Hasselblad H5D

Introducing the Hasselblad H5D!

We recently shared the news that Hasselblad has introduced the H5D to its H Series at Photokina. The new Hasselblad H5D has a ton of new features, including:

• New HCD 4.8/24mm lens
• New macro converter
• More accurate focusing with True Focus II
• New immediate focus confirm
• New print-ready JPG files
• New compressed multi-shot Raw files for faster and smoother workflow
• New camera configurator
• Larger and more ergonomic buttons
• Larger, easier to read display style
• Updated graphics user interface
• More programmable buttons
• New and improved weather sealing
• New and faster processors implementing Hasselblad image processing architecture

The H5D system will feature “a modernized design” and “a new electronic engine.” The camera system will have larger, “more ergonomic buttons,” and new sealing for improved weather proofing and will be available as 40, 50 and 60 megapixels models as well as 50 and 200 megapixel Multi-Shot. Hasselblad will also release the HCD 4.8/24mm lens, which is equivalent to a 17mm lens on a full-frame 35-mm format DSLR for the H series. A new Macro Converter for close-up photography will also be available.

Peter Stig-Nielsen, Hasselblad’s Director of Professional Camera Products said,

“Customers will immediately notice the new-look and improved ergonomics and this progressive system also brings upgraded performance on a number of levels. Hasselblad is a world-leader with an unmatched and comprehensive range of lenses. Now that line has been extended with the new wide angle HCD 4.8/24 mm lens, which offers the same performance as the HCD 28 mm and is the equivalent of a 17 mm on 35 mm DSLR format. Additionally, our new Macro Converter provides excellent close-up performance with the HC 50, HCD 28 and HC 35 lenses – negating the need for additional macro lens purchase.”

Now Hasselblad brings users a tethered solution with the Lightroom® 4 tether plug-in so they can have:

• Full camera control from Lightroom® 4
• Capture options from both Lightroom® 4 and our H4D
• Full remote camera control and capture from Phocus Mobile 2.0 through iPhone®, iPad® and iPod Touch®.

Phase One and Mamiya/Leaf Announce 645DF+

At the 2012 Photokina in Cologne, Germany, Phase One and Mamiya/Leaf announced their new 645DF+ and Schneider Kreuznach 28mm LS f/4.5 Aspherical lens. The 645DF+ will be able to support more than 50 digital backs as well as 80 lenses. Phase One has called this camera, “the world’s more versatile camera platform for high-end photography” and rightfully so! The  645DF+ can also be used with both a focal plane or leaf shutter lens, in fact, the 645DF+ is one of only a few cameras on the market that supports both focal plane and leaf shutter lenses. Foto Care will care the Mamiya brand name 645DF+ and we’re excited about some of its features and tech specs:

• Excellent in shooting in low light or low contrast
• Shoots up to 1/4,000th of a second
• An enhanced auto-focus delivers accurately focused images fast
• Syncs with strobes at 1/1,600th of a second with leaf-shutter lenses
• Custom adjustment feature allows photographers to fine-tune the alignment of digital backs to the camera
• The body is tough, primarily aircraft grade aluminum and magnesium
• Camera includes a rechargeable Li-ion battery and charger at no extra cost, but you can buy a kit consisting of two batteries and a charger for $690. Shipping will start in October 2012.

The lens is rather fantastic as well. The 28mm LS f/4.5 Aspherical lens:

• Offers a 102° field-of-view
• Offers great sharpness,
• Has minimum focusing distance of only 1.15 feet (35 cm)
• Has fast flash synchronization capabilities up to 1/1600s
• Is ideal for interior, landscape, architecture and cityscape photography

The Schneider Kreuznach 28 LS lens is priced at $5,990. The 645DF+ will also total around $5,990. Shipping begins in October 2012.