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Hasselblad X1D Comparison Review

The Hasselblad X1D-50c is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera that was announced in June 2016 and is equipped with a medium format sensor. It offers a resolution of 51.3 megapixel.

camera

Is the Hasselblad X1D a good camera? The X1D has a Camera Elo of 2269. This rating puts the X1D below average of all mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (medium format cameras), the X1D also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Hasselblad X1D is more than 7 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2016.

Headline Specifications
Hasselblad X1D
Mirrorless system camera
Hasselblad X mount lenses
51.3 MP, Medium Format Sensor
1080/25p Video
ISO 100 - 25 600
Electronic viewfinder (2360k dots)
3.0 LCD, 920k dots
Fixed touchscreen
2.3 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed body
150 x 98 x 71 mm, 725 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size of the Hasselblad X1D vis-à-vis a credit card. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are presented. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Hasselblad X1D vs credit card front
X1D versus credit card top view
X1D and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Hasselblad X1D alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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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 150 mm 98 mm 71 mm 725 g .. Y Jun 2016 8,995ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 6D Mark II 144 mm 111 mm 75 mm 765 g 1200 Y Jun 2017 1,999 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 5DS 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS R 152 mm 116 mm 76 mm 930 g 700 Y Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50S 148 mm 94 mm 91 mm 740 g 400 Y Sep 2016 6,499ebay.com
6.
 
Hasselblad X1D II 148 mm 97 mm 70 mm 766 g .. Y Jun 2019 5,750 amazon.com
7.
 
Leica M11 139 mm 80 mm 39 mm 640 g 700 Y Jan 2022 8,995 amazon.com
8.
 
Leica SL 147 mm 104 mm 39 mm 847 g 400 Y Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D7500 136 mm 104 mm 73 mm 720 g 950 Y Apr 2017 1,299 amazon.com
10.
 
Nikon D850 146 mm 124 mm 79 mm 1005 g 1840 Y Jul 2017 3,299 amazon.com
11.
 
Nikon D7200 136 mm 107 mm 76 mm 765 g 1110 Y Mar 2015 1,199ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Hasselblad X1D was launched in the US market at a price of $8,995. 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.

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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tent to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Hasselblad X1D features a medium format sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 0.79. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Hasselblad X1D among the large-sensor cameras that aim for top notch image quality.

Hasselblad X1D sensor measures

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 alternative cameras.

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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 Medium Format 51.3 8272 62001080/25p26.214.84489102
2.
 
Canon 6D Mark II Full Frame 26.0 6240 41601080/60p24.411.9286285
3.
 
Canon 5DS Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.712.4238187
4.
 
Canon 5DS R Full Frame 50.3 8688 57921080/30p24.612.4230886
5.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50S Medium Format 51.1 8256 61921080/30p25.414.1297796
6.
 
Hasselblad X1D II Medium Format 51.3 8272 62001080/25p25.714.5323499
7.
 
Leica M11 Full Frame 60.3 9528 6328none26.314.83376100
8.
 
Leica SL Full Frame 24.0 6000 40004K/30p25.013.4182188
9.
 
Nikon D7500 APS-C 20.7 5568 37124K/30p24.314.0148386
10.
 
Nikon D850 Full Frame 45.4 8256 55044K/30p26.414.82660100
11.
 
Nikon D7200 APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p24.514.6133387
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but can also record movies. The X1D indeed provides movie recording capabilities. The highest resolution format that the X1D can use is 1080/25p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. The tables below summarize some of the other core capabilities of the Hasselblad X1D in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

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Core Features
#   Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Hasselblad X1D2360 n3.0 / 920 fixed Y 1/2000s 2.3/s n n
2.
 
Canon 6D Mark IIoptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.5/s n n
3.
 
Canon 5DSoptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
4.
 
Canon 5DS Roptical Y3.2 / 1040 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s n n
5.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50Soptional Y3.2 / 2360 full-flex Y 1/4000s 3.0/s n n
6.
 
Hasselblad X1D II3690 n3.6 / 2360 fixed Y 1/2000s 2.7/s n n
7.
 
Leica M11optical n3.0 / 2333 fixed Y 1/4000s 4.5/s n n
8.
 
Leica SL4400 Y3.0 / 1040 fixed Y 1/8000s 11.0/s n n
9.
 
Nikon D7500optical Y3.2 / 922 tilting Y 1/8000s 8.0/s Y n
10.
 
Nikon D850optical Y3.2 / 2359 tilting Y 1/8000s 9.0/s n n
11.
 
Nikon D7200optical Y3.2 / 1229 fixed n 1/8000s 6.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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It is worthwhile pointing out that the X1D has a touchscreen. Touch control can be particularly helpful, for example, when trying to adjust the focus point.

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Connection 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-50c and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Hasselblad X1DYstereo / monoYYmini3.0Y--
2.
 
Canon 6D Mark IIYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
3.
 
Canon 5DSYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
4.
 
