Hasselblad X1D II 50C review

The Hasselblad X1D II 50C offers mobile medium format magic – and a Buddhist-like shooting pace

Hasselblad X1D II 50C review
(Image: © James Artaius / Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

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 while it can now shoot video, it's not 4K.

Pros

  • +

    Beautiful image quality

  • +

    Improved speed & performance

  • +

    New tethering & mobile options

  • +

    Incredibly comfortable to use

Cons

  • -

    Autofocus remains sluggish

  • -

    Shutter feels slow to respond

  • -

    2.7K video well short of 4K

  • -

    Still pricier than its rivals

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Contrary to expectations, the revised Hasselblad X1D II 50C didn't possess a revolutionary new sensor or a suite of cutting-edge features. Instead, it's an evolution of the original Hasselblad X1D 50C – which isn't, necessarily, a negative. 

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James Artaius
Editor

The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera MagazinePhotoPlus: The Canon MagazineN-Photo: The Nikon MagazineDigital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.