Hasselblad H3D

Shot by Chase Jarvis

 The Evolution of the H3D.

At Hasselblad we have always taken optimized, resulting in a much higher experience. The result is not just another
pride in finding new ways to use exist- level quality per pixel count. This “DSLR step in the evolution of a camera system.
ing technology to push the photographic Advantage” has not transferred to high- It is an evolutionary leap. You could say
envelope, or – when that doesn’t work end cameras. Until now. that the H3D is the camera we’ve been
– creating technology that will. In recent waiting over fifty years to produce.
years the changes that have taken place
in the photographic world – and the The new Hasselblad H3D is not just Simply put, the H3D is the world’s most
challenges they have brought with them the world’s best DSLR camera – it is advanced DSLR camera system. Which
– have made this more necessary than an entirely new kind of DSLR. A camera shouldn’t come as such a surprise.
ever before. that combines the advanced digital com- We’ve been making the world’s best cam-
munication and optimization of the best eras for quite some time. And we are still
Advances in sensor size, pixel quality DSLRs with the quality and versatility of motivated by the same passion for pho-
and color fidelity have brought great the Hasselblad system. A camera whose tography that inspired Victor Hasselblad
changes to digital photography, increas- time has come. to invent the classic V system cameras.
ing quality dramatically. Unfortunately, The Hasselblad tradition has always
the improved end quality of images has The H3D combines the experience and been one of innovation, of advances,
been much more apparent in 35mm digital advances gained with the H1D and of unflagging dedication to quality.
DSLR cameras than in high-end digital and H2D with an unprecedented level of Hasselblad has never settled for “good
cameras and camera backs. The reason flexibility and quality, previously unseen enough”. And we don’t think photogra-
behind this is simple. The interaction in DSLRs. It represents the combination phers should have to do so either.
between components in a true DSLR of decades of photographic expertise
camera enables all parameters to be and a keen understanding of the digital That’s why we made the H3D.
 Introducing the World’s First 48mm, Full-Frame
DSLR Camera System: The Hasselblad H3D.

More than just Largest format digital capture.

