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Hasselblad H5D coming December with new focus system, design, up to 60 megapixels
Medium format camera fans, brace for impact: there's a new Hasselblad coming. The H5D supercedes the ages-old H4D with a True Focus II system that -- we're told -- is both more accurate and immediately confirms its lock. Hasselblad has also reworked the body for a more rough-and-ready feel, giving the H5D bigger controls, an extra-bright viewfinder and better weatherproofing. A new RAW + JPEG capture mode, improved wide-angle-to-macro lens conversion and a fresh 24mm f/4.8 lens have also been added to tempt studio photographers. If all this sounds alluring, H5Ds will be available in 40-, 50- and 60-megapixel versions (plus 50- and 200-megapixel Multi-Shot variants) this December. We likely won't know the effect on our bank accounts until at least a September 18th media event, but we wouldn't assume any kind of populist pricing -- Hasselblad's tendency towards five-digit figures may limit any first-hand exposure to a rental.
Hasselblad cuts H4D prices by up to 23 percent, might let you afford rent
Hasselblad is typically known for everything but price cuts, and sometimes goes in the opposite direction. As such, we're more than a little caught off-guard by a round of price cuts on what's usually considered the definitive medium format camera line. The 'entry' H4D-31 has been cut down by as much as 23 percent; we're not sure we'd call it a steal at $11,995 without a lens, but it's now an option if you think even a Nikon D800's full-frame sensor is puny. Price slashes aren't reserved for the bargain models, either, as even the 200-megapixel, status symbol H4D-200MS shaves enough off the cost (now $35,995) to be a worth look for those sitting on the fence. You can get the full details at the source link, and you won't have to survive on ramen noodles for a year to shoot billboard-sized photos.
Visualized: NASA's Hasselblad photography manual
Sure, that TwitPic you posted was dope, but could it ever be as snazzy as a photo taken from space? Although doubtful, now at least there's the NASA Photography Training Program handbook to help you achieve such levels of awesomeness. The guide provides tips on operating the official camera of the space agency, the Hasselblad 500 EL/M, responsible for some of the most extraterrestrial shots this side of Pluto. Pointers on how to best operate the electric film lunar surface data camera include what type of lens to use and how to best use available light. Study up at the source -- after all, privatized space travel is just around the bend.
Hasselblad acquired by Ventizz Capital Fund, will explore 'brand new markets'
Change may be afoot over at Hasselblad, now that the high-end camera maker has been acquired by Ventizz Capital Fund IV -- a private equity firm based in Switzerland and Germany. Neither party disclosed any financial details, but Ventizz said it will implement "no major structural or key management changes" at its newly acquired company. It remains to be seen whether or not this acquisition brings about any changes at the strategic level, though Hasselblad CEO Larry Hansen said his company is looking forward to exploring "brand new markets" -- including, we hope, the "sub-$10,000" one. Full PR after the break. [Thanks, Rene]
Hasselblad's 200 megapixel H4D-200MS camera now shipping, breaks your bank
Hasselblad's H4D-200MS is yet another upgrade to its H4D camera line that we want badly, but wouldn't have a need -- or a budget -- for. This latest piece of kit is nearly identical to the 50 megapixel H4D-50MS externally, but internally adds an astonishing 150 more megapixels to the mix -- yes, that's an astounding 200 megapixels! Don't feel forgotten just yet if you have the older model, though, as Hasselblad can upgrade your sensor for €7,000 (roughly $10,000) -- a great deal considering the full kit costs €32,000 (about $45,000). With that said, we should note that details are null on the medium-format sensor's native resolution -- similar to the multi-shot feature on the 50MS, the new 200MS combines six shots to create ridiculously detailed 200 megapixel still images, and it handles less intensive photos with a four-shot 50 megapixel still mode. Should you dare to venture outside the studio, there's a 50 megapixel single-shot live mode for quick shots as well. Excuse us while we wrap our heads around the sheer number of pixels; you'll find more info after the break in the meantime.
Hasselblad H4D-40 Stainless Steel medium format camera: limited to 100 units, priced at €13,990
Wondering just how large a premium that Ferrari badge was adding to Hasselblad's Ferrari-branded H4D? Oh, around €7,500 (if not more). Hot on the heels of the aforesaid announcement, Hasselblad has just revealed yet another variant of the famed H4D-40, with the Stainless Steel edition offering a classy, classic motif and another limited run item for collectors to snatch up. Only 100 of these will be produced, with each one selling for €13,990 ($18,497) sans lens or €14,990 ($19,809) with the HC 2.8/80 mm. If this guy's more "within reach" than the Italian-inspired alternative, hit up your local dealer as soon as humanly possible... or just before your 100 closest friends, anyway.
Hasselblad's Ferrari-branded H4D camera: now available for just €21,499
Now that you've wasted precious moments of your life saving $10 here, $8 there and $6.23 in your local Target, how's about a Black Friday deal that you'll never forget. Hasselblad's Ferrari-branded H4D medium format camera, which we saw unveiled earlier this year at Photokina, is now shipping to the affluent, the zany, and the select few that happen to be both. So far as we can tell, this is just an H4D with a Ferrari-approved design scheme, and neither point helps to make this thing anywhere near affordable. A grand total of 499 are being made available today, with each one to run €21,499 ($28,425) + tax. Who knew you'd be buying something today that's only purchasable via your Centurion card -- puts a whole new spin on Black Friday, huh?