Canon 5DS RYmono / monoY-mini3.0---
5.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50SYstereo / monoYYmicro3.0Y--
6.
 
Hasselblad X1D IIYstereo / monoYY-3.0Y--
7.
 
Leica M11Y- / ----3.2Y-Y
8.
 
Leica SLYstereo / monoYYfull3.0Y--
9.
 
Nikon D7500Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0Y-Y
10.
 
Nikon D850Ystereo / monoYYmini3.0YYY
11.
 
Nikon D7200Ystereo / monoYYmini2.0YY-
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It is notable that the X1D has a microphone port. Such an external microphone input can help to substantially improve the quality of audio recordings when a good external microphone is used.

Further information on the features and operation of the X1D can be found in the free online Hasselblad X1D Manual or on the Hasselblad support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the X1D 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. This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall rankings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Hasselblad X1D..o..81/100..4/5 Jun 2016 8,995ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 6D Mark II4/5+4/580/1004.5/54/5 Jun 2017 1,999 amazon.com
3.
 
Canon 5DS..+..83/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 5DS R5/5+..83/1005/54.5/5 Feb 2015 3,699ebay.com
5.
 
Fujifilm GFX 50S....4.5/585/1005/54.5/5 Sep 2016 6,499ebay.com
6.
 
Hasselblad X1D II....4/5..4/54/5 Jun 2019 5,750 amazon.com
7.
 
Leica M114.5/5..4.5/5..4.5/54.5/5 Jan 2022 8,995 amazon.com
8.
 
Leica SL4/5..4/584/1004.5/54/5 Oct 2015 7,450ebay.com
9.
 
Nikon D75004.5/5+ +4.5/586/1005/54.5/5 Apr 2017 1,299 amazon.com
10.
 
Nikon D8504.5/5+ +5/589/1004.5/55/5 Jul 2017 3,299 amazon.com
11.
 
Nikon D72004/5+ +..84/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2015 1,199ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. A score, therefore, has to be seen in close connection to the price and market introduction time of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Hasselblad X1D FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the X1D.

What is the technology behind the imaging sensor in the Hasselblad X1D?

The camera is build around a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Hasselblad X1D?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 25600.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Hasselblad X1D-50c?

Hasselblad does not publish a shutter rating for the X1D. Yet, shutters in comparable cameras from other manufacturers are said to be good for at least 100 000 actuations. It should be noted, though, that this number represents a Mean Time before Failure. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust an expected shutter life of 100 000 shots over, say, three years, one would have to take about 100 pictures each and every day.

Do I need to purchase an external camera trigger to shoot time-lapse sequences with the Hasselblad X1D?

No, the Hasselblad X1D-50c has an intervalometer built-in, so that low frequency shooting (for example, flower blooming, sunset, moon rise) can be undertaken without the need to purchase a separate external intervalometer and related software.

Is it difficult to use manual focus lenses with the Hasselblad X1D?

The X1D offers focus peaking as a manual focus aid. This feature works by placing a colored highlight on in-focus zones within the image.

Does the Hasselblad X1D feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Hasselblad X1D for flash photography?

The X1D's flash sync speed is 1/2000 sec.

Does the Hasselblad X1D support the Ultra High Speed (UHS) bus interface for SD cards?

Yes, the camera can indeed use UHS-I cards (data transfer speed of up to 104 MB/s).

Which battery does the Hasselblad X1D use?

The camera gets its power from the H-3054752, which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just make your choice using the following search menu. An an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Hasselblad X1D
    Camera Type Mirrorless system camera
    Camera Lens Hasselblad X mount lenses
    Launch Date June 2016
    Launch Price USD 8 995
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format Medium Format Sensor
    Sensor Size 43.8 x 32.9 mm
    Sensor Area 1 441 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 54.8 mm
    Crop Factor 0.79x
    Sensor Resolution 51.3 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 8 272 x 6 200 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.30 μm
    Pixel Density 3.56 MP/cm2
    Moiré control no AA filter
    Movie Capability 1080/25p Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 25 600 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 102
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 26.2
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 14.8
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 4489
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Electronic viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 100%
    Viewfinder Resolution 2360k dots
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Framing Live View
    LCD Size 3.0 inch
    LCD Resolution 920k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input Touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Contrast-detect AF
    Manual Focusing AidFocus Peaking
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/2000s
    Continuous Shooting 2.3 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy100 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse PhotographyIntervalometer Built-in
    Fill Flash no On-Board Flash
    Storage Medium SDXC cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Dual card slots
    UHS card support UHS-I
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    Studio Flash PC Sync socket
    USB Connector USB 3.0
    HDMI Port mini HDMI
    Microphone Port External MIC port
    Headphone Socket Headphone port
    Wifi Support Wifi built-in
    Body Specs
    Environmental SealingWeathersealed body
    Battery Type H-3054752 power pack
    Body Dimensions 150 x 98 x 71 mm
    (5.9 x 3.9 x 2.8 in)
    Camera Weight 725 g (25.6 oz)

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