the sum of the parts.
The H3D represents an entirely new Unlike conventional medium format It’s no secret that in digital photography,
approach to integrated digital cam- camera/back solutions, the innovative size still matters. The H3D’s Full-Frame
eras. The H3D is the ultimate high-end cycle of communication between lens concept offers unique control of image
DSLR camera system for professional and capture unit in the H3D results in a composition and the large format light
photographers. Built around a ground- new level of image quality with a higher channel provided by the H3D enables
breaking new digital camera engine, the level of detail and true sharpness. This the use of the largest image sensors
H3D takes photographic flexibility and inter-communication lays the ground currently available – 48x36mm – more
image quality to new levels and enables for Hasselblad’s Digital APO Correction than twice the size of even the largest
unprecedented photographic benefits (DAC) and the new Ultra-Focus function- 35mm camera sensors. These sensors
from the interaction between the vari- ality, setting new standards for profes- hold more and larger pixels, ensuring
ous system components. With the H3D sional image quality. ultra sharp images without gradation
you get all the benefits of the previous break-ups in even the finest lit surfaces.
H System cameras, plus increased lens
performance and an unprecedented level
of image sharpness. The H3D can out-
perform any professional digital camera
system on the market today, delivering
unmatched pixel resolution, better colors,
and improved detail rendering.
Made to use. Instant Approval Architecture New waist-level viewfinder.
– knowing what you’ve got.
The H3D has been designed to bring The H3D also features Hasselblad’s One of the most popular features of the
the utmost in creative flexibility to your Instant Approval Architecture (IAA), an V System was the flexibility to choose
photography. By using the advanced enhanced set of feedback tools designed between eye-level and waist-level view-
communication inherent in the system, to drastically simplify the image selec- finders. Hasselblad has now brought
the unique design of the H3D design tion process so you can concentrate on this useful feature into the H System
has paved the way for a completely new your shoot. Audible and visible signals as well, with the launch of an inter-
28mm lens, especially designed and and recorded information in the file and changeable, waist-level viewfinder for
carefully optimized for digital capture the file name make classification and the H system cameras. The large, bright
with the H3D. This lens – the first of its sorting quick and easy, whether in the viewfinder image is ideal for creative
kind in the digital world – brings image field or in the lab. The Hasselblad H3D is composing, and shooting from a lower
quality to an unprecedented level, and fully integrated with the Hasselblad IAA, than eye-level position opens creative
includes advanced digital correction for bringing automated image classification possibilities. This viewfinder enables
color aberration and distortion. Also, into your digital workflow from the split photographers to maintain eye contact
like its predecessors, the Hasselblad second of capture. with the model, a key advantage in por-
H3D is operated via an easy-to-use user trait photography. With the H3D you get
interface, utilizing a series of “instant” a choice of viewfinders – eye- or waist-
one-button-click operations including level – an important flexibility for the
instant capture, instant browse, instant professional photographer.
approval, instant zoom, and instant
image info.
Better color, better workflow, The 28mm HCD.
better business.
The H3D utilizes Hasselblad’s new, DNG file format. All H3D image files carry The groundbreaking technology of the
powerful color technology, the a full set of metadata, including capture H3D has made possible a specially
Hasselblad Natural Color Solution conditions, keywords and copyright. designed 28mm lens, expressly devel-
(HNCS). HNCS works invisibly in the oped for this camera. The design has
background in conjunction with FlexColor been optimized for the 36x48mm sen-
imaging software to produce outstand- Workflow for the professional sor area of the H3D, resulting in an
ing and reliable out-of-the-box results, photographer extremely compact lens that can fully
whatever the challenge, with skin tones, utilize the Digital APO Correction func-
special product gradations, and other FlexColor enables an image processing tion and further increase the resolution
difficult colors reproduced easily and workflow that gives the highest degree of the image.
effectively. of control for your studio photography.
The latest version of the FlexColor soft-
In addition, the H3D uses Hasselblad’s ware enables you to manipulate color
custom raw file format, 3F RAW (3FR), temperature and compare image details
to ensure that images captured on across multiple images for precise
Hasselblad digital products are quickly image selection.
and safely stored, including the spe-
cial color information necessary for FlexColor uses the 3FR files and runs
the HNCS. 3FR files are stored using on both Macintosh and Windows com-
lossless image compression, reducing puters and allows you to provide free
required storage space by 33%. The 3FR copies to all your co-workers and pro-
files can be converted into Adobe’s raw duction partners.
image format DNG via FlexColor in order
to utilize the Digital APO Correction and Full-Frame 28mm HCD lens – delivering unique,
optimize the colors available within the distortion-free image quality.
A new breed of DSLR. The H3D Advantage: Now it's in your hands.

Unmatched combination of quality and flexibility Over fifty years ago, Victor Hasselblad
designed the best camera system in the
world. And in the ensuing decades, pho-
Ultra Focus: integral optimization of digital lens performance tographers used that system to create
some of the finest photographic images
Digital APO Correction for improved distortion-free image man has ever produced. Images that
quality encapsulated – and changed – the way
we see the world around us.
39 megapixels, Full-Frame digital 28mm wide angle shooting Now, over half a century later, we’ve
created an even better camera system.
Hasselblad Natural Color Solution We can’t wait to see what you do with it.

