, well done!
They’re handing them out to MANY RUclipsrs and often the agreement includes a FREE camera. Yes, free. All part of their marketing campaign. I hope lots of people can afford these cameras; they are beautiful
@@bodythetanyou do realise people have to return them right? 😂 Hassie are not giving away cameras worth 10k to dozens of youtubers
yes they are giving them away, Willem Verbeek literally said this in his video@@SurrealExposure12
@@SurrealExposure12no, Benj Haisch said he got to keep his.
@@bodythetan Hasselblad Rep here - they are never free!!! Good luck
The most interesting thing from this is how your pictures look the same. A sign of a great photographer.
Hasselblad are just on a different level with quality and price. Back in my apprentice days in 2005 the boss had a H1- 39mp hasselblad. In 2005! It was absolutely unreal. The shadow recovery looked like soucery back then. So 19 years later I can imagine how much these cameras have evolved. Love to get my hands on one.
It's a sign of a great photographer, but also a very clear indication that a camera like this is absolutely unnecessary for the vast majority of people. I'm sure that there's a non-zero percentage of James' 257K subscribers who followed his move from MFT Lumix to full-frame Sony. I'm also sure that Hasselblad is banking on some percentage of those subscribers buying one of their cameras, even if they have to remortgage their house to do it.
@@Andrew_Kerr_ exactly what I was thinking
@@Andrew_Kerr_ 100%, unless printing super super large or doing product photography, medium format digital is way too much for most people
A camera that's all about aesthetic: both in terms of image quality and ergonomics. It's good that companies like Hasselblad are thinking outside the box; puts more pressure on other brands too!
I've watched most your videos and I can say with out a doubt I could listen to you all day! Hands down best photography channel on RUclips.
this is the best personality I’ve seen in a review in a long while. Subscribed!
I bought the 907X/50C a few years ago, and loved it, but gave it up for some technical, and as it turned out, misguided, reasons. Missed it so much that I ended up going back to it last year, and so happy I did! Just a wonderfully different shooting experience combined with amazing editing dynamics and image quality. Sticking with the 50C, but glad to see the next iteration has come along. Enjoy the shooting experience!
Fun to see you enjoy a new camera just for the fun of it.
It shows again it is not the camera, it is the photographer who makes great photos.
I never understood why people preferred the leica’s… but the hassie’s are my dream camera. Someday I hope to put googlie eyes on one of my own.
I own both. It’s ok to not understand.
@@Zetaphotographyhipster
Leicas are just as good if not better in many ways. Same heritage, brand ethos and legacy.
You can’t explain feeling ✨
Well he said that He can't understand
I’ve used Hasselblad 500 and H-cameras for the greater part of my career as a fashion/beauty photographer. Esp. the digital ones are phenomenal. I was quite disappointed by the original X1D and started using my M and SL2 cameras. Still very happy with those, but 2 years ago I picked up a pre-owned X1D mkII and fell in love again. Nowadays, the studio work is done mostly with an X2D. When I need more flexibility and speed I use the SL2, SL2-S or my personal M10-R.
I don’t own any Hasselblad 500 and V or H lenses anymore, but if I did I’d buy this beauty in a heartbeat. With the X2D around it doesn’t justify. The Hasselblad colour science has to be seen to be believed. There’s nothing that comes close to this re. skintones. Also the way how it renders complex textures like dark silk or linen is gorgeous. Only Leica comes close…
All these years in photography has taught me that essentially only two things matter in a camera system: the processor (not the sensor!) and the lenses.
Nothing clever to say but thank you. You've really made me think about composition and seeing the picture in the everyday.
I loved the top down shooting viewpoint of my 500c. A digital version would be so nice!
When I was a kid, I started collecting old medium format and TLR cameras, and just went ham. I had a rolleiflex, a minolta, a kodak brownie starflex, etc. Watching you shoot with this camera hit such a nostalgic nerve and now I want one so bad. T_T
One word - IBIS (actually no IBIS, unlike the X2D). If you shoot handheld, I think the X2D is a no-brainer vs this camera. I had the CFV 50C and the X1D, and moving up to the X2D with its IBIS was a total game changer. It makes a huuuuuge difference, especially in low light when you don't want to crank the ISO too high. If you want to use this as a tech cam, on a tripod, or adapted to Hassy film cameras, that's a different story.
