Hasselblad X1D II vs Nikon D3400

The Hasselblad X1D II 50C and the Nikon D3400 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in June 2019 and August 2016. The X1D II is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the D3400 is a DSLR. The cameras are based on a medium format (X1D II) and an APS-C (D3400) sensor. The Hasselblad has a resolution of 51.3 megapixels, whereas the Nikon provides 24 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Hasselblad X1D II		Nikon D3400
Mirrorless system camera		Digital single lens reflex
Hasselblad X mount lenses		Nikon F mount lenses
51.3 MP, Medium Format Sensor		24 MP, APS-C Sensor
no Video		1080/60p Video
ISO 100-25,600		ISO 100-25,600
Electronic viewfinder (3690k dots)		Optical viewfinder
3.6 LCD, 2360k dots		3.0 LCD, 921k dots
Fixed touchscreen		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
2.7 shutter flaps per second		5 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed body		not weather sealed
148 x 97 x 70 mm, 766 g		124 x 98 x 76 mm, 445 g

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Hasselblad X1D II 50C and the Nikon D3400? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Hasselblad X1D II and the Nikon D3400. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

The D3400 can be obtained in two different colors (black, red), while the X1D II is only available in titanium.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Nikon D3400 is notably smaller (15 percent) than the Hasselblad X1D II. Moreover, the D3400 is substantially lighter (42 percent) than the X1D II. It is worth mentioning in this context that the X1D II is splash and dust resistant, while the D3400 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

The power pack in the X1D II can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Hasselblad X1D II	148 mm	97 mm	70 mm	766 g	..	Y	Jun 2019	5,750
2.		Nikon D3400	124 mm	98 mm	76 mm	445 g	1200	n	Aug 2016	499
3.		Canon R	139 mm	98 mm	84 mm	660 g	370	Y	Sep 2018	2,299
4.		Canon 5DS	152 mm	116 mm	76 mm	930 g	700	Y	Feb 2015	3,699
5.		Canon 5DS R	152 mm	116 mm	76 mm	930 g	700	Y	Feb 2015	3,699
6.		Fujifilm GFX 50R	161 mm	97 mm	66 mm	775 g	400	Y	Sep 2018	4,499
7.		Fujifilm GFX 50S	148 mm	94 mm	91 mm	740 g	400	Y	Sep 2016	6,499
8.		Hasselblad X1D	150 mm	98 mm	71 mm	725 g	..	Y	Jun 2016	8,995
9.		Leica Q2	130 mm	80 mm	92 mm	718 g	370	Y	Mar 2019	4,995
10.		Nikon Z7	134 mm	101 mm	67 mm	675 g	330	Y	Aug 2018	3,399
11.		Nikon D3500	124 mm	97 mm	70 mm	365 g	1550	n	Aug 2018	429
12.		Nikon D5600	124 mm	97 mm	70 mm	465 g	970	n	Nov 2016	699
13.		Nikon D5500	124 mm	97 mm	70 mm	420 g	820	n	Jan 2015	899
14.		Nikon D3300	124 mm	98 mm	76 mm	430 g	700	n	Jan 2014	499
15.		Nikon D3200	125 mm	96 mm	77 mm	505 g	540	n	Apr 2012	599
16.		Panasonic GH5s	139 mm	98 mm	87 mm	660 g	440	Y	Jan 2018	2,499
17.		Sony A7R IV	129 mm	96 mm	78 mm	665 g	670	Y	Jul 2019	3,499
Notes: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The listed launch prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The D3400 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 91 percent) than the X1D II, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. All other things equal, a large sensor will have larger individual pixel-units that offer better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Hasselblad X1D II features a medium format sensor and the Nikon D3400 an APS-C sensor. The sensor area in the D3400 is 75 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 0.79 and 1.5. The sensor in the X1D II has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the D3400 offers a 3:2 aspect.

