Jake Fruia
Hasselblad announced the release of its new HV DSLR. It’s most outstanding feature? It’s price: $11,500. Yes, it shoots video, but .H264 not 2k or 4k as the price tag may imply.
Hasselblad seems to be directing the HV exclusively toward professional still shooters, as well as presenting it as Rolex might present a high end sports watch. It’s clear that a great deal of work has gone into making the HV exactly that: the functional tool that every high end photographer wants to use and be seen using. Notice I said photographer, as that’s exactly who they’re pointing this camera at, despite the popularity of using DSLRs for video capture. Hasselblad CEO Ian Rawcliffe had this to say in the HV’s launch press release:
The new HV is the latest model in our rapidly expanding portfolio of consumer cameras that seamlessly blend beauty and chic with performance. This camera is aimed squarely at people who don’t just love taking pictures – but love taking them in real style. And the HV doesn’t just look good; it feels good to hold too. We maintained a sharp focus on ergonomics and we used only premium materials like titanium, high-grade aluminium and latest ‘tough as nails’ PVD coatings. There are growing numbers of very keen and often extremely talented amateur photographers and photo-enthusiasts all over the world that are willing to invest in the kind of high performance capture products that elite professionals enjoy.
The HV possesses a 24.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor and comes equipped with a Carl Zeiss 24-70mm f/2.8 lens. Its included accessories are a “…high performance ‘super resin’ case” and two Li-Ion batteries.
Sounds impressive, however, according to DigitalTrends.com, this camera is a Hasselblad in name only…in reality, it’s the Sony SLT-A99. Here’s more from DigitalTrends.com:
Of course, as with the Lunar and Stellar, Hasselblad doesn’t mention in its press release or the website that beneath the ritzy exterior is actually the Sony A99 DSLR; everything, from the 24.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor to the SteadyShot image stabilization system, is made by Sony.
When it comes to this new “sports” DSLR and its role in the over populated DSLR market, Rawcliffe has this to say, “Our brand new HV DSLR will completely satisfy all those who wish to not only treat themselves to an exclusive photo-icon but also revel in crafting exceptional pictures and video with an exceptional camera.”
However, when compared to less expensive full frame DSLRs like the Alpha99, 5D Mark III or the D800 which run about a third of the price minus the Zeiss lens, (which if sold alone would be about $2K), it’s questionable whether or not you’re getting much more than the status of owning a Hasselblad. Our advice, if you’re planning on going for the HV, go for the Alpha and spend your savings on more Zeiss glass instead.
You can find out more in Haaselblad’s press release below, and more technical info about the HV can be found on its website at www.hasselblad-hv.com.
Hasselblad Makes A Brand New Style Statement With Its Latest Camera For Photo-Enthusiasts
Hasselblad, the iconic camera-maker favoured by many of the world’s most accomplished professional photographers, has launched a brand new ‘elite’ camera – and this time pointed it at amateur photo-enthusiasts who demand the ultimate in both style and performance.
The sleek new Hasselblad HV, which is available immediately, will retail at € 8500 (excl taxes) and boasts some of the most advanced camera technology ever engineered for the enthusiast marketplace.
Announcing the launch Hasselblad CEO Ian Rawcliffe said: “The new HV is the latest model in our rapidly expanding portfolio of consumer cameras that seamlessly blend beauty and chic with performance. This camera is aimed squarely at people who don’t just love taking pictures – but love taking them in real style. And the HV doesn’t just look good; it feels good to hold too. We maintained a sharp focus on ergonomics and we used only premium materials like titanium, high-grade aluminium and latest ‘tough as nails’ PVD coatings.”
He added: “There are growing numbers of very keen and often extremely talented amateur photographers and photo-enthusiasts all over the world that are willing to invest in the kind of high performance capture products that elite professionals enjoy. Our brand new HV DSLR will completely satisfy all those who wish to not only treat themselves to an exclusive photo-icon but also revel in crafting exceptional pictures and video with an exceptional camera.
The new and easy to use HV has a 24.3 megapixel full-frame sensor and comes with a legendary Carl Zeiss 24-70mm lens – for extreme sharpness and outstanding contrast. The camera also has 35mm full-frame HD moviemaking capability for outstanding performance, even in dark conditions.
The HV ships with a specially designed, extremely robust and high performance ‘super resin’ case (like the pros use) guaranteeing extra protection from dust, water, chemical agents and impacts and shocks.
It can also deal with extreme weather conditions (from minus 40°C up to 80° C). This lightweight case doubles as an integrated organiser to hold not just the camera, all cables and chargers, memory cards and photo-literature but also an iPad and a regular size laptop.
For more information visit: www.hasselblad-hv.com
