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Hasselblad has released new firmware updates for its X1D II and 907X medium format cameras that will allow users to shoot video for the first time. The firmware also offers a focus bracketing feature that will help when an extensive depth-of-field is required in landscape or macro photography.
Firmware version 1.2.0 brings 2.7K 2720×1530 pixel video at 29.97p in 4:2:0 8-bit color, with a 1920×1080 option for those wanting FHD. The X1D II camera has had a video icon on the dial since it was launched, so now it can be made active.
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The firmware also a white balance sampling tool and an Auto White Balance option for use on already captured images. The cameras already have a WB picker for sampling neutral areas of a scene in live view mode before the picture is taken, but these new options allow stored images to be used as a reference. The purpose of this is to allow the picker and AWB features to work when flash is being used, as sampling flash during live view isn’t possible – unless you are very quick. White balance settings also now display their color temperature and tint values to make matching light sources easier.
A new ratings system for captured images has been added to the playback menu to allow users to select favorites and to order images in-camera with a system that transfers in the EXIF data to image manipulation software. The press release doesn’t specify which software but we can safely assume that Hasselblad’s Phocus application will be able to read and display the ratings.
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The focus bracketing feature allows users to specify the number of shots taken and the incremental differences between the focus positions. There’s also the facility to delay the first exposure to allow all vibrations from the camera to subside before the sequence begins.
A separate release sees new firmware for the XCD 45P lens that will make it compatible with the new focus bracketing feature and fixes an issue which saw the AF being cancelled if the user was holding the focusing ring of the lens.
For more information see the Hasselblad website, and download the firmware here.
There’s also a Firmware 1.2.0 walk-through video on YouTube
Press release:
HASSELBLAD BRINGS POWERFUL UPDATES FOR EXPANDED CREATIVITY TO X1D II 50C, 907X SPECIAL EDITION AND XCD 45P
Introducing its largest firmware update to any Hasselblad camera at one time, Hasselblad launches Firmware Update 1.2.0 for both X1D II 50C and 907X Special Edition medium format cameras, in addition to Firmware Update 0.1.24 for the XCD 45P lens. A multitude of powerful features are added to the X1D II 50C and 907X Special Edition, including 2.7K/29.97 Video Recording, Focus Bracketing with all XCD lenses, Image Rating for simple image sorting and selection, White Balance Picker Tool, and more, resulting in further enhanced digital medium format camera systems that provide a wider breadth of creative possibilities. With the latest update to XCD 45P, Focus Bracketing can now be enabled on all X System cameras and 907X Special Edition cameras in addition to improved stability of auto focus and manual focus. Constantly striving to improve its camera systems with new updates and enhanced features, Hasselblad is determined to create even more powerful medium format shooting experiences for all types of visual artists.
FIRMWARE UPDATE 1.2.0: NEW FEATURES FOR BOTH X1D II 50C AND 907X SPECIAL EDITION
- Video Recording: Expanding the imaging options of the X1D II 50C and 907X Special Edition, 2.7K (2720 x 1530) & HD (1920 x 1080) video capture has been added. Video can be recorded at 29.97 fps with 4:2:0 8-bit colour. The 2.7K resolution option delivers improved capture of detail, whilst balancing the storage space.
- Focus Bracketing: Expanding the feature set of the?X1D II 50C and 907X Special Edition even further, Focus Bracketing allows a photographer trying to capture a subject with very limited depth of field, such as in macro or product photography, to capture a series of exposures of their chosen subject at a fractionally different focus point in each and then combine these captures in their chosen stacking software. The photographer will have full control over the number of frames in the sequence, the step size between each capture and an initial delay to allow any support system vibration to diminish. Note: Requires lens firmware?0.5.33 or later for all XCD lenses excluding XCD 45P. XCD 45P requires firmware 0.1.24 or later.
- Image Rating: Image Rating can now be applied to all still image captures in camera, making image sorting and selection much easier when the captures are transferred to the user’s computer system. When in image playback mode, with the capture details overlay on screen, the photographer simply presses the star button or presses the displayed stars. All ratings are stored in the metadata of the captured image.
- 2/3 stops added in Exposure Bracketing: The Exposure Bracketing function step options have been expanded to support 2/3 stops steps in addition to the existing steps.
- Expanded White Balance Tools: The menu organization and selection of White Balance presets has been improved with display of colour temperature and tint at each setting. For the most precise colour, a Picker has also been added where the photographer can sample a neutral portion of the image to balance colour.
- Auto White Balance based on captured image: Auto White Balance is now based on the captured image which means that AWB can also be used when shooting in Manual Quick Mode (Manual Quick Mode specific to X1D II 50C only). It also solves the issue when working with flash in tungsten lighting where, previously, the correct white balance showed in either Live View or the captured image – now the correct white balance is present in both Live View and the final still image.
- New language: Traditional Chinese has been added to language options.
FIRMWARE UPDATE 1.2.0: NEW FEATURES SPECIFIC TO X1D II 50C
- EVF proximity sensor settings: It is now possible for users to adjust the sensitivity of the EVF proximity sensor. The improved setting accommodates users whose typical handling style does not always engage the sensor or prefer to disable the EVF completely.
- Reset custom buttons option: A menu option has been added that will allow the custom buttons to be returned to factory defaults.
FIRMWARE UPDATE 1.2.0: NEW FEATURES SPECIFIC TO CFV II 50C DIGITAL BACK IN 907X SPECIAL EDITION
- Additional camera support: Cable-free operation with CFV II 50C Digital Back on 2000-cameras and unmodified 200-cameras added. Note: some cameras may not fully work due to mechanical tolerances of old cameras.
- Auto White Balance: It is now possible to automatically set White Balance for captured images.
FIRMWARE UPDATE 0.1.24 FOR XCD 45P
- Support for Focus Bracketing: Focus Bracketing is now available on the X1D II 50C and the 907X Special Edition. Firmware update 0.1.24 enables Focus Bracketing to be used on the XCD 45P.
- Improved stability of AF & MF: Full time Manual focus input sensitivity has been modified, to reduce the possibility of AF stopping when holding the lens.
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)