With 51.3MP, the X1D II offers a higher resolution than the D3400 (24MP), but the X1D II nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.30μm versus 3.91μm for the D3400) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the X1D II is a much more recent model (by 2 years and 10 months) than the D3400, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Hasselblad X1D II implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the X1D II for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 41.4 x 31 inches or 105.1 x 78.7 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 33.1 x 24.8 inches or 84 x 63 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 27.6 x 20.7 inches or 70 x 52.5 cm. The corresponding values for the Nikon D3400 are 30 x 20 inches or 76.2 x 50.8 cm for good quality, 24 x 16 inches or 61 x 40.6 cm for very good quality, and 20 x 13.3 inches or 50.8 x 33.9 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Hasselblad X1D II 50C has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600. The Nikon D3400 offers exactly the same ISO settings.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Hasselblad X1D II	Medium Format	51.3	8272	6200	none	..	..	..	..
2.		Nikon D3400	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.8	13.9	1192	86
3.		Canon R	Full Frame	30.1	6720	4480	4K/30p	24.5	13.5	2742	89
4.		Canon 5DS	Full Frame	50.3	8688	5792	1080/30p	24.7	12.4	2381	87
5.		Canon 5DS R	Full Frame	50.3	8688	5792	1080/30p	24.6	12.4	2308	86
6.		Fujifilm GFX 50R	Medium Format	51.1	8256	6192	1080/30p	..	..	..	..
7.		Fujifilm GFX 50S	Medium Format	51.1	8256	6192	1080/30p	..	..	..	..
8.		Hasselblad X1D	Medium Format	51.3	8272	6200	1080/25p	26.2	14.8	4489	102
9.		Leica Q2	Full Frame	46.7	8368	5584	4K/30p	26.4	13.5	2491	96
10.		Nikon Z7	Full Frame	45.4	8256	5504	4K/30p	26.3	14.6	2668	99
11.		Nikon D3500	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	..	..	..	..
12.		Nikon D5600	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.1	14.0	1306	84
13.		Nikon D5500	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.1	14.0	1438	84
14.		Nikon D3300	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	24.3	12.8	1385	82
15.		Nikon D3200	APS-C	24.1	6016	4000	1080/30p	24.1	13.2	1131	81
16.		Panasonic GH5s	Four Thirds	9.9	3680	2700	4K/60p	..	..	..	..
17.		Sony A7R IV	Full Frame	60.2	9504	6336	4K/30p	26.0	14.8	3344	99

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. The D3400 indeed provides for movie recording, while the X1D II does not. The highest resolution format that the D3400 can use is 1080/60p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the X1D II has an electronic viewfinder (3690k dots), while the D3400 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinder in the X1D II offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the D3400 (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the X1D II has a higher magnification (0.87x vs 0.57x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Hasselblad X1D II and Nikon D3400 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Size (inch)	LCD Resolution (000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Mech Shutter Speed	Shutter Flaps (1/sec)	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Hasselblad X1D II	3690	n	3.6	2360	fixed	Y	1/2000s	2.7	n	n
2.		Nikon D3400	optical	n	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
3.		Canon R	3690	Y	3.2	2100	swivel	Y	1/8000s	8.0	n	n
4.		Canon 5DS	optical	Y	3.2	1040	fixed	n	1/8000s	5.0	n	n
5.		Canon 5DS R	optical	Y	3.2	1040	fixed	n	1/8000s	5.0	n	n
6.		Fujifilm GFX 50R	3690	n	3.2	2360	tilting	Y	1/4000s	3.0	n	n
7.		Fujifilm GFX 50S	optional	Y	3.2	2360	full-flex	Y	1/4000s	3.0	n	n
8.		Hasselblad X1D	2360	n	3.0	920	fixed	Y	1/2000s	2.3	n	n
9.		Leica Q2	3680	n	3.0	1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	20.0	n	Y
10.		Nikon Z7	3690	Y	3.2	2100	tilting	Y	1/8000s	9.0	n	Y
11.		Nikon D3500	optical	n	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
12.		Nikon D5600	optical	n	3.2	1037	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
13.		Nikon D5500	optical	n	3.2	1037	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
14.		Nikon D3300	optical	n	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.0	Y	n
15.		Nikon D3200	optical	n	3.0	921	fixed	n	1/4000s	4.0	Y	n
16.		Panasonic GH5s	3680	n	3.2	1620	swivel	Y	1/8000s	12.0	n	n
17.		Sony A7R IV	5760	n	3.0	1440	tilting	Y	1/8000s	10.0	n	Y

One differentiating feature between the two cameras concerns the touch sensitivity of the rear screen. The X1D II has a touchscreen, while the D3400 has a conventional panel. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, for setting the focus point.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the X1D II is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Hasselblad X1D II has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the X1D II and the D3400 write their files to SDXC cards. The X1D II features dual card slots, which can be very useful in case a memory card fails. In contrast, the D3400 only has one slot. The X1D II supports UHS-II cards (Ultra High Speed data transfer of up to 312 MB/s), while the D3400 can use UHS-I cards (up to 104 MB/s).

