Hasselblad H4D-200MS 200 Megapixel Hands On Preview

Features
Handling
Performance
Verdict
Specification


The H4D not only offers a 50 megapixel sensor, but also allows the use of multi-shot, for either true colour 50 megapixel images, or alternatively 200 megapixel shots of still subjects. Although be warned, the 200 megapixel RAW file weighs in at 1.2 gigabytes, so it's important to make sure your computer is up to the job of handling it!

Hasselblad H4D-200ms Features

• 50 megapixel single shot for any subject
• 50 and 200 megapixel multi shot or accuracy and true colour
• H4D camera system with 3 inch display
• Fully automatic Digital Lens Correction for improved image sharpness and detail
• Ultra-Focus: integral optimization of digital lens performance, true focus
• Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution
• Integrated CCD cooling sink for lower noise
• Direct ISO/WB control
• Thumbwheel control of digital menus
• GPS accessory option
• Choice of eye-level or waist-level viewfinders
• Field FW upgrade of H4D camera
• Electronic spirit level built in
• Easy sensor cleaning
• Un-tethered and tethered operation
• Hasselblad 3FR raw - or DNG export

The camera is capable of taking 50 megapixel single shot images, 50 megapixel 4 shot true colour images, and 200 megapixel 6 shot images by combining the shots from the 50 megapixel sensor and moving the sensor by either 1 or 1/2 a pixel at a time.

Another feature of the Hasselblad H4D system is true focus: this will auto correct for any camera movement. For example, we've always been taught to focus on the eye, so we point the camera at the subjects eye, make sure the focus point is on the eye, then move the camera to frame the subject, however what's happened is that the focus has changed as we've moved the camera ever so slightly. True focus takes into consideration how the camera has been moved and keeps focus on the subjects eye.



If you do want to shoot 200 megapixel images then it's important to be aware of the recommended minimum computer requirements: "When capturing 6-shot images with the H4D-200MS, 8GB of RAM should be considered the minimum and it is advised to use a reasonably fast disk to handle the large file sizes, such as 7200 or 10000 rpm drives."

Hasselblad H4D-200ms Handling

Buttons, Ergonomics and Handling: The demonstration camera was setup on a tripod to give a solid platform for shake free photos, which is especially important for multi-shot use. Also important was the use of uniform light source(s) so that the lighting for each shot taken by the camera is identical. There is no live-view built in, instead you use the impressively large optical viewfinder and then use the screen on the back to review the images, or using the camera tethered you can view the resulting images in very fine detail.



The camera is quite large and the black multi-shot sensor unit in the middle of the camera makes the camera larger than the standard H4D. The high quality lenses are also larger than the lenses you find on more traditional Digital SLRs, although smaller lenses are available and the lens shown here is one of the larger lenses available, the HC Macro 4/120-IImm.



The camera features a top LCD showing camera settings, battery life, flash settings and there is also the option to illuminate the LCD. A front and back dial and numerous buttons on the top, front and back are logically placed to give easy access to flash, focus, and ISO/WB settings.



The back of the camera features a 3 inch screen, with 4-way controller, zoom control and additional controls. The optical viewfinder features dioptre adjustment, and buttons for exposure.

Hasselblad H4D-200ms Performance

Photo: Milo profi fotografie

1shot, 4shot, 6shot (200mp) crops from the photo above, shown at 100%:

1 Shot (50 megapixel)		4 Shot (50 megapixel, full colour)
Looking at the 4 shot image, you can see not only improved colour and gradation of tones, but you can also see additional definition thanks to each pixel being given the full colour information - whereas the image on the left shows less clearly defined detail, and moiré is visible in the grill.
6 Shots (100% 200mp image crop)

With six shots you get a huge 200 megapixel image and the image quality and detail achieved is quite staggering. There is simply no sign of noise in the images and when viewed at 100%, as shown here, you are seeing much more detail than the 50 megapixel shots - and can see the smaller mesh in the grill on the bike helmet, that you could not make out in the 50mp image. For the ultimate in image quality and resolution there is very little that would come anywhere near as close as this camera system. Even the highest resolution digital backs from other companies offer "only" 80 megapixels in comparison.

Hasselblad H4D-200ms Verdict

The Hasselblad H4D-200ms gives simply unmatched image quality and versatility in it's ability to produce stunning colour in 50 megapixel photos, plus the advanced ability to shoot 200 megapixel photos of still life. With the high entry price of just under £35,000 including VAT, you want to know that you have invested wisely. Thankfully to reassure the expense, Hasselblad provide a full professional support system, including your very own "Hasselbuddy" who would deal with all your support needs, including providing emergency support 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week. However, if your budget doesn't stretch to the H4D-200ms, then the 31 megapixel H4D-31 starts at £8995 excluding VAT.

Hasselblad H4D-200ms Pros

Unmatched image quality
200 megapixel images
50 megapixel true colour images
True Focus keeps focus on what you want
High quality lenses
Lots of system versatility

Hasselblad H4D-200ms Cons

Demanding computer requirements (storage space)

Hasselblad H4D-200MS Specifications

Manufacturer	Hasselblad
Lens
	Effective Magnification	No Data
Image Sensor
	CCD pixels	50Mp (Megapixels)
	Pixels (W)	6132
	Pixels (H)	8176
	Sensor Type	CCD
	Sensor Size	Medium Format
	Sensor Size (width)	36.7mm
	Sensor Size (height)	49.1mm
	Aspect Ratio
LCD Monitor
	LCD Monitor	3in
	Screen resolution	230k
	Touch Screen	No
Focusing
	Focusing modes	Autofocus Manual True Focus
Exposure Control
	Shutter speeds shortest	1/800sec
	Shutter speeds longest	128sec
	Exp modes	Manual Program Aperture-Priority Shutter-Priority Program Variable
	Metering	Centre-weighted Spot Centre Spot
	ISO sensitivity	50 - 800
	White balance
	Exposure Comp	+/-0
Shooting Options
	Continuous shooting	No Data
Video
	Movie mode	No
	Video Resolution
	Video FPS	No Data
	Stereo Sound	No Data
	Optical Zoom with Video	No Data
Other Features
	Image Stabilisation	No Data
Interface
	HDMI	No Data
	USB	No Data
Storage
	Card Type	CF
	File Type	RAW
Power Source
	Battery Type	Rechargeable Li-ion battery (7.2 VDC / 1850 mAh)
	CIPA Rating	0
Box Contents
	Box Contents	No Data
Dimensions
	Weight	2450g
	Width	153mm
	Height	131mm
	Depth	207mm

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