Inspiring to see the places your photography journey has taken you. you have been a big inspiration in my starting to make videos-so thanks!
The exterior reminds me to the SWC model that I have been working with some decades ago. That one had an optical viewfinder on top, which wasn’t great but basically worked fine in the very bright sunlight that I had to use.
I like how James went to a remote location in Wales to avoid potential photographers not seeing the Hasselblad, only panning to reveal one of the most picturesque villages you could image, ripe for photographic exploration! :)
Always good to hear your thoughts James. As a long time Hasselblad 500 Series shooter, that is a dream setup. Maybe if I hadn't sold all my gear and five CF lenses... I would suggest that a tripod is mandatory to take advantage of such a high resolution sensor. BTW, you must be a young man. Nobody over 40 would have the vision necessary to see a screen that close. Actually one of the benefits of my Leica SL-series. You can look thru the VF EVF and enlarge images to evaluate them in the sun and without bifocals! ;-)
@James Popsys ... There was no need to worry about being spotted as there is the 50 megapixel verion, which has been out for ages.
PS: You mentioned the use of Xpan lenses, but not the ability to shoot in the Xpan ratio 65:24.
One of the biggest changes to this system isn't just the internal 1tb drive or the 100MPX its the fact that they have produced new contact points and a new hot shoe adaptor - as a Pro I have been screaming for this for four years after getting a Broncolor one stuck permanently on the old optic viewfinder - also on that note Hass have a new optic finder for their new lenses 28, 38, 55 - which are awesome BTW - however unless you can fix the focus point these are pretty useless in the real world - another hot tip is to tape over the release catch -
Thanks for sharing your experiences James! Hasselblad has been considered the pinnacle of camera bodies and lenses. The 907x with 100 MP CFV 100C digital back is no exception and is the dream of many photographers (like me) to own one. The only comment I disagree with you is you said one may purchase one for the novelty in it. I don't think anyone purchases a Hasselblad for its novelty.
Hasselblad must be making a big publicity drive. I just got finished watching Adam Gibbs' review of this camera. Posted about 5 mins before yours. ;-)
Several creators released Hasselblad videos at the same time, it's what we're used to see by other camera manufacturers when they release new products. Guess Hasselblad just jumped on the bandwagon for this marketing tool.
Phase One, here is your chance. Make a similar set up and use the old CCD sensors. It would be a hit.
Another informative and easy on the eyes video James, I really enjoy your approach - and your eye for composition. Your final point was the one that struck me the moment I saw you using the camera - how does the horizontal screen perform when used in bright sunlight? So I look forward to seeing you using it in more varied lighting conditions.
I've always wondered why you didn't shoot with hasselblad, given you had shot with leica and whatnot, so it's nice to see you shooting with one; let alone having a hasselblad as a sponsor :D
I'm really happy for where your photography channel and carreer is going. Keep it up! :)
(sorry for any typos or mistakes in my english, I'm brazilian)
Some day I'll get myself a medium format. but for now, I'm thrilled with my Fuji XH2
What is the lower cost to get the same system ? Thanks for giving on your support advice.
Hi James, another interesting video, but honestly mate way out of my league. In my part of the world where pockets are deep and arms a short .. it'd be sell the house, buy a van to live in and get a Hasselblad with the balance. Interesting stuff all the same as you can rely on Hasselblad to make someting very different. Keep up the good work.
I'd love one of those but would hate to buy lenses for it! I do know what you mean about looking down into the screen though, it's one of the main reasons I love using old TLR film cameras. It totally isolates you from the surroundings so you only see what the camera sees. And finally, the colours in those images was just exceptional. Loved it.
