Hasselblad is back with a second-generation medium format mirrorless camera. Its first take, the X1D-50c, fell shy of expectations. The second effort, the X1D II 50C ($5,750), offers a lot of improvement, but is still held back by an underpowered battery, slow autofocus, and, at press time, promised features that just aren't there. It's an intriguing camera, and may be the right fit for you, but it isn't as versatile or affordable as GFX models from rival Fujifilm, including the budget-friendly (for medium format) GFX 50R. Stunning Industrial Design Hasselbad's design team knows how to make a camera look great. The X1D II riffs on its predecessor, using the same basic body. It's a pretty one, with exposed metal, finished in a darker, gunmetal gray this time around. The texture of the leatherette wrap has changed a bit too—the rectangular grid mottling has been dropped, in favor of a more traditional, and understated, pebble texture. The body measures 3.8 by 5.8 by 4.9 inches (...
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.
Excellent image quality; In-camera charging; Crisp OLED EVF; Dual UHS-II card slots; GPS and Wi-Fi; Strong iPad app
Anemic battery life; Slow sensor readout limits usefulness of electronic shutter; Omits mechanical focal plane shutter; High resolution full-frame alternatives available for less; Promised video function not yet supported