Choice of eye-level or waist-level viewfinders

 2

3 5

1
4
The H3D
camera system.
Just as the whole is more than the sum ing screens, they make precise focusing, protection. Built around high-strength
of its parts, buying a camera is not the depth-of-field accuracy, and composition aluminum cores and solid, stainless
same as buying into a camera system. easier than ever before. The Hasselblad steel housing they ensure reliable and
When you buy a Hasselblad system system includes a comprehensive range durable performance under even the
you are buying into a total photographic of viewfinders that match almost any toughest of conditions and for many
approach. We are constantly developing condition or application and allow you to years to come.
new technology and new ways to enable choose your composition format at will.
improved communication between sys- 4. Capture and Control Unit.
tem components. 2. Lenses. The Hasselblad capture and control
The lens is the first – and perhaps most units are designed to achieve stunning
When combining Hasselblad lenses, important – step in the technical side of image quality and optimize workflow.
viewfinders, capture units, and software the photographic process. The amount Hasselblad provides three modes of
with a digital Hasselblad camera, you of light one can capture and how one storage, CF card, portable Image Bank,
are guaranteed a level of quality, func- captures it determines a great deal of the or straight to computer shooting.
tionality, customization, and flexibility rest of the process. Hasselblad lenses
unmatched by any other system in the are specially equipped to transmit com- 5. Software.
world. And more importantly you are plex image data throughout the system, The software included with Hasselblad
guaranteed that the quality of the imag- enabling a wide range of advanced func- camera systems doesn’t just provide
es that come out of your camera will not tions, such as Digital APO Correction, a powerful post production toolkit, it
betray the vision that went into it. Instant Approval Architecture, and more. provides remote hardware control, bet-
ter workflow solutions, and the most
1. Viewfinders. 3. Camera Housing. accurate color reproduction in the world
Hasselblad viewfinders ensure that what Hasselblad cameras are renowned for today. All software is designed to pro-
you see is what you get. And when used their ruggedness and durability and duce professional-level results on both
together with our extremely bright focus- their highly efficient internal stray-light Mac OS and Windows platforms.
Shot by Michael Graf
Photographic
Flexibility.
With the Hasselblad H3D you can customize your style of shooting
to suit your own specific form of photography – and then to change
it the next day or the next minute as your needs change.

Because we think a camera should be as versatile as the people

who use it.

Exposure Flexibility. Workflow Flexibility. Storage Flexibility.

The central lens shutter featured in When importing images from your CF The H3D operates with one of three
all lenses enables you to use flash at card or Image Bank you can choose the media types; the CF card for maximum
high shutter speeds without shadowing 3FR or a DNG workflow. With the 3FR mobility, the Image Bank, for shooting
effects. The ability to use flash sync at you get all the expert tools provided by many images quickly, and the tethered
all shutter speeds provides both crea- Hasselblad with the DNG you get a good solution for studio operation. With
tive and practical flexibility. mainstream solution. these three operating and storage
options, you can select a mode to suit
your particular style of working.
Composition Flexibility. Lens Flexibility.
The H3D comes with a new HVD 90x The outstanding range of Hasselblad
viewfinder designed for full performance HC lenses is suitable for both analogue
Capture Flexibility.
over the large 36x48mm sensor. With and digital work. Hasselblad has also Film or digital? Your H3D is equally at
the H3D system, however, you have the begun to provide HCD lenses, opening home in either format, for whatever
choice of three different viewfinders new creative opportunities, the first reason, creative or practical. The dig-
– the analogue viewfinder, the digital being the 28mm wide angle lens. ital capture unit of the H3D can be
viewfinder, and the classic waist level detached and used on a view camera
viewfinder – so can choose how you controlled by the flash sync signal from
want to compose your shots. Camera Flexibility. the view camera shutter. A clean and
dust-free sensor is essential and the
The digital part of the H3D camera can modular design of the camera allows
be detached and mounted on a view
Sensor Flexibility. camera, such as a Linhof or Sinar, giv-
for easy access to and cleaning of the
sensor, saving you hours of retouching
The H3D is available in two versions, ing you opportunities that are unrivalled work later.
one containing a 22 megapixel sensor by other camera manufacturers.
and the other featuring a sensor with a
staggering 39 megapixel. You can
choose an H3D to suit your specific
resolution needs.

Viewing flexibility with new Ultra fast storage with H3D-39 back with i-Adapter
waistlevel viewfinder 100 GB Image Bank. used on a view camera.
 Shot by Calle Stoltz

Hasselblad
Star Quality
Certain key components define superior image quality:

Resolution, Sharpness, Natural Color, Clarity, and Detail.

