This is the next episode in Game of Formats, and a very exciting saga it promises to be. Hasselblad introduced their new X1D II 50C mirrorless Medium Format digital camera today.

Quick review: Cinema formats somehow leapfrogged still photography nomenclature and so Cine Large Format (LF, aka Leica Format) is Full Frame 36x24mm. Still Photo Large Format is 4×5 inches and larger. Medium Format, aka Hasselblad Format was roughly 6x6cm (2.25×2.25 inches).

The new Hasselblad X1D 50C has the same lens mount as the original X1D introduced in 2016. However, there are many improvements, which we’ll get to in a minute.

XCD Lens Mount: short FFD and very big I.D.

The XCD lens mount has an 18.3mm flange focal depth and ~61mm Inside Diameter. That’s an extremely short distance from the lens mount to the sensor, which is nice. Google “Hasselblad XCD Adapters” and you’ll see many mechanical mounts.

The 50 megapixel CMOS sensor has 5.3μm photosites. It measures 43.8 x 32.9 mm, which is 54.78mm diagonal. In comparison, the ALEXA 65 sensor is  54.12 x 25.58 mm, with a diagonal of 59.86mm. This is 1.7 times larger than Full Format.

I think FDT readers sense where I am wandering. Even though no video specifications were announced today, look at the little movie camera icon lurking on the lovely function dial on the top right surface in the photo below. Video :)

• The X1D II 50C has a 3.6″ 2.36-million dot touchscreen monitor on the back.
• The OLED EVF has 3.69-million dots and 0.87x magnification., letting you see the bigger picture.
• The X1D II 50C’ has a faster refresh rate, reduced shutter lag, shorter black-out time between frames, improved continuous shooting rate, and a 2x faster startup time than the original X1D.
• Hasselblad’s new Phocus Mobile 2 app lets you connect the camera to an iPad directly via USB-C or Wi-Fi for live view, storage, editing and posting.
• The body will cost around USD $5,750 when it is expected to ship in July.

Today, Hasselblad also announced the the CFV II 50C digital back for classic V System cameras and lenses; the 907X lens mount for XCD lenses; and an XCD 35-75mm zoom lens. More on those soon.