Hasselblad has just released what it’s calling “the largest firmware update to any Hasselblad camera at one time,” updating the mirrorless medium format X1D II 50C and the 907X Special Edition with several highly-requested features like video recording, focus bracketing, and better white balance tools.

There are four major feature enhancements that come with Firmware Version 1.2.0: There’s 2.7K video recording, focus bracketing, image rating, and some new White Balance tools that give you more control over your image in-camera. In addition, the X1D II 50c also gets a “proximity” setting for the EVF sensor, and a custom button “reset” function.

VIDEO FUNCTIONALITY

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 8bit color. The 2.7K resolution option delivers improved capture of detail, whilst balancing the final video capture size.

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 stack 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.

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.

IMAGE RATING

Image Rating can now be applied to all 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.

WHITE BALANCE PICKER TOOL

When shooting in difficult lighting conditions, it is now possible to create a custom white balance based on a capture taken in the current lighting conditions. This can be especially helpful if there are mixed light sources in one image and a particular look is required.

EVF PROXIMITY SENSOR SETTINGS​

It is now possible for users to adjust the sensitivity of the EVF proximity sensor. This can be especially useful for users with glasses to fine-tune the sensor to react to their presence. It is also possible to reduce the sensitivity which will enable all users to fine-tune sensitivity for the personal needs and preferred viewing position.

AUTO WHITE BALANCE AVAILABLE IN MANUAL QUICK MODE​

Auto White Balance has been added to the White balance options when shooting in Manual Quick mode.

RESET CUSTOM BUTTONS OPTION​

A menu option has been added that will allow the custom buttons to be returned to factory defaults.

Firmware Version 1.2.0 for the X1D II 50C and 907X Special Edition is available to download from now.
More info on Hasselblad’s website.