Hasselblad Launches H3D-II Medium Format
Among updates, the H3D-II successor promises a bigger LCD screen, improved color and detail, a heat cooling system, and a new embedded GPS system to record coordinates during capture. The H3D-II bodies will have a price range from $25,000 to $34,000.
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***Sept. 25, 2007* – Hasselblad announced the follow-up to the H3D, a year ago declared the world’s first 48mm full frame digital SLR when the launch made waves at Photokina 2006. Titled the H3D-II, the updated medium format camera will be offered, like its predecessor, in three versions; 22-megapixel, 31-megapixel, and 39-megapixel editions. The H3D-II has a bigger LCD screen, improved color and detail, a heat cooling system, and a new embedded GPS system to record coordinates during capture. The H3D-II bodies will range in price from $25,000 to $34,000.
"Hasselblad’s H3D line of products achieve a new level of digital maturity and integration with the launch of the H3D-II, the fourth iteration of the camera system and one that can now justifiably lay claim to be the world’s finest digital SLR camera," stated a company press release.
One of the main features of the H3D-11 is its Global Image Locator (GIL), a function typically assigned to point-and-shoots or as an optional SLR accessory to gather GPS data. The Hasselblad GIL uses an integrated system that automatically records coordinates during capture and saves the information as attached metadata.
With the new Phocus image processing software, users can search for image files using the coordinates. Phocus also allows users to directly link to Google Earth. The Phocus RAW Converter promises reduced moiré from 3FR files. In addition, the Digital APO Correction III software corrects for image distortion, color aberration, and vignetting.
Externally, the HD3-II has a larger 3-inch LCD, up from the 2.2-inch screen of the older model. The DSLR also has a dedicated button for ISO and white balance settings.
The HD3-II makes some changes internally, as well. A heatsink is attached to the 48 x 36mm CCD image sensor to disperse heat throughout the camera body and ultimately decrease system temperature.
"With the introduction of the Hasselblad H3D-II, we believe that the world’s best high-end DSLR camera has just got better,' said Hasselblad CEO Christian Poulsen in the release.
The H3D-39II is priced at $33,995, the H3D-31II at $26,995, and the H3D-22II at $24,995. The Hasselblad digital SLRs are now available worldwide.
"The Hasselblad H3D-II continues the evolution of the world’s most advanced DSLR camera system, and will set a new standard for digital photographic quality," Poulsen said.