Hasselblad adds Video Mode to its X1D II 50C and 907X Medium Format Cameras

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by Olaf von VossJune 8^th, 2020

If you happen to be a medium format shooter, more specifically a Hasselblad owner, this news is for you! Hasselblad just released a new firmware update which finally puts the dedicated camera symbol on the X1D II 50C’s mode wheel into operation: Video mode is here!

image credit: Hasselblad

The freshly released firmware 1.2.0 update covers two of Hasselblad’s models, the X1D II 50C and the 907X Special Edition. Both share the same 50MP 43.8 x 32.9mm CMOS sensor with 16-Bit color and a claimed 14-stop dynamic range. Unfortunately, this firmware update does not cover any H Series Hasselblad cameras.

Hasselblad Firmware Upgrade

In terms of features, one item on the list stands out, at least for this site’s readership: video mode. Both supported cameras sport a new video mode but to be honest it is a bit underwhelming (especially if you take the giant sensor into account): The resolution is limited to either 2.7K (2720 x 1530) or HD (1920 x 1080) and the framerate and color subsampling top out at 29.97fps with 4:2:0 8-bit color.

Whether the full sensor is being used for capturing video or if it’s operating in windowed mode remains to be verified. What’s clear is that only manual mode is functional when shooting video, and at least there’s focus peaking available. Both cameras come with dedicated 3.5mm mic in and headphone out connectors. A clip of video is limited to 29:59 mins.

Focus bracketing. Image credit: Hasselblad

The firmware has some additional tricks up its sleeve which are more focussed on photography:

• Focus bracketing
• in-camera image rating
• 2/3 stops added in exposure bracketing
• expanded white balanced tools
• auto white balance based on captured image
• EVF proximity sensor settings (X1D II 50C only)
• reset custom buttons option (X1D II 50C only)
• additional camera support (cable-free operation with CFV II 50C Digital Back on 2000-cameras and unmodified 200-cameras)

in-camera rating and white balance picker. Image credit: Hasselblad

Photography vs. Video

Both cameras are true still photography workhorses, no doubt about it. However, it’s nice to see added features which are related to the video side of things. If 2.7K video and especially 4:2:0 8-bit color sub-sampling really cuts it? I don’t think so. But it is good to have the ability to shoot a quick video if it’s necessary without having to carry an additional dedicated video camera for that purpose. How good the image quality really is remains to be seen as the enormous medium format sensor could be used for some very decent downsampling here (without introducing too much rolling shutter, hopefully).

Video mode! image credit: Hasselblad

Since these cameras are quite an investment it’s nice to see that Hasselblad adds features over time, even if the specs are somewhat underwhelming. But since these cameras are designed for a specific purpose (high-end photography), I think it would be unfair to expect cutting edge video specs here.

The 1.2.0 firmware update can be downloaded here for free.

links: Full rundown of features

What do you think? Is it a good thing to add features like the new video mode even though they might not be cutting edge? Share your thoughts int he comments below!