Great video, James. I still have a Hasselblad film camera with a couple of lenses, and would love to buy this to use with those. But I’ll have to think about whether or not I really want to spend that much money. Very tempting, though.
What you said at 5:20 - I really agree. Looking down at the ground glass of my TLR medium format camera means I see only what the camera sees, and I can easily spot distractions, or in some cases objects that I am missing that I would want to include.
Cool looking camera, although I think the file sizes would blow up computer's editing capabilities.
Isn’t that what using the EVF, like you should be doing, does too…
I am always interested when people say they would like internal storage in their cameras. My issue with it, from a technical aspect is you just know, that should the internal storage fail, it is going to probably cost a kidney to get it replaced. Nice camera and I can appreciate the way it is so different and how that is enjoyable. John Pouw.
That seems like an awful lot packed into that tiny box. Very cool!
It will be a while before I can afford one of these, or the 50C version, and I'll likely wait until I see a good deal on a used version. But, it really is my dream medium format camera, and would pair well with my daily carry Ricoh GR3x, and the Pentax (yes, Pentax... K3iii) I have recently started using. Great video and run down, and really looking forward to trying one of these out eventually.
Opened RUclips and three vids on the Hassy from people I subscribe to. Decisions decisions.. I watched yours first and pleased I did. Refreshingly not a spec fest sales pitch.
Such a fun camera!!! Thanks for the vid :) look forward to another 😊
Cool camera. But more importantly, I have that same jacket and it’s amazing. Thanks for the consistent great content James.
James, Thomas reviewed the 907 several months ago. He was concerned about weather proofing. Also, as stated earlier, it is much more expensive than X2D when adding grip, viewfinder and lens. Files and color are amazing. Personally, if you go for a digital Hasselblad, you should try the X2D. Enjoy!
I'm still using my Apple Mac Performa 5260, and it is taking some time to load the images from the Hass to load. That's for sure.
With an RRP of £6729.00 my main concern would be rain, drop, theft, insurance!! LOL great vid again James. Many thanks
Lovely classic design, I'd wish one. Is the reason I love my Fujifilm X100S because that, is just nice to take with me and I know my photos come from happy moments when I use it, so I can relax from work. Plastic utilitarian cameras with kit lenses are faster, but... meh.
I know you are not a gear review channel but I am sure glad you were the first I came across to review this lovely camera. Keep up the great work!
Near every shot you took is one I’ve taken 😊 I adore Beddgelert, such a beautiful little village.
I’ll likely never venture into MF as it’s just overkill for my photography but it looks an amazing piece of kit.
He is a talented photographer who has a unique skill for making an $8k camera look like it's only worth $80 and vice versa
I stayed there a few months ago when I climbed mount Snowdon.
Oh shi...here we go again. I never REALLY needed to step that much up to the A7 IV, but I did. Then I started planning an upgrade to the R V in the near future and thought I'd never want or need anything else. But this...I want this. I'll never need it and I'll probably never buy it but still...gorgeous! And looks like a good bit of fun to use! Can't wait to hear your thoughts after you've been using it for a while.
8 minutes later: It's actually pretty well priced for the incredible bit of kit it is, compared to a high-end full-frame body. I'd MUCH rather spend that cash on this compared to a bit less on an R3/A1/Z9 or whatever.
You really need to stick it on an Alpa STC or a Linhof Technikardan to get the best use out of it and the gorgeous lenses available.
Hint: you'd need to splash 20k
@@stuartwalker121 If only I could stick to just one or two hobbies, that would be the least of my problems. 😂 I'll look at the stuff you mentioned.
It's $13,000 if that helps with your decision.
That is a very cool camera. Will never be able to afford it but it's nice to dream.
I feel like you're the guy for this camera, would love to see a print!
I shoot the 100c back and my 503CW all the time ! It's a great combo !
Who makes the strap that you're using in the video ?😊
This is the 50th review for this product on my RUclips feed.
That is a class looking camera. Its so strange how we generally all thrive to have modern looking things and yet often go back to classy 'vintage' style looking things.
