Article: The beauty of the medium format: Hasselblad in focus
The beauty of the medium format: Hasselblad in focus
Medium format sensors have fascinating advantages over 35 mm or full format sensors. This is because the larger sensor area - compared to 35 mm cameras - contributes to an overall higher image quality, particularly through dynamic range, depth of detail and color reproduction. Many photographers describe the results as more detailed, dynamic, vivid and of unique color depth and accuracy.
Founded in Sweden, Hasselblad is a major manufacturer of medium format cameras, whose cameras are an integral part of professional photography and professional medium format photography. In the following article, we therefore present the advantages of medium format cameras with a view to the special features of the Hasselblad medium format.
What is medium format - and why do so many professional photographers love it?
The obvious difference between a medium format sensor and other sensors is the significantly larger sensor area. Typical dimensions of 35 mm or full-frame camera sensors are 24 x 36 mm. Hasselblad specifies the sensor dimensions of its current "flagship", the mirrorless medium format camera X2D 100C, as 43.8 x 32.9 mm. This model is therefore a so-called "small medium format sensor", but this already means there are major differences.
More surface area in medium format means more space for details in photography and more opportunities to try out creative medium format techniques. The specific advantages that characterize medium format photography include, for example
- a higher resolution - in the example of the Hasselblad camera mentioned above, this is 100 megapixels with a pixel size of 3.76 μm.
- a visibly extended dynamic range, so that light and dark areas can be photographed in a more differentiated way.
- more effective noise reduction, which is particularly advantageous in difficult lighting conditions and high ISO values.
- a shallower depth of field, which benefits the contrast between the main subject and the background.
Overall, components such as shadows, light, color saturation, color nuances, image noise or an artfully blurred background can be improved. The ability to see the desired image composition on a larger scale helps to consciously design these and other components in professional medium format photography.
Working with medium format cameras requires not only creative care, but also an equally well-thought-out transportation solution. As the size and weight of such cameras are above average, the equipment should be particularly well protected and ergonomically stowed away when traveling. A high-quality photo bag made of soft, durable leather not only offers optimum protection for sensitive components, but also emphasizes the exclusive character of medium format photography with its elegant look.
Hasselblad medium format - from the beginnings to excursions into space
"This is a small step for a man, but a giant leap for mankind," Neil Armstrong is reported to have said after the successful moon landing. On board was a modified Hasselblad camera, which delivered spectacular images. However, the manufacturer had already taken the big leap in the field of photography with Hasselblad much earlier, namely in the 1940s, when Victor Hasselblad developed a medium format camera in 56 x 56 mm (6x6) format for the company.
In the following decades, the terms "Hasselblad" and "medium format camera" quickly became synonymous. Since 2002, Hasselblad has been producing fully digital medium format cameras, but also offers digital camera backs that can be mounted on analog cameras.
What characterizes medium format photography with a Hasselblad?
The medium format sensor is the heart of a medium format camera. However, regardless of the manufacturer, it is always the interaction of all components that makes a camera successful in professional photography.
For the current model (as of 2025), the Hasselblad X2D 100C medium format camera, this means that the color accuracy of the back-illuminated BSI CMOS sensor in combination with the "Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution" (HNCS) color management, a 16-bit color depth with over 281 trillion color nuances, and up to 15 f-stops enables particularly expressive and lifelike color reproduction (technical data in this section follows the manufacturer's data sheet).
The optimum image sharpness results from the combination with a medium format lens that is calibrated on the focal plane slightly before infinity (infinity -1). A powerful autofocus system with phase detection (PDAF, up to 294 zones) ensures optimum sharpness even with moving subjects.
The electronic viewfinder with a 100% field of view delivers life-size images; in combination with the IBIS image stabilizer (5 axes, 7 f-stops), photography is smoother and more controlled - even with longer exposure times.
Finally, it should be mentioned that file sizes can increase considerably when working with the medium format. According to Californian photographer Samuel Elkins, it is therefore essential to plan sufficient storage space for medium format photography. Hasselblad's "flagship", the X2D 100C, already has an integrated SSD with one terabyte.
Anyone who works with large-format files, fast lenses and extensive accessories knows that organization and quick access are crucial. A camera bag with a modular interior layout, customizable compartments and a robust yet elegant outer material help to transport even extensive equipment clearly and safely - whether for weddings, architectural assignments or creative portrait sessions
Creative medium format techniques: playing with focus, light and space
Medium format cameras are characterized by high precision. Almost magical images are created when the camera is used to implement creative medium format techniques or artistic objectives. Creamy bokehs, distortion-free lines, even color gradients and three-dimensional depth are effects that are particularly easy to achieve with a medium format camera.
For example, medium format cameras can be used to take portraits that look realistic down to the smallest detail and resemble painted portraits. The soft transitions between light and shadow and the three-dimensional effect of the shots inspire artists, among others, to use the photos as a template for further artistic design.
The same applies to landscape photographs, in which various elements - the sky, mountain scenery, an edelweiss - inspire with their clarity and detailed gradation. Medium format cameras are therefore preferred when posters or other large prints are to be created from the photographs.
Light and color are also elements that can be used excellently with a medium format camera to set creative accents or achieve amazing effects. In professional photography, Hasselblad cameras are therefore not only used for events and acts, but also for quieter forms of photo shoots, for example for documentation or for shots of special buildings where detail is important.
Medium-format cameras therefore not only deliver impressive results, they also help to change the process of photography itself, as it can be more conscious, creative and forward-looking.
For whom is medium format worthwhile?
It is the details in photography that tell the story of a picture or a motif. Medium format photography is therefore the perfect medium for anyone who doesn't just want to capture moments or snapshots, but wants to use creative medium format photography to elicit or stage the story of people, creatures, landscapes or products.
The purchase is therefore particularly worthwhile for professional medium format photography by portrait or fashion photographers, art photographers, landscape and architectural photographers who want to set new standards.
On the other hand, anyone who wants to take videos as well as photos with the same camera will have to look for a model other than the current X2D, as it does not have a video function. Lovers of autofocus photography will also reach their limits here, as the autofocus system is much slower than that of sports or action cameras.
It goes without saying that Hasselblad cameras are not exactly in the lower price segment. However, in addition to the technology and the timelessly beautiful look of Hasselblad cameras, they are praised for their long service life, so the investment can be worthwhile in many ways. To save on the budget, however, cheaper predecessor models such as the 50 megapixel medium format camera X1D II 50C from 2019, which also performed excellently in comparison, can also be considered.
A much-praised example of the fact that even the older Hasselblad models still produce breathtaking images are the photographs that JoJo Whilden shot on the set of Amazon's "Fallout" series with a 500cm medium format camera from Hasselblad, as they received admiring recognition from a wide (professional) audience.
Anyone entering the world of medium format photography is investing in quality, precision and aesthetics. These values should also be reflected in the storage and protection of the equipment. A camera bag with a timeless design and fine leather accompanies you stylishly through every assignment - whether at a wedding, on a fashion shoot or when traveling through breathtaking landscapes. Not only does the look match the contents, but also the function.
