Medium Format Camera News

Hasselblad is a storied named in photo history that’s been associated with high-end cameras and lenses for nearly two centuries. While that’s all well and good, the biggest question people have when they encounter the Swedish company’s newest digital medium format cameras is why the heck do these models cost so much?

That’s the question that photographer Tyler Stalman tries to answer in the amusing and enlightening short video below about the $40,000 Hasselblad H6D 100c medium format monster. This camera, which boasts a 100MP, 53.4 x 40.0mm CMOS sensor that dwarfs what you can find in a so-called full frame model, costs about as much as a nice mid-size car with all the amenities.

But why is this exactly? A lot of it has to do with the medium format image sensors, which are produced in small qualities and are extremely expensive to manufacture. There are other reasons though that make a Hasselblad a Hasselblad, which Stalman explores in the video.

All of which begs the question: is the H6D 100c really worth its spendy price tag? Stalman also tries to tackle this thorny issue in the video. For further evidence, you may also want to check out our hands-on preview of the Hasselblad H6D with sample images, and our interview with professional photographer Todd Oldman who uses a H6D 100c for much of his work.

Via ISO 1200