Loved the photos you took, looked really good on large TV. Would have loved to see side by side the Hasselblad vs Sony a7r5.
Be cool if there was a way to mirror the image in the LCD so you get that real waist-level finder experience!
If you told me those images were shot on 120 transparency film, I'd believe you.
I agree with what you said about looking down at the screen when using the camera. I always found that looking down at my old RB67's viewfinder, the fact the image was reversed always made me think more about my composition.
I wonder where that camera is. I still have it somewhere. Now if only Mamiya would do a digital back for their cameras.
Another great video. The photos match your style well despite a different camera. Great editing. What bag are you carrying? Looks discrete and comfortable.
What camera strap is that? I really like that!
I love the legacy of Hasselblad so so much, although the GFX 100 ii just takes so much for of the cake in this tier
Well that was completely unexpected, James! In a good way. Loved the video and your photos as usual. Thanks for sharing. That's as close as I ever expect to get to a Hasselblad. Two handed or right handed cameras have never been made for me. Oh well, c'est la vie.🤪 Amazing tech though.
It's a 21st century box Brownian as far as viewing the scene is concerned, but it wouldn't be upsidedown. Boy was that hard to get used to. Showing my age, lol
Hi James,
Nice video.
May I ask how many bits the camera has? I'm asking this as I noticed some colour artefacts on the leaves on the ground on the image at minute 4.14. It's probably due to the selective colour change but I wonder whether the camera has 16bit depths, in that case, the artefacts should not be there...or it's just YT
Keep up with the great content!
Thanks,
Which Belroy sling?
Medium Format? Marketing F-up. In the film days, in photography school, we defined "medium format" as too large for 127 film and under 9cm*12cm. This is video's camera really is "Small Format" by that definition. 127 film confection is the 40mm wide version of 60mm wide 120 or 620 roll film. Usable frame height is 36mm and this means that a frame with one side smaller than or equal to 36mm fits on 127 confection. At 3:2 aspect ratio, 127 film could go up to 54mm * 36mm. The upper limit of small format.
A fluencer, years ago, did a series based on the concept of "pro photographer and cheap camera". Check that out. Over 20 videos, IIRC.
This new baby Hassy looks great and has a I Want One Of Those quality. I'll admit to that.
As an old real-medium format and large format shooter, to me the leaf shutter (in other languages called "central shutter" because it is in the center of the lens) still has an attraction, but I don't need every lens to have its own shutter any more.
This baby is not a model 503 Hasselblad. The lenses are not the original Zeiss lenses with T* update. Yes, much smaller and lighter, but no longer medium format.
You "need" 100MP? No, you don't. MP are an area unit that predicts file size, required storage capacity, and required processing power.
It does not predict human perception of sharpness. And at 100MP the theoretical advantage of a slightly larger photosite evaporates in photosite density.
Human perception of detail resolution (AKA sharpness) follows a linear measurement and unit. That's not a "perception"-as-imaginary effect, but follows from the very lossy compression in our retina.
That's why, in the past 100 years or so, folk who went to photography school measured resolution in "LinePairs per millimetre" (LP/mm) - a linear (length, one-dimensional) unit.
To predict - ceteris paribus - your visible gain from more MP, you need to compare one side of the frame (or the diagonal if the aspect ratio changes in the comparison).
If your sensor is X*Y=MP and you want to see "double" resolution, then you linearly go double as follows: 2X*2Y=4MP. Which tells you that 100MP is twice as good as 25MP.
CETERIS PARIBUS - if everything else is the same (assuming the other factors allow us to make the difference visible).
The biggest VIOLATION of ceteris paribus in a comparison is in the presence/absence of an OLPF.
That dispersion filter was invented, in the Bayer paradigm of colour photography with an analogue and colour-blind sensor, as a way to make "raw processing" (conversion) easier.
The raw file consists of monochrome (mono=single, chrome=colour) data elements and these need to be turned into RGB pixels (a sensor and raw file by definition have no "pixels" - picture elements).
