Hasselblad X1D versus Panasonic G9

The Hasselblad X1D-50c and the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9 are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in June 2016 and November 2017. Both the X1D and the G9 are mirrorless interchangeable lens cameras that are based on a medium format (X1D) and a Four Thirds (G9) sensor. The Hasselblad has a resolution of 51.3 megapixel, whereas the Panasonic provides 20.2 MP. Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their size, their sensors, their features, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison: Hasselblad X1D vs Panasonic G9

An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Hasselblad X1D and the Panasonic G9 is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are available. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter. You can also use the toggle button to switch to a percentage comparison if you prefer that the measures are being expressed in relative terms (in this case, the camera on the left – the X1D – represents the basis or 100 percent across all the size and weight measures).

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Panasonic G9 is notably smaller (10 percent) than the Hasselblad X1D. Moreover, the G9 is markedly lighter (9 percent) than the X1D. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

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 the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, just use the right or left arrows in the table to switch to the respective camera. Alternatively, you can also navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from the full list of cameras there.

Camera Body Specifications

	Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life (CIPA)	Weather Sealing (yes/no)	Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Hasselblad X1D»	5.9 in	3.9 in	2.8 in	25.6 oz	..	Y	Jun 2016	8,995			Hasselblad X1D
	Panasonic G9«	5.4 in	3.8 in	3.6 in	23.2 oz	400	Y	Nov 2017	1,699			Panasonic G9
	Canon 5DS R« »	6.0 in	4.6 in	3.0 in	32.8 oz	700	Y	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS R
	Canon 5DS« »	6.0 in	4.6 in	3.0 in	32.8 oz	700	Y	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS
	Fujifilm X-H1« »	5.5 in	3.8 in	3.4 in	23.7 oz	310	Y	Feb 2018	1,899			Fujifilm X-H1
	Fujifilm GFX 50S« »	5.8 in	3.7 in	3.6 in	26.1 oz	400	Y	Sep 2016	6,499			Fujifilm GFX 50S
	Leica SL« »	5.8 in	4.1 in	1.5 in	29.9 oz	400	Y	Oct 2015	7,450			Leica SL
	Nikon D850« »	5.7 in	4.9 in	3.1 in	35.5 oz	1840	Y	Jul 2017	3,299			Nikon D850
	Nikon D7200« »	5.4 in	4.2 in	3.0 in	27.0 oz	1110	Y	Mar 2015	1,199	-		Nikon D7200
	Olympus E-M1 II« »	5.3 in	3.6 in	2.6 in	20.2 oz	440	Y	Sep 2016	1,999			Olympus E-M1 II
	Panasonic GH5s« »	5.5 in	3.9 in	3.4 in	23.3 oz	440	Y	Jan 2018	2,499			Panasonic GH5s
	Panasonic GH5« »	5.5 in	3.9 in	3.4 in	25.6 oz	410	Y	Jan 2017	1,999			Panasonic GH5
	Panasonic G85« »	5.0 in	3.5 in	2.9 in	17.8 oz	330	Y	Sep 2016	899			Panasonic G85
	Pentax 645Z« »	6.1 in	4.6 in	4.8 in	54.7 oz	650	Y	Apr 2014	8,499			Pentax 645Z
	Sony A7R III« »	5.0 in	3.8 in	2.9 in	22.9 oz	650	Y	Oct 2017	3,199			Sony A7R III
	Sony A99 II« »	5.6 in	4.1 in	3.0 in	29.9 oz	490	Y	Sep 2016	3,199			Sony A99 II
	Sony A7R II« »	5.0 in	3.8 in	2.4 in	22.0 oz	290	Y	Jun 2015	3,199	-		Sony A7R II
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The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The G9 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 81 percent) than the X1D, 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: Hasselblad X1D vs Panasonic G9

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Hasselblad X1D features a medium format sensor and the Panasonic G9 a Four Thirds sensor. The sensor area in the G9 is 84 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 0.79 and 2.0. Both cameras feature a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 4:3.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors.

With 51.3MP, the X1D offers a higher resolution than the G9 (20.2MP), but the X1D nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.30μm versus 3.34μm for the G9) due to its larger sensor. However, the G9 is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 4 months) than the X1D, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that 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.

Unlike the X1D, the G9 has the capacity to capture high quality composite images (80.6MP) by combining multiple shots after shifting its sensor by miniscule distances. This multi-shot, pixel-shift mode is most suitable for photography of stationary objects (landscapes, studio scenes).