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Hasselblad X1D II 50C and Nikon D3400 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Microphone	Internal Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Hasselblad X1D II	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	-	3.0	Y	-	-
2.		Nikon D3400	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	Y
3.		Canon R	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	3.1	Y	-	Y
4.		Canon 5DS	Y	mono	mono	Y	-	mini	3.0	-	-	-
5.		Canon 5DS R	Y	mono	mono	Y	-	mini	3.0	-	-	-
6.		Fujifilm GFX 50R	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.0	Y	-	Y
7.		Fujifilm GFX 50S	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.0	Y	-	-
8.		Hasselblad X1D	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	mini	3.0	Y	-	-
9.		Leica Q2	Y	stereo	mono	-	-	-	-	Y	-	Y
10.		Nikon Z7	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
11.		Nikon D3500	Y	mono	mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	Y
12.		Nikon D5600	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
13.		Nikon D5500	Y	stereo	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
14.		Nikon D3300	Y	mono	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
15.		Nikon D3200	Y	mono	mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Panasonic GH5s	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	full	3.1	Y	-	Y
17.		Sony A7R IV	Y	stereo	mono	Y	Y	micro	3.1	Y	Y	Y

It is notable that the X1D II has a microphone port, which is missing on the D3400. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Studio photographers will appreciate that the Hasselblad X1D II (unlike the D3400) features a PC Sync socket, so that professional strobe lights can be controlled by the camera.

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the X1D II has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

The X1D II is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Hasselblad. In contrast, the D3400 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the D3400 was succeeded by the Nikon D3500. Further information on the two cameras (e.g. user guides, manuals), as well as related accessories, can be found on the official Hasselblad and Nikon websites.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Hasselblad X1D II and the Nikon D3400? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Advantages of the Hasselblad X1D II 50C:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (51.3 vs 24MP) with a 43% higher linear resolution.
• Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.87x vs 0.57x).
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.6" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2360k vs 921k dots).
• Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
• More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
• Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
• Faster data transfer: Supports a more advanced USB protocol (3.0 vs 2.0).
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Better studio light control: Has a PC Sync socket to connect to professional strobe lights.
• Greater peace of mind: Features a second card slot as a backup in case of memory card failure.
• Faster buffer clearing: Supports a more advanced SD data transfer standard (UHS-II vs UHS-I).
• More prestigious: Has the Hasselblad luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
• More modern: Reflects 2 years and 10 months of technical progress since the D3400 launch.

Arguments in favor of the Nikon D3400:

• Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 1080/60p video.
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/2000s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (5 vs 2.7 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• More compact: Is smaller (124x98mm vs 148x97mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 321g or 42 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
• Easier wireless transfer: Supports Bluetooth for image sharing without cables.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (91 percent cheaper at launch).
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in August 2016).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X1D II is the clear winner of the match-up (24 : 10 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Hasselblad X1D II and the Nikon D3400 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the X1D II and the D3400 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent summary-table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Hasselblad X1D II	..	..	..	4/5	4/5	Jun 2019	5,750
2.		Nikon D3400	4/5	+	76/100	4/5	4.5/5	Aug 2016	499
3.		Canon R	4/5	o	79/100	4.5/5	4/5	Sep 2018	2,299
4.		Canon 5DS	..	+	83/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	3,699
5.		Canon 5DS R	5/5	+	83/100	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	3,699
6.		Fujifilm GFX 50R	5/5	..	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2018	4,499
7.		Fujifilm GFX 50S	..	..	85/100	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	6,499
8.		Hasselblad X1D	..	o	81/100	..	4/5	Jun 2016	8,995
9.		Leica Q2	..	..	84/100	4.5/5	4/5	Mar 2019	4,995
10.		Nikon Z7	5/5	+	89/100	4.5/5	5/5	Aug 2018	3,399
11.		Nikon D3500	..	..	75/100	4/5	4.5/5	Aug 2018	429
12.		Nikon D5600	4/5	..	79/100	4.5/5	4/5	Nov 2016	699
13.		Nikon D5500	5/5	+	79/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2015	899
14.		Nikon D3300	3/5	+	77/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2014	499
15.		Nikon D3200	5/5	+ +	73/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Apr 2012	599
16.		Panasonic GH5s	..	..	84/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2018	2,499
17.		Sony A7R IV	5/5	+	91/100	4.5/5	5/5	Jul 2019	3,499
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. Also, kindly note that some of the listed sites have over time developped their review approaches and their reporting style.

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? In case you are interested in seeing how other cameras pair up, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.

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Specifications: Hasselblad X1D II vs Nikon D3400

Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.

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