At low resolution the bad impact of the OLPF does not become visible and it indeed makes (mathematically precise and repeatable) wild-assed guessing for missing colours a lot easier. With increasing resolution all sorts of problems become visible or get in the way.
Over 10 years ago, Nikon Eliminated the OLPF from the D800 in the ceteris paribus D800E.
Adobe only last year, 10 years later, came up with AI Denoise (years after Adobe's competitors came up with better suppression of Bayer noise - because what the naive call luminance noise or colour noise in general is inadequate old school deBayerisation).
The raw file is a Bayer file and the result of raw processing follows from deBayerisation - euphemism for inventing the missing colours.
The impact of removal of the OLPF is huge. Much bigger than more MP or better lenses. Go to DxOMark, find the sharpest lens with Nikon F-mount that they tested with both the D800 and D800E. That's your "ceteris paribus" comparison. Then compare a 24MP Nikon with that same lens to the D800 (both with OLPF) and the difference in sharpness is marginal. Next compare a no-OLPF 36MP D800E to a no-OLPF 45MP D850 and the sharpness difference is marginal. As APS-C cameras often don't have an OLPF, this is part of "why they are so good" compared to full frame with OLPF with the same MP.
So there are two problems in the way of "everything else the same": the naive not knowing about raw processing and the naive not knowing about the OLPF and its impact.
As DxOMark may never have mentioned the OLPF, we should hold that against them. We should also give them a fail for implying they test "sensors", not cameras. But they use a very basic form of deBayerisation that does no "demosaicking" and that seems fair to me when comparing sharpness. As demosaicking is needed to remove the "mosaic" problems generated by simple deBayerisation, a doubt remains here if basic deBayerisation negatively impacts the measurement of lens resolution.
Noise and digital artefacts? As indicated above, we should call noise in our images "Bayer noise".
"Not enough photons" and blabbering about quantum physics is only relevant, maybe, in shooting the night sky.
In your regular images, the noise you see in the blurry, or darker, or low contrast image zones is 100% failed raw processing. This may simply be your raw processing software not dealing with the absence of the OLPF well enough.
Look for, at, test images by fluencers in the interwebs and knowing that LV=EV@100ISO, you can convert their exposure from EV to equivalent LV. Nobody, generally, ends up under LV 10. (Aside: makes any statement about how good recognition-AI-AF is, totally irrelevant.)
We can blame Mr. Bayer and his invention for "noise" but there is no decent alternative [1]. In the Bayer conspiracy (pfun intended) the responsibility to give us images that look perfect, is the responsibility of the software developers of "raw processing" (conversion) applications.
When their algorithms (old school or new school AI) generate visible (from deBayerisation) noise or artefacts - crinkly lines, Moiré, - or noise introduced by demosaicking then it's not good enough.
Less-is-more? At lower MP, the camera with a sensor with OLPF cannot reveal lens issues very well and you get a soft smoothness because of that. At 24MP with OLPF, however, chromatic aberration is very visible. And so are pores and down hairs in peoples faces that the naked eye doesn't see, normally.
I can upsample (not exactly the same as upscale) a 24MP shot from 6,000 * 4,000 to 32,000 * 21,333 (683MP). Topaz Gigapixel AI does an excellent job at that - much better than repetitive bi-cubic upscaling as simple tool to get more pixels.
Linearly by X-axis, 100MP is only 140% of 45MP (or 145% diagonally between the 44*33 and 36*24). Much more expensive. Status symbol? Compensation?
16 bits? One foundry (AKA "fab" - a chip print house) advertised their proprietary sensor as 16 bits and that's true at the binary data level, but only 14 are photographically meaningful according to their smartly placed footnote out of plain sight. (Aside: Note that in the chip world clients create logical designs of the chips they get made by the fab. ARM never "made" a chip and always used fabs to print their designs - billions are present in smartphones today. And even Apple's recent processor models are based on ARM.)