Hasselblad intros Ferrari-branded H4D camera, refuses to talk pricing (hands-on)
The big news out of Hasselblad this morning was the new entry(ish)-level H4D-31 at just under €10,000, with the CFV-50 adding yet another option in the higher-than-high-end category. But what really caught our eye was the flashy red version that popped up just as the press conference was concluding. We were told that Hasselblad had teamed with Ferrari in order to create a limited run of Ferrari-branded H4D medium format cameras, and the model on-hand had just received approval from Ferrari's paint squad yesterday. Yeah, it's like that. As for detailed specs? Fuhgetaboutit. And as for pricing? "You'll have to speak with Ferrari on that" was that line that we were fed. Only 499 of these beauties will ever be produced, and czars you never knew existed are phoning in their orders from the Seychelles right now. But hey, at least we had our camera (a lowly D3S) ready when it was unlocked from its carbon fiber box for a grand total of 30 seconds, right? Indulge yourself below -- but don't go getting too cocky, okay?
Hasselblad CFV-50 adds 50MP digital sensor to your V-System camera
We know you're a hardy crowd and aren't impressed by mere megapixels, but how about this: the 50MP sensor inside Hasselblad's new CFV-50 digital back is physically twice as large as a full-frame imager. Yeah, now we've got your attention. Intended as the attachment that finally makes film shooters break down and go digital, the CFV-50 comes with Hasselblad's DAC lens correction features that'll hunt down and ruthlessly obliterate any distortion, vignetting, lateral chromatic aberrations, or stray feelings of buyer's remorse. Yours for only €11,990 ($15,750) plus whatever taxes your local bureaucrat elects to slap on top. Full press release and a closeup of the CFV-50 await after the break. Update: We managed to stop by the outfit's booth here at Photokina and snag a quick hands-on. Man, does this thing feel retro.
Hasselblad H4D-31 cuts the entry price for medium format excellence to $13k
It might cost as much as a small car at €9,995 ($13,132) before tax, but believe it or not, the H4D-31 represents one of Hasselblad's most affordable offerings to date. Promising to bring all the goodness of the H4D-40, but at a more reasonable price point, this new shooter offers 31 megapixels of resolution and a choice of either an 80mm prime lens or a CF-lens adapter to let you attach V-System gear you've already got in your inventory. As such, it's attempting to perform the fine balancing act of appealing to both system stalwarts looking to go digital and DSLR enthusiasts tempted to step up to a larger sensor. We're still in love with Nikon's D3S, but you've got to admit, that H-embossed focusing ring sure looks sexy.
Hasselblad creates 40 megapixel H4D-40 medium format camera, wants $20k for it
Tough though it may be to believe, Hasselblad's 39 megapixel H3D II actually came out in 2007. Yeah, last decade. In other words, it's about time we saw a true successor hit the market, and with PMA just about ready to get going in Anaheim, the bold and beautiful H4D-40 is making its grand entrance. Boasting a 40 megapixel sensor, this medium format behemoth -- which we spotted in a leak late last month -- also features a "True Focus" AF system and ships with an 80mm lens and a viewfinder. The kit is said to be shipping now across the globe for $19,995 (or €13,995 / £12,995 on that side of the pond), which should make choosing between a new shooter and a public college education remarkably difficult.
PMA leak roundup: Olympus, Fujifilm and Hasselblad plan new shooters
Not sure if you've heard, but PMA is just around the corner. You know -- that camera show? At any rate, Photo Rumors has a trio of new leaks to swoon over this fine evening, starting with black and white (saywha?) shots of Olympus' supposedly forthcoming SP800 (or SP-800UZ, if we're talking specifics). The megazoom shooter is said to boast a 30x optical zoom, 14 megapixel sensor and image stabilization, though no further details have been let loose just let. Moving on, Fujifilm seems to have a whole gaggle of new cams planned for release this week, including a megazoom of its own and a whole host of point-and-shoot offerings. Finally, Hasselblad is expected to one-up the H3D by introducing the H4D, which we fully suspect will have a 489 megapixel sensor and a price tag that far exceeds 93 percent of salaries here in America. Hit the links below for the goods, and hang tight -- PMA kicks off in earnest in just a few weeks.
Hasselblad bringing 60-megapixel H3DII-60 in April 2009
Hasselblad's doing a fine job of pimping its mildly fresh 50-megapixel H3DII-50 at Photokina 2008, but being that we're hardly ever satisfied with the here and now, we've latched onto a few juicy tidbits flowing from the lips of CEO Christian Poulsen. Reportedly, the exec made clear at the show that a 60-megapixel version of the camera (H3DII-60) would be made available in April of 2009, and while it would demand a £4,000 ($7,393) premium over the £14,750 ($27,261) H3DII-50, that increase would pay for a sensor that provides 94% full-frame coverage. It's okay, your D40 is still bombastic in its own right.
