Medium format cameras have long carried a reputation for being large, heavy, and confined to controlled studio environments. Their size and complexity often placed them beyond the reach of photographers who valued portability alongside image quality.
The arrival of the Hasselblad X1D changed that perception dramatically. As the world’s first mirrorless medium format system, it brings the legendary quality of Hasselblad into a body designed for real-world shooting that is lightweight, sleek, and refreshingly intuitive. This shift has opened medium format to a wider audience, blending professional performance with travel-friendly ergonomics.
In this Hasselblad X1D review, we’ll explore its standout features, handling, and overall value to see how it reshaped the conversation around high-end photography.
The Evolution of the Hasselblad X1D
Hasselblad introduced the X1D in 2016 as the world’s first truly mirrorless medium format camera, breaking decades of tradition dominated by bulky, studio-bound systems. The design marked a turning point for medium format photography, combining Hasselblad’s legendary optical quality and colour science with a compact, lightweight body that could be comfortably carried into the field.
The X1D series evolved from the classic H-system and V-system film cameras, inheriting the brand’s modular philosophy and exceptional lens performance while embracing digital innovation. With features like a 50MP CMOS sensor, an intuitive touchscreen interface, and a precise electronic viewfinder, the X1D made medium format photography more accessible without compromising image quality. Its success paved the way for later iterations and established a new standard for mirrorless medium format systems.
This evolution highlights Hasselblad’s ability to blend heritage and modern technology, offering photographers both performance and portability.
The Design and Ergonomics
One of the first things photographers notice about the Hasselblad X1D is how unlike traditional medium format cameras it feels in the hand. Instead of the bulky form factor many associate with this category, the X1D adopts a minimalist Scandinavian design ethos with clean lines, intuitive controls, and a body that weighs less than many full-frame DSLRs. Crafted from high-grade aluminium, it balances durability with elegance, while the deep grip and simple button layout make extended use surprisingly comfortable.
The electronic viewfinder and high-resolution touchscreen contribute to a modern shooting experience, minimising clutter and keeping the focus on composition. Its compact size allows it to slip easily into a standard camera bag, making medium format viable for travel and location work in a way that was once unthinkable. Hasselblad has effectively blended sophistication with usability, creating a camera that feels as natural in the studio as it does on the street.
Hasselblad X1D Features & Image Quality
Any Hasselblad X1D review quickly turns toward the question of image quality, and here the camera delivers exactly what its reputation promises. Equipped with a 50-megapixel medium format sensor, the X1D captures extraordinary detail, tonal depth, and colour accuracy. The files it produces have a subtle richness that allows for extensive post-processing while maintaining a natural look, making it a favourite among commercial, portrait, and fine art photographers.
The mirrorless medium format design also introduces innovations that make high-end image capture more approachable. Instead of weighing down the photographer with size and complexity, the X1D brings professional-level performance into a body that can be carried daily.
Some standout Hasselblad X1D features include:
- 50MP medium format CMOS sensor with 14 stops of dynamic range
- Dual SD card slots for flexible storage options
- Built-in Wi-Fi and GPS for seamless workflow integration
- Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution (HNCS) for unmatched colour fidelity
- Compact mirrorless body weighing under 800 grams
- Compatibility with XCD lenses designed specifically for mirrorless medium format
This combination of portability and power reshapes expectations. Photographers no longer need to choose between ultimate quality and everyday usability; the X1D bridges both worlds with confidence.
Who is the Hasselblad X1D For?
The mirrorless medium format market is not for everyone, and Hasselblad knows this. The X1D is crafted with a specific audience in mind: photographers who demand uncompromising image quality yet value a streamlined, portable design.
This camera appeals strongly to commercial professionals who work on location, where transporting traditional medium format systems can be a challenge. Fashion and portrait photographers appreciate its ability to render skin tones with lifelike smoothness, while landscape artists benefit from the wide dynamic range that captures subtle variations in light and shadow. Fine art creators are also drawn to the depth and nuance of its files, which hold up to large-scale printing and gallery presentation.
The Hasselblad X1D features also make it attractive for high-end enthusiasts. Those who have outgrown full-frame cameras will find the X1D an accessible entry point into the medium format world without the bulk and intimidating controls of traditional systems.
By bridging portability with professional-grade output, the X1D redefines what a Hasselblad X1D review often highlights. It is not only a tool for studio specialists but a versatile companion for modern, creative photographers seeking more than what full-frame can offer.
Pricing & Value Considerations
When it launched, the Hasselblad X1D carried a professional-grade price tag, officially listed at around US $8,995 / €7,900 / £5,990 for the body alone. Lens kits could climb over US$11,000, with full bundles totalling close to US$14,000. By medium format standards, this was a competitive offering, especially given its groundbreaking mirrorless medium format design.
However, the X1D has since been discontinued, which offers opportunities to save. Pre-owned models now sell for affordable prices, giving photographers a much more accessible entry point into this revolutionary camera. Opting for certified second-hand options can dramatically reduce costs without sacrificing performance, particularly when paired with trusted sellers who test and service their inventory.
In Australia, PhotoCo Camera House provides both new and pre-owned Hasselblad gear, with expert advice on value and condition. Their trade-in options and local support ensure that whether you’re investing in a new or second-hand model, you’re making a choice that aligns with your creative goals and budget.
Experience the Hasselblad X1D at PhotoCo Camera House
Discover the world of mirrorless medium format photography firsthand at PhotoCo Camera House. Try both new and certified pre-owned Hasselblad X1D cameras. Our expert team can guide you through choosing the right setup, ensuring your investment matches your creative vision. Benefits include:
- Hands-on testing of Hasselblad X1D cameras
- Access to new and certified pre-owned models
- Expert advice on lenses, accessories, and workflow
- Trade-in options to help manage costs and upgrade
Get the Hasselblad X1D experience and capture stunning medium format images with confidence today.
