The best Hasselblad camera in 2024: for professional and advanced photographers

In this guide

The best Hasselblad cameras can deliver peerless image quality with that impossible-to-replicate medium format "look". Their large sensors offer the depth and dynamic range of similarly sized film, outstripping the full frame in terms of sheer quality. 

For years, these cameras had a niche popularity, with a reputation for being impressive on the inside, but horribly bulky and impossibly expensive. However, the best Hasselblad cameras no longer fit this description.

Hasselblad has been around since 1841, but it didn't become a brand name until the owner's son Victor Hasselblad started its camera division. Fast forward 181 years later, and Hasselblad is possible one of the best-known and recognized camera brands in existence. It is best known for sending its best film cameras into space, when man first landed on the moon – all of those images were taken with modified Hasselblad cameras.

Since then Hasselblad has been synonymous with delivering exceptional image quality, renowned Swedish design, and superior build quality, being hand-built in the company's factory in Gothenburg.

The best Hasselblad cameras aren't cheap now, and likely never will be, but they usually have a longer lifespan than consumer or even professional mirrorless systems. Therefore, this list might seem small, but this is the full Hasselblad line-up, and if you're looking for the best Hasselblad camera you can get in terms of digital image quality, they're all featured below…

The Quick List

Best Hasselblad camera in 2024

Why you can trust Digital Camera World Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out how we test.

Best Hassleblad camera for style

(Image credit: James Artaius)
The most stylish camera ever now produces the best images, too

Specifications

Sensor: Medium format
Megapixels: 100MP
Lens mount: Hasselblad X
LCD: 3.6" touchscreen, 2.36m dots tilting
Viewfinder: Electronic, 5.76 million dots
Max continuous shooting speed: 3.3fps
Max video resolution: None
User level: Professional

Reasons to buy

+
Best color science on the market
+
7 stops of image stabilization
+
1TB of internal storage

Reasons to avoid

-
No video functionality

If you're looking for ultimate photographic quality, look no further – the Hasselblad X2D is the definitive still imaging machine. Thanks to the stunning 100MP image sensor and Hasselblad's exceptional Natural Colour Solution technology, simply put we have never seen images as stunning come straight out of any other camera – photos are gallery ready, directly out of the X2D. 

Employing hybrid phase detect autofocus, Hasselblad's latest mirrorless marvel has the fast and robust AF system it deserves – and it also boasts a stunning seven stops of in-body image stabilization, which is unprecedented for a medium format camera, making this a truly hand-holdable device that can shoot whatever, wherever. In addition to a 5.76 million dot viewfinder, which enables you to see every ounce of detail in your 100MP shots, the camera supports CFexpress B cards but also boasts 1TB of internal storage. No more scrambling around for cards!

The asterisk is that the X2D does not shoot video in any way, shape or form. Honestly, though, nobody buys a medium-format camera to vlog with, so this should be the farthest thing from your mind. Take one look at the image files it produces and you will be in love. 

Read more: Hasselblad X2D 100C review

Most affordable Hassleblad camera

(Image credit: James Artaius / Digital Camera World)
The most affordable Hasselblad camera

Specifications

Sensor: Medium format
Megapixels: 50MP
Lens mount: Hasselblad X
LCD: 3.6" touchscreen, 2.36m dots tilting
Viewfinder: Electronic, 3.69 million dots
Max continuous shooting speed: 2.7fps
Max video resolution: 2.7K
User level: Professional

Reasons to buy

+
Impressively lightweight yet robust build
+
Stunningly detailed imagery

Reasons to avoid

-
Leisurely autofocus

Very similar to the X2D, this 2021 model offers the advantage that it is cheaper, as makes do with a 50-megapixel sensor. The autofocus is not as good, however - but at least you do get the ability to shoot video.