All of these parameters play a significant role. No one parameter

alone – or pair, or three – can provide superior image quality. To
achieve utmost image quality, photographers need a system that
excels in all five of these areas.

Resolution. Sharpness. Natural Color.

Why is “Bigger” still “Better”? Simply Image sharpness has always been one In the past, color management solu-
put, the more megapixels you have, the of the key identifying features of top- tions have imposed limitations on pro-
more accurate the details of your shot notch photography. The sharper the fessional digital photographers, forcing
are and the lower the risk of moiré and image and the clearer the detail, the them to choose a specific color profile
other single-shot artifacts and the more more an image can be enlarged, digitally to suit each specific job and thereby
correct your colors can be. sharpened or creatively cropped. And sacrificing some colors to get others
the more pleasing they are to the eye. right. An unacceptable solution, in our
Hasselblad 39 megapixel sensors are opinion.
more than twice the physical size of The Digital APO Correction process,
today’s largest 35mm sensors, produc- working only with the H3D and the The Hasselblad Natural Color Solution
ing the largest digital files currently Hasselblad H System lenses, enables accurately reproduces the full visible
available for professional photography. even the most advanced optics in the color spectrum – be it skin tones,
You may never need each and every world to be further improved, provid- special product gradations, and other
pixel. But when you do need them, ing a level of image quality previously difficult colors – easily and effectively.
you’re awfully glad they’re there. Simply impossible. The Ultra Focus function of Every time and with the use of a single
put, the higher your resolution, the more the H3D provides auto-focus fine tuning color profile. Simple, correct, and indis-
creative you can be with your images. based upon the combined optics of the pensable.
lens and the sensor.

Detail.
Nowhere is the art of balance more
Clarity. evident than when it comes to interpola-
Finding optimal noise reduction tech- tion. Determining how to make jagged
niques is a tricky science. Finding the pixel lines smooth while maintaining
proper balance between preservation color, clarity and sharpness demands
of detail and clarity and the removal the most advanced calculations and
of unwanted static or “noise” from an enough knowledge of photography to
image requires an understanding of know which compromises are beneficial
both technology and of photography. – and which are not.

Hasselblad’s advanced noise reduction The Hasselblad single-shot interpola-

techniques are not just the rival of any tion is the best available and it allows
other system, they achieve an optimum you to accurately reproduce details
balance between desired richness of that have proved difficult for any digital
detail and noise-free imaging. system. Details such as single hair
strands, small colored patterns, small
text, and so on. With the H3D, you can
rest assured that all every detail is pre-
served – and nothing is sacrificed.
 Making the best even better.

The world’s first wide angle The first step to perfect images.
lens for a 48mm sensor.
A specially designed 28mm lens, Images don’t start out as ones and zeros Despite their durable design, Hasselblad
expressly developed for H3D, has now and they’re not born on film. They have lenses also have around twenty times
joined the Hasselblad lens range. This to get there. And no matter how fantastic less mass than focal plane shutters for
extremely compact lens has been opti- your digital system is, it can only capture the same frame size, which means that
mized for the 36x48mm sensor area the image your lens delivers. the shutter can react almost instan-
of the camera, and reaps full benefit of taneously when the release button is
our Digital APO Correction, even further The unsurpassed range of HC lenses pressed.
increasing the resolution of the image. feature extremely accurate and reliable
central lens shutter designs, which Hasselblad lenses are also extremely
expose the entire film area simultane- quiet in operation and generate far less
ously, not scanning across the frame vibrations than focal plane shutters do,
as focal plane shutters do, and allow especially important for digital photog-
flash sync at all shutter speeds, up to an raphy, producing sharper results and
astonishing speed of 1/800 sec. Focal allowing you to shoot hand-held even at
plane shutters, on the other hand, can slower shutter speeds without sacrific-
only use flash sync at shutter speeds ing quality.
less than 1/125 sec. HC lenses, give
great flexibility in professional fill-in flash
applications, helps solve troublesome
lighting conditions, and open up a world
of new creative opportunities.
 Shot by Claus-Peter Dudek