For many cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration have a sensor with sufficiently fast read-out times for moving pictures, but the G9 provides a better video resolution than the X1D. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/60p, while the Hasselblad is limited to 1080/25p.

Feature comparison: Hasselblad X1D vs Panasonic G9

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The two cameras under review are similar with respect to both having an electronic viewfinder. However, the one in the G9 offers a substantially higher resolution than the one in the X1D (3680k vs 2360k dots). The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Hasselblad X1D and Panasonic G9 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras. If needed, the dpreview camera hub, for example, contains further detail on the cameras' specs.

The reported shutter speed and shutter burst refer to the use of the mechanical shutter. In addition, the G9 features an electronic shutter, which makes silent shooting and higher burst speeds possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (flickering).

Both the X1D and the G9 are current models that good online retailers will have in stock. You can check the latest prices, for example, at amazon. The G9 replaced the earlier Panasonic G85, while the X1D does not have a direct predecessor.

Review summary: Hasselblad X1D vs Panasonic G9

So how do things add up? Is the Hasselblad X1D better than the Panasonic G9 or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Advantages of the Hasselblad X1D-50c:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (51.3 vs 20.2MP) with a 60% higher linear resolution.
• Better low-light imaging: Features bigger pixels on a larger sensor for better high-ISO images.
• More prestigious: Has the Hasselblad luxury appeal, which ensures a high resale price.
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in June 2016).

Reasons to prefer the Panasonic Lumix DC-G9:

• High quality composites: Can combine several shots after pixel-shifting its sensor.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (4K/60p vs 1080/25p).
• More detailed viewfinder: Has higher resolution electronic viewfinder (3680k vs 2360k dots).
• Easier setting verification: Has a control panel on top to check shooting parameters.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (1040k vs 920k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has swivel screen for odd-angle shots in portrait or landscape orientation.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (8000/sec vs 2000/sec) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (20 vs 2.3 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology build-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (81 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year and 4 months) more recently.

If the count of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a measure, the G9 is the clear winner of the contest (12 : 4 points). However, the pertinence of the various camera strengths will differ across photographers, so that you might want to weigh individual camera traits according to their importance for your own imaging needs before making a camera decision.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the handling experience and imaging performance when actually working with the X1D or the G9. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate. This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog). The full reviews are available by clicking on the site logo in the table header.

Review Scores

	Camera Model						Camera Launch (announced)	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price (USD)	Used Price (USD)	Camera Model
	Hasselblad X1D»	rev	81/100	-	-	4/5	Jun 2016	8,995			Hasselblad X1D
	Panasonic G9«	HiRec	85/100	5/5	-	5/5	Nov 2017	1,699			Panasonic G9
	Canon 5DS R« »	Rec	83/100	5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS R
	Canon 5DS« »	Rec	83/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Feb 2015	3,699			Canon 5DS
	Fujifilm X-H1« »	Rec	86/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Feb 2018	1,899			Fujifilm X-H1
	Fujifilm GFX 50S« »	-	85/100	5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	6,499			Fujifilm GFX 50S
	Leica SL« »	-	84/100	4.5/5	4/5	4/5	Oct 2015	7,450			Leica SL
	Nikon D850« »	HiRec	89/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Jul 2017	3,299			Nikon D850
	Nikon D7200« »	HiRec	84/100	4.5/5	4/5	4.5/5	Mar 2015	1,199	-		Nikon D7200
	Olympus E-M1 II« »	HiRec	85/100	4.5/5	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	1,999			Olympus E-M1 II
	Panasonic GH5s« »	-	84/100	4.5/5	-	4.5/5	Jan 2018	2,499			Panasonic GH5s
	Panasonic GH5« »	HiRec	85/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Jan 2017	1,999			Panasonic GH5
	Panasonic G85« »	HiRec	84/100	5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	899			Panasonic G85
	Pentax 645Z« »	-	-	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Apr 2014	8,499			Pentax 645Z
	Sony A7R III« »	HiRec	90/100	4.5/5	5/5	5/5	Oct 2017	3,199			Sony A7R III
	Sony A99 II« »	-	85/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2016	3,199			Sony A99 II
	Sony A7R II« »	HiRec	90/100	5/5	4.5/5	5/5	Jun 2015	3,199	-		Sony A7R II

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when refering to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparisons of ratings among very different cameras or across long time periods 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

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