Review: A Closer Look at the Hasselblad X1D

Are you looking for a relatively inexpensive way to shoot with a Hasselblad? If image quality is the most important factor for you, and you don’t mind a slower shooting pace, then you’ll want to learn more about the original Hasselblad X1D-50c. Keep reading as we explore the mirrorless medium-format marvel. 

With a storied history in space exploration, fashion and documentary photography, Hasselblad is kit royalty. Thousands of you voted the Hasselblad 500CM most Iconic camera in the 2020 Photo and Video Kit Hall of Fame. Yet—compared to the likes of Canon, Nikon and Sony—Hasselblad is still a relatively small company.

In terms of research and development, while the bigger brands have more at their disposal to bring new products to market, we were pleasantly surprised when Hasselblad brought us something way ahead of the curve. It wasn’t just its image quality—its design and purpose left us truly amazed.

When Hasselblad announced the X1D in 2016, it marked a departure from their H-series cameras. The H-series, which had dominated their range for the last 15 years, were large, heavy cameras with digital backs. Best suited to working in the studio, not aimed at roving photographers wanting to carry their cameras around their necks. This all changed with the X1D.

It was the Hasselblad X1D’s design that initially attracted many photographers, as well as the whisperings of a 50-megapixel medium-format sensor. Compared to what Hasselblad had released before, it looked so small. And, although built entirely out of metal, it turned out to be light enough to carry around all day.

In terms of usability, you need a little more patience than you would with a Canon EOS 5D Mark IV or a Sony A9. There’s no lightning-fast autofocus here, nor a ten frames-per-second shooting speed. Handling and start-up time is slower. But this is a camera for photographers who have a bit more time to take their shots. Portrait, fine art or documentary photographers will appreciate the incredible image quality—from both the sensor and Hasselblad’s phenomenal range of lenses.

Since Hasselblad released the Hasselblad X1D II 50C, the original X1D now costs considerably less than its ten-grand release price. While the second iteration is a little faster in terms of handling, the image quality is practically the same. So, if you value image quality above all else and you’re happy to work at a slightly slower pace, the original Hasselblad X1D might well be the perfect camera for you.

Thinking of upgrading? Don't wait to sell or trade your used kit.