Ultra-Focus and digital

APO Correction.
In the H3D, information about lens and finest detail that a given lens can pro-
exact capture conditions are fed to the duce. And in a world where every image
digital camera engine, enabling precise- (and every pixel of every image) counts,
fine-tuning of the auto-focus mechanism, we’re sure that the results you achieve
taking into account the design of the lens with our digital APO correction will make
and the optical specification of the sen- you – and your customers – glad you
sor. This new feature brings a new level chose a Hasselblad system.
of sharpness and resolution to the entire
HC lens program.

In addition, Hasselblad’s patented digital

APO chromatic correction feature ena-
bles you to get even more out of every
lens. When using a complete Hasselblad
system, this feature allows the mapping
of each Hasselblad lens and the capture
of advanced data, which are then used
to perform an automated correction for
color aberration and distortion on every
shot, ensuring that every digital capture
is automatically optimized to provide the
H System
Platforms Digital solutions Sensors Viewfinders Film magazine Lenses Digital APO
H2 CF Back 22/39 Mpix Eye/Waistlevel Optional HC Range No
H3D 48mm 22/39 Mpix Full-Frame Eye/ Optional HC Range+HCD Yes
Full-Frame DSLR Waistlevel

V System
Platforms Digital solutions Sensors Viewfinders Film magazine Lenses Digital APO
503CW CFV Back 16 Mpix Eye/Waistlevel Optional Complete V Range No
503CWD 36x36mm DSLR 16 Mpix Eye/Waistlevel Optional Complete V Range No

Scanners
Scanners Max res Max speed Dust removal 3F scan button 3F workflow Feeder
Flextight X1 6300 dpi 60 MB/min Software based Yes Yes No
Flextight X5 8000 dpi 300 MB/min Hard- & software Yes Yes Yes

6
1 | 200
FALL

13 Euro
16 US
s
Dollars

www.victo
rbyhasselb
lad.com
new Hasselblad is proud to announce the
magazine from launch of VICTOR by Hasselblad, a truly
innovative publication for professional
hasselblad! photographers.

With a fresh editorial approach and

featuring outstanding image and produc-
tion quality, Victor will combine stunning
photography with fascinating and insight-
ful interviews and informative technical
articles. To subscribe or get more infor-
IA L mation log on to
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Technical specifications
Sensor size: Storage capacity: Dimensions with 2,8/80 mm lens:
39 Mpix (5412x7212 pixels) 2 GB CF card making room for (average): 153x131x213 mm [WxHxD]
22 Mpix (4080x5440 pixels) H3D-39: 40 images; H3D-22: 66 images
Weight: 2175 g (with Li-Ion battery and CF card)
Sensor dimensions: 36.7x49.0 mm Capture rate: 2 seconds/image including preview
Shutter speed range: 1/800 s to 32 seconds
H3D-39 file size: Color display: OLED 2.2”
Exposure metering:
Raw 3FR compressed:
Histogram feedback: Yes Metering options: Spot, Centre weighted and
50 MB average, TIFF 8bit: 117 MB
Average. Metering range Spot: EV2 to 21,
Acoustic feedback: Yes
H3D-22 file size: Centre weighted: EV1 to 21, Average: EV1 to 21
Raw 3FR compressed: File format: Hasselblad 3FR
Power supply:
30 MB average, TIFF 8bit: 66 MB
Software: FlexColor (included) Rechargeable Li-ion battery (7.2 VDC / 1850
Shooting mode: Single shot mAh). Optional cassette for 3 CR-123 Lithium
Platform support: Mac OSX, NT, 2000, XP batteries available.
ISO speed range: ISO 50-400
Host connection type: FireWire 800 (IEEE1394b) Film compatibility: Yes
Longest shutter speed: 32 seconds
Operating temperature: 0-45˚C/32-113˚F View Camera compatibility: Yes
Image storage: CF card, External Image Bank
or tethered to Mac or PC

www.hasselblad.com