Most professionals will choose function over style every time, but the Hasselblad X1D feels like it's aiming at a very different, design-conscious market. It's a much more minimal 'statement' camera than the less-expensive Fujifilm GFX 50S, despite sharing the same dimensions and sensor specs.  The Hasselblad lenses, however, are superb, as is the image quality – especially the dynamic range. 

When we tested the Hasselblad X1D II 50C  it came with with a host of performance and operational improvements, including faster startup, a larger, higher-resolution rear screen and an improved electronic viewfinder compared with the original Hasselblad X1D. The leisurely contrast-based autofocus remains, though, and while the image quality is quite superb – you can thank the sensor and Hasselblad's excellent lenses for that – this is not a camera that likes to be rushed. It is still, however, beautiful to handle and, frankly, to look at!

Read more: Hasselblad X1D II 50C review

Best Hassleblad camera for customization

(Image credit: Rod Lawton / DCW)
A brilliant modular camera that's cleverly thought out, and affordable

Specifications

Sensor: Medium format
Megapixels: 50MP
Lens mount: Hasselblad X
LCD: 3.2-inch touchscreen, 2.36 million dots
Viewfinder: None (optional extra)
Max continuous shooting speed: 1fps
Max video resolution: 2.7K at 30p
User level: Professional

Reasons to buy

+
Low cost for a modular system
+
CFV II 50C fits the old 500CM

Reasons to avoid

-
Screen hard to see in bright light
-
AF is slow and noisy

Hasselblad 907X 50C might share the same 50MP resolution and range of XCD lenses as the X1D, but it enjoys a clever modular design. Along with the CFV II 50C digital back which handles the image capture, there's a new 907X body that's so thin it looks like a lens adapter. This is the physical and electronic bridge between the digital back and the lens, but what's really impressive is that the CFV II 50C can breathe new life into your old Hasselblad 500cm (if you're lucky enough to have one) as it'll take the place of the film back.

There's a large 3.2-inch tilt-angle touchscreen at the rear, but no EVF, while the AF performance can be a touch sluggish. The quality of the finish though, including the lovely black leatherette trim and chrome edging, is classic Hasselblad, while the results are gorgeous. As we said in our review, the Hasselblad 907X 50C is a slow and awkward tool, but it's one designed for considered, careful use, and provides a gateway into a modular system for a fraction of the cost you might expect. 

See our full Hasselblad 907X 50C review 

How to choose the best Hassleblad camera

The reason that medium format cameras are considered some of the best cameras for professionals is that the size of their sensors and the image quality they offer is entirely unparalleled, surpassing even that of full frame cameras like the Sony A7R IV, Nikon Z9, and Canon EOS R5 that are squeezing more pixels than ever onto a 35mm sensor. Medium format is simply on another level.

It is worth noting that Hasselblad medium format sensors come in two main sizes. Hasselblad's H-series cameras correspond closely with the old 645 film format. A smaller size, midway between this and full-frame sensors, is used in the Hasselblad XD series of compact digital mirrorless medium format cameras.

Check out our guide on upgrading from full-frame to medium format if you're still unsure what steps to take first, and whether you should change your camera system.

How we test Hassleblad cameras

When reviewing Hasselblad cameras, our reviewers assess both image quality and what the camera is like to use in practice. The final verdict and what is considered for this guide ultimately depend on the camera's price point relative to its performance.

We test image quality by capturing shots in various lighting conditions, gauging color accuracy, and examining dynamic range. Autofocus speed, shutter response, and low-light performance are scrutinized for practicality. Our lab tests measure resolution, dynamic range, and signal-to-noise ratio. Resolution is measured using ISO resolution charts, dynamic range is measured using DxO Analyzer test equipment and DxO Analyzer is also used for noise analysis across the camera's ISO range. 

We also scrutinize the camera's ergonomics and functionality, testing the camera's ease of use, button layout, and accessibility of features on the camera and in menus. Additionally, our reviewers delve into the build quality, assessing the durability over time and continued use.

Find out more: how we test and review on Digital Camera World

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.

With contributions from