New 50 Megapixel camera from Hasselblad

Press Release:

Following the success of the Hasselblad H3DII-39, the market's most advanced DSLR, Hasselblad is taking its H camera system even further and today announces the launch of the Hasselblad H3DII-50, featuring a new Kodak 50Mp sensor, which is twice the size of the largest 35mm DSLR sensors. A new 645 sensor will also be launched in 2009.

"We are very excited to announce these two ultra-high resolution sensors," says Christian Poulsen, Hasselblad Chief Executive Officer, "but having huge amounts of megapixels does not help your photography much if you are not using a camera system that can reap the benefits of these resolutions. What we are most proud of is the fact that the unique resolution and optical quality of our H-system lens line, combined with our digital lens correction and UltraFocus accuracy, has made it possible for Hasselblad to take our system even further with regards to the accurate capture and recording of image detail."

Full details on the 645 sensor will be part of Hasselblad's Strategy and Technology seminar at Photokina 2008 (23rd to 28th September, Cologne, Germany). Poulsen continues: "We will discuss the new 645 sensor and other system additions, our overall view of the Medium Format market, its future development, and our role in driving that development, at this seminar."

Poulsen adds: "Both the H3DII-50 and the new 645 sensor are designed to serve the photographers who require the highest possible image quality and resolution, and are part of Hasselblad's ongoing commitment to continue pushing the boundaries of high-level photography."

The new Kodak KAF-50100 image sensor, which measures 36x48 mm, will be implemented in the same size housing as the H3DII-39 camera and will comprise the core of the new H3DII-50. The new sensor size is also optimised to work with Hasselblad's new HTS 1.5 tilt/shift adapter (patent pending), which enlarges the image circle by 50% to bring the benefits of tilt/shift photography into medium format DSLR cameras. An impressive 83 line-pairs/millimetre are resolved over the full, large area of both today's 36x48 mm sensor and of the upcoming larger 645 sensor.

Kodak has also added a set of entirely new features on the 50Mp sensor, such as new dyes, which will result in even better, richer colours and take full advantage of Hasselblad's R&D in the area of colour rendering technology. The new sensor also includes a range of other new features, including quick flush technology to enable faster capture and lower power consumption, resulting in longer battery life.

Poulsen concludes: "The H3DII camera line has been specially designed to meet the challenging demands of high-end photographers, and these two new products will take the line even further, providing ultimate resolution for photographers who require the best in image quality, performance and creative freedom."

The H3DII-50 camera will be available from October 2008 at a price of £21,995 excluding tax.