A new camera from Hasselblad is reshaping the way photographers approach their craft by invoking the deliberate nature of film photography within a modern design. This innovative device encourages users to adopt a slower, more intentional shooting style that emphasizes composition and exposure discipline rather than reliance on digital shortcuts.
The camera features a unique design that draws inspiration from classic film-era shooting postures. With a flip-up screen and waist-level viewfinder, it allows photographers to frame their shots from above, promoting thoughtful consideration before pressing the shutter button. The interface simplifies control with a touchscreen menu and a main dial that significantly reduces excess buttons, encouraging users to plan their shots meticulously.
In practice, this camera challenges fast-paced street photography. Initially, photographers may feel a mismatch as they try to shoot quickly; however, the design rewards patience and careful planning. Moving indoors, the camera’s advantages become clearer. Its manual mode ensures consistent exposures and greater control over highlight rolloff, making it ideal for various lighting conditions.
Equipped with a 100-megapixel sensor, the camera captures intricate details in materials like metal, fabric, and skin—qualities that smaller sensors often fail to showcase. Photographers are advised to use the Hasselblad camera profile in Lightroom instead of the standard Adobe Color to preserve the brand’s signature color tones and achieve cleaner tonal transitions.
Specifications and User Experience
The camera boasts a range of impressive specifications, including a sensor size of 43.8 x 32.9 mm BSI CMOS, an ISO range from 64 to 25,600, and shutter speeds of up to 1/6,000 second electronically and 1/4,000 second mechanically. Its storage capabilities include a single CFexpress Type B slot and an internal 1 TB memory, accommodating large files generated by the high-resolution sensor. The body, made from aluminum, measures 4 x 3.6 x 3.3 inches and weighs 1.4 pounds, making it portable yet robust, with a 1/4″-20 tripod mount for stability during shooting.
Using the camera on a tripod emphasizes its strengths, particularly in controlled environments. The waist-level viewing encourages a more deliberate approach, transforming the framing process into a thoughtful sequence rather than a rushed reflex. Photographers find that taking fewer shots simplifies the editing process, an important consideration given the size of the files produced.
While the camera excels in studio and architectural settings, it can also be adapted for urban environments. Photographers are advised to adjust their expectations and treat the device as a compact medium format camera that prioritizes timing over speed. This shift in perspective allows it to perform well in dynamic scenes, balancing bright highlights against deep shadows.
Value and Overall Impression
This camera is not a hybrid device focused on video capabilities, which helps maintain a clear purpose centered on still photography. For professionals whose workflows depend on rapid autofocus tracking and high-speed bursts, this camera may feel cumbersome. However, its value lies in the quality of the photographic experience and output rather than a mere list of features.
The appeal of this Hasselblad model is its ability to encourage photographers to engage more fully with the process of capturing images. It invites them to choose their compositions carefully, confirm focus, and take ownership of exposure settings rather than relying on post-processing adjustments.
For those who thrive on methodical setups, tripod sessions, and precise color management, this camera aligns perfectly with their practice. Conversely, for those engaged in fast-paced environments such as events or sports, a quicker, more versatile option may be preferable.
Photographer Alex Cooke, based in Cleveland, offers insights into this new technology, highlighting its potential for transforming the photographic landscape. With its unique features and emphasis on intentionality, this Hasselblad camera is poised to make a significant impact on the way photographers capture their subjects.