Adobe Camera Raw generates a 16 bits per channel (48 bits per pixel) image from your 14 bits raw in a ProPhoto colour space. Photoshop can turn that into 32 bits per channel. But your cheap monitor probably fakes 8 bits per channel with 7 bits. An expensive Eizo or BenQ may be able to display 100% Adobe RGB (and some of the gradation resolution gain from the 32 bpc becomes visible on these). In print this is a different story. Some of the photographic pigment printers have a larger than Adobe RGB colour space (note that the interwebs are full of sRGB - with "s" meaning simplified).
Have you shot weddings? Or lifestyle portraits? And noticed that the sitters expect you to turn them into supermodels in your images? And will express their disappointment when your images do not give that to them? What do you answer? But look how sharp my shots are? But look how beautiful the background blur is in my photographs?
If you need more MP in a landscape, just put the camera on a tripod with a nodal slide between camera and tripod head. Set this to get the rotation in the head above the lens's nodal point. Shoot a panorama and stitch in Photoshop. Need to go very large (print), the upsample the individual shots with Gigapixel AI.
As most "models" actually have less optimal skin (because of bad make-up hygiene), you do not want more sharpness but better AI to mask that without getting "plastic" images.
Henri Cartier-Bresson: "sharpness is a [petit] bourgeois concept." That was meant in a condescending way to talk down middle class or poorer narrow-minded people with, in his opinion, bad taste in art and no education in it too. While that's offensive, we still love his images, sharp or not.
Or, "a fool with a tool is still a fool".
[1] A startup tried to mimic a 3-layer colour film that has RGB in each coordinate with a 3-layer sensor. They folded, got acquired by Sigma for cheap, and Sigma has neither been able to live up to expectation, nor defeat Bayer marketing hype.
Yes this is the Hassie I would get if I had the money. Love the style and form factor and I also would love to have a 501CM. Wouldn't need too much else besides those 2 in my kit.
Dude, how can you say no to the X2D? That's basically my dream camera for photography combined with the 38mm, 55mm and 90mm. Unfortunately I'm too much into video business wise, to justify the expense solely for photography, but I'll be willing to test it in a minute haha.
my brain is a bit of a sieve. just got to the end of the video. did you say whether the battery life was any good?
I see you've been to the barber for your Hasselblad review. Which, of course, is nothing like the shave you'd get if you actually bought the thing itself. Your cool rating just went up several notches in my mind.
I’ve got a 50c bought recently (deliberately, knowing this was coming - can’t afford the 100c). You need a longer neck strap
Always wanted a hassie but lacking crucial lenses just don’t make it worth it in my opinion. Need some wide angle and fast portrait primes to be a contender with the Gfx system.
Yeah, you’d probably want a small loupe on the screen if conditions were bright. Hope someone comes out with one.
love you videos James. I 'm not in the price bracket for such a great camera but where did you get that shirt! I love it! I mean it! Where did you get it? Who made it? Thanks! : )
Love it!
The X2D, with kit lens, sells for $8500. And it has IBIS. The 907X/CVC 100C combo, with no lens, costs $8200. To equip the 907X/CVC 100C with a (dumb) viewfinder and grip (The grip is definitely required, IMO) would add $1400 to the price, for a total of $9800, WITHOUT A LENS!
There is no reason whatsoever to opt for the 907X/CVC 100C combo.
Yeah, absolutely.
This is for the 500 series classic camera fans, and its functionality is heavily compromised by that legacy compatibility.
Unless you really want the quirky styling for some reason, X2D is the Hasselblad you should be buying.
I just looked up pricing in Europe, straight from Hasselblad's store..
X2D 100C is priced at 8699 Euros without lens and the 907X 100C is actually 900 Euros cheaper at 7799 Euros, again, no lens included.
@@TsvetanVR Well, I was looking at the US Hasselblad website and that's their pricing. And, as I said, you'd have to pay $1400 more for the VF and grip, which still makes it more expensive. And it still doesn't have IBIS, which the X2D does.
@@QuicknStraight I can't argue with that. But if someone's after a good price/performance bargain, they wouldn't go for a Hasselblad in the first place. The way I see it, it's more of a niche and boutique product.
