H3D

The Hasselblad H3D is the world’s first 48mm. full-frame, large-sensor, medium-format DSLR camera system.

Photo: Carlos Serrao

The H3D

The H3D has been developed around a brand new digital camera engine producing increased lens performance and a new level of image sharpness. By focusing solely on digital camera architecture, Hasselblad is able to offer photographers the full benefits of professional medium-format digital cameras as well as the ease of use of the best 35mm DSLRs.

Large format 48x36mm digital capture

Today’s digital photography demands higher resolution, less noise, and improved compositional choice, all of which the CF backs provide. The sensors are 22 or 39 megapixels in size and they are both more than twice the physical size of today’s 35mm sensors. This means more and larger pixels, which ensures the highest possible image quality and moiré free color rendering without gradation break-ups - in even the most subtley lit surfaces.

Four modes of operation and storage

Optimum portability and image storage are critical for the professional photographer. On the digital front, the H3D offers a free choice of the portable CF card storage, the flexible Firewire driven Hasselblad Imagebank, or tethered operation with extended, special capture controls. On the film front, an optional 120/220 magazine is offered for those occasions where film is preferred. With these four operating and storage options, the photographer is able to select the best mode to suit the nature of the work at hand, whether in the studio or on location.

H System lenses

The specifications of the specially designed HC/HCD lenses exceed the demands made by digital capture. The central lens shutters of the lenses add flexibility by allowing flash to be employed at shutter speeds up to 1/800s. Thanks to the large format, the depth of field range is considerably shallower making it much easier to create a perfect interplay between sharpness and blur. The H3D design has also made possible the launch of a completely new 28mm lens, designed and optimized solely for digital image capture. Image quality is lifted to a level, yet unseen in digital photography, including digital correction for color aberration and distortion (DAC).

A choice of bright viewfinders

One of the important traditional advantages of medium format is the extra large and bright viewfinder image. The H3D comes with a new HVD90X viewfinder designed for full performance over the large 36x48mm sensor. It is interchangeable with the HV90X and the new waist-level viewfinder, the HVM.

Unique Hasselblad Natural Color Solution

Normally troublesome subjects such as various skin tones, metals, fabrics, flowers, etc. are easily captured by using the new, powerful color profile – the Hasselblad Natural Color Solution (HNCS). It works invisibly in the background in conjunction with the FlexColor imaging software, producing outstanding and reliable out-of-the-box results. In order to support our new unique color system, we have developed a custom Hasselblad raw file format called 3F RAW (3FR). The file format includes lossless image compression, which reduces the required storage space by 33%.

DNG workflow

3FR files can be converted into Adobe’s raw image format DNG (‘Digital NeGative’), bringing this new technology standard to the professional photographer for the first time. In order to optimize the colors of the DNG file format, conversion from the 3FR must take place through FlexColor. The DNG file format enables raw, compressed image files to be opened directly in Adobe Photoshop. Hasselblad image files carry a full set of metadata, including capture conditions, keywords and copyright, facilitating workflow with image asset management solutions.

IAA – helping you classify and select images

Building on the success of its Audio Exposure Feedback technology, Hasselblad has created Instant Approval Architecture (IAA), an enhanced set of feedback tools, designed to liberate the photographer from the selection process and to concentrate on the shoot. Audible and visible signals as well as recorded information in the file and in the file name all promote a quick and easy classification in the field or in the lab. Sorting becomes automatic, accessible and very fast, facilitating reviewing the best images for immediate client presentation.

FlexColor workflow for the specialist commercial photographer

FlexColor enables you to create an image processing workflow that gives you the highest degree of control for your studio photography. In tethered operation, tools such as overlay masking help bring productivity to advanced set composition. The latest version of the FlexColor software enables you to manipulate color temperature and compare image details across multiple images for precise image selection. FlexColor uses the 3FR files and runs on both Macintosh and Windows computers. The software is licensed to allow you to provide free copies for all your co-workers and production partners.

Last, but Not Least

Naturally, as with all Hasselblad products, a new H3D affords access to the full range of Hasselblad service and support, ensuring that your investment will last for a long time to come. And the latest firmware updates are always just a download away.

Product sheet H3D

Trade-in campaign

Order Demo / Brochure H3D-22/39

Order Demo / Brochure H3D-31

Technical

Sensor dimensions: 36.7 x 49.0 mm

Shooting mode: Single shot

Color definition: 16 bit

ISO speed range: ISO 50, 100, 200 and 400

Image storage: CF card type II (write speed >20 MB/sec), New Image Bank 100 GB external hard drive or tethered to Mac or PC

Color management: Hasselblad RGB: • full dynamics • reproduction dynamics

Battery type: Li-ion (powered from the H3D camera grip)

Capture rate: 35 captures per minute

Color display: OLED 2.2”

Histogram feedback on rear OLED and on camera body grip LCD

IR filter: Mounted on CCD sensor

Acoustic feedback

File format: Hasselblad 3FR

Software: FlexColor (included)

Host connection type: FireWire 800 (IEEE1394b)

View camera compatibility

Battery capacity: H3D camera system, Li-ion battery: 250 captures in 4 hours

Operating temperature: 0 - 45 °C / 32 - 113 °F

H3D-22

Sensor size: 22 Mpixels (4080 x 5440 pixels)

Image size (8/16 bit RGB): RAW 3FR capture 30 MB on average. TIFF 8 bit: 66 MB

Storage capacity: 2 GB CF card holds 66 images on average

H3D-39

Sensor size: 39 Mpixels (5412 • 7212 pixels)

Image size (8/16 bit RGB): RAW 3FR capture 50 MB on average. TIFF 8 bit: 117 MB

Storage capacity: 2 GB CF card holds 40 images on average

CAMERA FEATURES

Camera type Large sensor full format DSLR

Lenses Hasselblad HC and HCD lenses with integral leaf shutter. All C type lenses from the V system with optional CF lens adapter.

Shutter speed range: 32 seconds to 1/800 second (18 hours to 1/800 second using film)

Flash sync speed: Flash can be used at all shutter speeds.

Viewfinder options:
•HVD90X: 90° reflex viewfinder w. diopter adjustment (-5 to +3.5D). Image magnification 3.1 times. Integral fill-flash (G.No. 12 @ ISO100). Hot shoe for SCA3002-system flashes from Metz™.
•HV90X: For use with film capture
•HVM: Waist level viewfinder

Focusing: Autofocus with Ultra-Focus digital feedback. Instant manual focus override. AF metering with passive central cross-type sensor. Metering range EV 1 to 19 at ISO 100.

Flash control: Automatic TTL centre weighted system. Uses built-in flash or flashes compatible with SCA3002 (Metz™). Output can be adjusted from -3 to +3EV. For manual flashes a built-in metering system is available.

Exposure metering: Metering options: Spot, Centre weighted and Centre Spot. Metering range Spot: EV2 to 21, Centre weighted: EV1 to 21, Centre Spot: EV1 to 21

Power supply: Rechargeable Li-ion battery (7.2 VDC / 1850 mAh). Optional cassette for 3 CR-123 Lithium batteries available.

Film compatibility

Welcome.

H3D