Hasselblad X1D II 50C Review
There's a lot that the Hasselblad X1D II 50C gets right but there are still some major issues with this medium format mirrorless camera system, reviewers said. While image quality from the 50MP, medium format-sized (43.8mm x 32.9mm) image sensor was excellent, like its predecessor, the new X1D II is frustratingly slow to use, particularly the autofocus. And, in low low light, the camera's AF is "basically unusable," according to Digital Trends. That's a shame because the X1D II is beautifully designed, ergonomic and, otherwise, a joy to use. There's a crisp 3.69M-dot OLED electronic viewfinder; a nice, fixed 3.6-inch, 2,360,000-dot LCD touchscreen, and dual UHS-II SD card slots. Still though, reviewers thought that Hasselblad should have offered more on this camera considering its nearly $6000 price tag. There's no video capability yet (though Hasselblad has said it might be added via a firmware update) and the camera's battery life is rather poor. In the end the X1D II is a mixed bag – a beautiful mixed bag that offers stunning image quality, but a mixed bag, nonetheless.
"The refined X1D II makes medium format's case for being the next full frame, but comes up short of a must-have." - Digital Trends, read the full review here.
"The Hasselblad X1D II 50C features some notable performance boosts – larger and higher-res EVF and rear screen, faster startup time and general operability, improved connectivity and workflow – but fundamentally, it's the same camera as its predecessor. This means that you get the same fantastic medium format image quality in the same sleek, superbly designed body that's lightweight and portable. However, it also means that you get the same issues like sluggish autofocus and slow shutter response – and it can't yet shoot video." - Digital Camera World, read the full review here.
"The Hasselblad X1D II 50C turns heads with its stunning industrial design and medium format image sensor, but is hampered by an underpowered battery and sluggish response." - PCMag, read the full review here.
"While this ended up being a very fun camera to shoot with, I wouldn't recommend this camera for the average joe who is just starting up with photography. This is certainly a camera for a special someone who likes to have quality on their side." - Fstoppers, read the full review here.
"Some may be disappointed that the X1D II doesn't have a 100Mp sensor, but the image quality is very good and the improvements are worthwhile. It’s not ideal for shooting action, but it’s a great camera for high-end documentary, street and landscape photography." - Camera Jabber, read the full review here.
"Simply gorgeous camera to look at and hold; the best touchscreen on a camera to date, and a friendly menu system to boot; the image quality is stunning. [But] the autofocus performance is sub-par compared to other cameras in this class." - The Phoblographer, read the full review here.
"I’ve enjoyed my brief time with the camera, but it is a bit of an oddball. It’s a niche of a niche. It’s a camera for a professional that takes a certain type of photos, and needs a certain superlative level of image quality. That said, trying to use it outside that niche becomes a bit more of a challenge. Walking around, is the image quality enough better to put up with the slow autofocus? For what and how I usually shoot, no. " - Forbes, read the full review here.