Hold my beer while I plug my newly arrived 907X into charge would you… 😅
James. Good video as usual. I am ready to smash the piggy-bank, but one thing is bothering me: Is there a tripod mount/socket on the underside of the hand-grip (907x Control Grip). I can't find a picture anywhere and the dealers here don't have it in stock to look at. I would want to use the grip, but without IBIS I would want to use a tripod (pref an Arca Swiss plate) as well....or.......Is there a secondary screw hole on the underside of the back (CFV 100C)?
Them sending every photographer these at the same time for all of us to see is comical
Hi James....really enjoyed the video but as I will never buy that camera I am more interested in the green hat you were wearing at the start....could you possibly provide a link?
I know that the camera body is not weather sealed, but can it be used in misty and humid conditions, for example, in a forest early in the morning? When looking closely at the part with the sensor, it simply clips onto the body! I get the feeling that it's not securely attached to the body, just a click without any sealing based on what I see. Does dust and moisture have a way of getting in between the body and the sensor part?
Thing of beauty.
Looks like fun, regardless of the camera though great photos as usual 😊
Wow. Hasselblad going for the full PR onslaught with this one. Is there a RUclips photographer not reviewing it?
It’s nice to see built in storage these days considering how cheap ssds are. 1tb costs a consumer 50 dollars or less, let alone to a business en masse.
I love my X2D. I don't think this trio is for me though. It's at a price for the well heeled enthusiast!
The mountain is Sygun
James for a moment I thought you were wearing a string vest 😆. Lovely camera by the way.
I miss that village! I’ve taken soooo many pics there, on that bridge and of the train and (obviously) of the sheep!
Intrigued by Hasselblad - I think DJI own them now don’t they? Or they own DJI? Either way they’re both doing cool things with cameras!
"Baby Medium Format". It's still a cropped sensor.
plus, it's 14Bit Color + 2 (manipulated 16Bit, not true 16Bit)
Hey man love the Chanel. Great video, cool camera. Would love to know the name of the fjalraven jacket your wearing out in the field. Dumb question I know, and probably a little annoying, but would love to know all the same
Is this digital or film? Nice reviews!
Well well well...
Great to see an interesting form factor in the industry for a change. Design has become so dull. I hope some less expensive cameras take a risk on some interesting form factors.
They gave this camera to everyone again. Same as X1D II
WOW, I want one SO BAD. But I'm so poor. I would like one especially to use with the 500C/M I used to own when I was dumb enough to think I wanted to be a wedding photographer..
His never having used the original Hasselblad cameras is a shame. Those cameras were works of art. Somebody needs to get this guy a 500 C/M with an assortment of lenses or at least a 40mm and 150mm lens to shoot a few landscapes and portraits.
Amazing to see the tech in that box mate. The fact that the actual camera is only around a centimetre thick!! What will they think of next?
Despite the tech and change of camera, your tones and subject matter are always first rate. Keep it up fella. Really enjoy everything you do
👍
To be fair the 1cm bit is really just a glorified lens mount! The sensor and most of the smarts are in the digital back, which is quite a bit bigger! Although, still very small for a medium-format camera.
Havent you used a GFX before? What do you mean only medium format you ever used? Maybe I'm wrong, but for some reason this catued my attention.
I was thinking of buying this camera but after your awesome review I have decided not to. Thanks 👍
Where can I get that strap ?
Amazing camera!!
I've given you a thumbs up, but it's still a one trick pony with a very small native lens selection. Plus it seems like they've targeted landscape photographers on RUclips but it probably isn't weather sealed.
Very cool camera, especially if someone wants to use full frame lenses beyond their official potential. But in my book it's lacking a bigger sensor. The 100Mpix is hyped too much and talked about too much. 50Mpix and an actually full frame medium format sensor would be a dream come true!
Will you be getting one?
Three Hasselblad posts today from three different RUclips channels I watch. Hmmm...
I have an M11 and I’m considering selling it for this. Would you say it’s worth it?
This camera needs IBIS and optional EV, like a Leica Visoflex.