Kodak rolls out new image sensors at Photokina, one for Leica's S2
We noticed that the writeup for Leica's newly unveiled S2 made mention of a new Kodak sensor, but we'll leave it to Kodak to do the boasting. Sure enough, the outfit responsible for this atrocity has rolled out a few new image sensors at Photokina 2008, one of which -- the KAF-37500 -- proudly resides in the aforementioned S2. The company is showcasing sensors for medium format rigs such as the Sinar HY6-65 (KAF-31600) and Hasselblad H3DII-50 (KAF-50100), though quite honestly, it spends more time gloating about what manufacturers it's partnering with than describing the technology. Oh well, so long as it keeps Kodak from focusing on its pathetic point-and-shoot lineup, we'll keep smiling.
Hasselblad introduces the 50 megapixel H3DII-50
We haven't heard much from Hasselblad lately, but whenever the high-end cameramaker does make a peep, it's usually pretty impressive -- like the new 50 megapixel H3DII-50 back it just announced. Building on the H3DII-39 back, the 50 features a 36 X 48mm Kodak sensor twice the size of other full-frame DSLR sensors that generates 300MB files at 1FPS. Pricing hasn't been announced, but don't expect this bad boy to come in under the $37K pricetag of the 39 when it launches in October -- especially since Hasselblad says anyone who buys a 39 now can trade up to the 50 later for the difference in price and instructions on how to properly sleep on beds made of money.[Thanks, Douglas]
Hasselblad releases Phocus
Hasselblad makes high-end professional cameras that produce some of the largest digital images commercially available at up to 39 megapixels raw. It took until March for Apple to natively support the Hasselblad raw format and now the Swedish company has released Phocus for OS X, a dedicated raw processing application which provides digital lens correction, color adjustment, and Moiré removal together with tethered shooting and metadata control with geotagging for its entire line of cameras and backs.Phocus is Leopard-only and available to registered Hasselblad users. In a lovely change of pace the OS X version is available now with the Windows version to follow later in the year.[via Macworld UK]
Hasselblad discontinues the H2 product line
We don't foresee too many tears being shed over this news, but the Hasselblad faithful will probably want to know that the tried and true H2 product line has been nixed. Not surprisingly, the company reported that "demand simply no longer justified the dedicated manufacturing line required for its production," and that it would be shifting those resources to the H3DII. On a more positive note, the outfit is introducing the H2F, which is being billed as a "greatly simplified film-only version of the H2," so those (still) sticking with film can look here to get their fix. Lastly, the firm reassured H1 / H2 owners that it would continue to support those products "for a minimum of 10 years from the date of purchase." So long, H2, it's been a good run.[Via CNET]
Hasselblad's 39 megapixel H3DII-39MS DSLR brings the multi-shot
It can't be easy to improve upon a $37,000, 39 megapixel DSLR, but high-end camera manufacturer Hasselblad claims to have done just that with its H3DII-39MS, which adds a multi-shot feature (and $7,000) to the recently-announced H3DII-39 (pictured). Targeted at architectural and still-life photographers, the 39MS essentially takes its sibling's body and tacks on Hasselblad's CF-39MS digital back, promising unprecedented performance and image quality when firing off multiple shots of the same scene. Look for this new model in stores (specialty retailers, not Best Buy) starting in January of next year.
Hasselblad rolls out 39 megapixel H3D II DSLR
Hasselblad may have already hit 39 megapixels more than a year ago, but that doesn't make the company's new H3D II DSLR any less impressive, which hits that same mark with a few other improvements. Those include a new 3-inch display, which promises both a clearer view of images and lower power consumption, as well as an apparently revamped menu system that'll let you tweak settings using the thumbwheel controls on the camera. Otherwise, you can expect just about everything you could ask for in a $37,000 camera, including 48x36 mm CCD image sensors (the largest currently available), a Global Image Locator that tags photos with the exact geographic co-ordinates at the time they were taken, and an array of features that promise to keep your shots free of noise and moiré effects, to name just a few. What's more, if 39 megapixels and $37k is just a bit too much for you, you can opt for one of two lesser models that Hasselblad's also just introduced, including the 31 megapixel H3D-31II ($30,000) and the 22 megapixel H3D-22II ($25,000).
Hasselblad H3D-31 first impressions -- what hath $25k wrought?
If you thought you could just drop 25 grand on one of these upcoming Hasselblad H3D-31 numbers and have, like, the bestest camera evar, then think again. The H3D-31 makes a lot of sacrifices to arrive at image quality hotness -- and of course, 31 megapixels -- including the size, speed, weight, ergonomics and ease of use of its pro-DSLR counterparts. But that's not to say there isn't plenty going on here to please the experienced photographer, you just have to know what you're getting into. As DigitalCameraInfo puts it in their preview, "The H3D 31 is for high-end commercial photographers and rich lunatics." The image quality is apparently on par with 4 x 5-inch film of yore, and the backwards compatibility and modular nature of Hasselblad makes this more of an "investment" than just a convenient way to blow $25k, but if you don't already know that you need one of these, you probably don't. [Via Digital Photography Blog]
