Hasselblad x1d

1 The X1D uses a new range of XCD autofocus lenses designed specifically for this camera, though the camera can also take Hasselblad H System lenses via an optional adaptor. 2 Each XCD lens has its own built-in shutter, giving the X1D a very sharp and distinctive shutter sound. There is no focal plane shutter in the body. 3 The front grip is large enough for all four fingers of your hand to wrap around and also accommodates the X1D’s lithium-ion battery inside.

Mirrorless / £7,790 / $9,000 (body only) / hasselblad.com

HASSELBLAD is known for its professional medium-format camera systems – and the £20k+ price tags that go with them. But the X1D is a new and radical step into a different market. Its mirrorless design makes it a fraction of the size of a regular medium-format camera and scarcely larger than a 35mm full-frame model. And while it’s still a long way from cheap, its price does put it within the reach of many more professionals, either as a main camera or a second, more portable model to use for quicker, more impromptu shots during an event, for example.

Its 50MP sensor – shared with the rival Fujifilm GFX 50S – sounds like it has little inherent advantage over the 50MP Canon EOS 5DS. But there’s more to this than megapixels. The bigger sensor means bigger photosites that, in turn, should mean less noise and wider dynamic range – Hasselblad claims up to 14 stops.

The larger sensor delivers a different ‘look’ too, with much shallower depth of field for any given effective focal length. The X1D has a crop factor of 0.82x, so that the 45mm f/3.5 XCD lens supplied to us for review is equivalent to a 37mm lens on a full-frame DSLR, and the 90mm f/3.2 XCD lens is equivalent to 74mm.

It’s not just the sensor that’s different. The design, look and layout of the X1D is also quite unique. This is a modern camera built from milled aluminium to produce a strong and durable body. Compared to the button-encrusted exteriors of most high-end cameras, it’s remarkably clean and elegant. Around the back is a thoroughly minimal touchscreen display with big icons and big type. These aren’t because it’s aimed at novices, but because Hasselblad knows you’re often working some distance from the camera, perhaps in adverse conditions, and you need to be able to see the settings clearly. If you don’t like composing shots on the rear screen, you can use the electronic viewfinder, which is slightly raised.

Hasselblad has launched a new series of XCD autofocus lenses for this camera (though you can use existing H System lenses via an optional adaptor). Each lens contains an integral leaf-type shutter as the X1D doesn’t use a focal plane shutter. This means less vibration and flash synchronisation right up to the to