DJI scoops up Hasselblad?

[pmxperience]

What do you guys think this means for the future of the brand?

 

[phrehdd]

What do you guys think this means for the future of the brand?

I like the latest mirrorless version of the Blad. I think it may not last long unless DJI can show it is in for the long haul. That was two things about the make - longevity and quality. I would guess that Fuji and Pentax will fair far far better in the "medium format" sensor cameras.

 

[steveash]

I think it can only be good news. The previous owners were investers who wanted to see short term profits for minimal outlay. Since DJI became involved they have launched their first all-new medium format body/system in 15 years. Hopefully the two companies can develop side by side.

 

[kenoh]

I like the latest mirrorless version of the Blad. I think it may not last long unless DJI can show it is in for the long haul. That was two things about the make - longevity and quality. I would guess that Fuji and Pentax will fair far far better in the "medium format" sensor cameras.

It is the Rolex, Patek scenario isnt it? Fuji and Pentax are the Rolex brands.... popular well known, people aspire to them but those who really know, know what is beyond Rolex... beyond Fuji and Pentax to blad.

I am hoping that they are successful in the semi professional space as the 600 hex copter platform with a blad X1D rig on it would be incredible no?

I hope DJI help them get back into the fast flowing innovation stream as I think that as smartphones take over the lower end of the camera market, enthusiasts will climb to higher ground to hold on to their specialist imaging devices so hopefully that will mean more people move into the MF space. Hell, If I could afford a Leica S or a H5D I would love to try it but we are into the Large Family Hatchback territory on their pricing!

Either way it is going to get interesting for Hasselbald and DJI - DJI need to get better imaging tech to compete as it looks like that is the main use of drones right now, and Hasselblad want to get more mainstream to feed their R&D budgets... could be a good match... no?

 

[phrehdd]

Kenoh, well I believe it is as I said (and certianly more is involved) that quality and longevity is what will get people to stay on board. After that, people might consider it even more if the price would drop to remain competitive. I will admit that (though never handled one) that the X1D looks like a camera I would like to use based on its function over form element and strangely the form is elegant in simple clean lines.

 

[steveash]

Hell, If I could afford a Leica S or a H5D I would love to try it but we are into the Large Family Hatchback territory on their pricing!

To be honest and at risk of igniting your GAS (I could have worded that better!), you could pick up a lightly used H1 or H2 body and a P25 back and you would have some of the most beautifully rendered images of any camera for the price of an average full frame DSLR. The old CCD sensors have arguably better sharpness, colour accuracy and rendering than the newer (and smaller) CMOS. The lower resolution backs also benefit from lovely great big pixels too (google 'fat pixel backs' if you dare...). Just don't expect modern tech or to use it above base ISO.

Either way it is going to get interesting for Hasselbald and DJI - DJI need to get better imaging tech to compete as it looks like that is the main use of drones right now, and Hasselblad want to get more mainstream to feed their R&D budgets... could be a good match... no?

Agreed. I think the H series' days may be numbered once an X1D 100 has been released. That will leave anyone wanting to use a zoom or longer lens with a strangely balanced camera, but I think that's something we're all going to have to get used to. I wonder if their multi-shot tech will make it over to the X1D, that would really put it well above competitors.

 

[kenoh]

To be honest and at risk of igniting your GAS (I could have worded that better!), you could pick up a lightly used H1 or H2 body and a P25 back and you would have some of the most beautifully rendered images of any camera for the price of an average full frame DSLR. The old CCD sensors have arguably better sharpness, colour accuracy and rendering than the newer (and smaller) CMOS. The lower resolution backs also benefit from lovely great big pixels too (google 'fat pixel backs' if you dare...). Just don't expect modern tech or to use it above base ISO.



Agreed. I think the H series' days may be numbered once an X1D 100 has been released. That will leave anyone wanting to use a zoom or longer lens with a strangely balanced camera, but I think that's something we're all going to have to get used to. I wonder if their multi-shot tech will make it over to the X1D, that would really put it well above competitors.

CCD... Now you are talking... You are talking to a M9 devotee here... CCD is gorgeous... Never thought of an H1 or an H2... Hmm... you may have ignited my GAS pretty bad...

 

[phrehdd]

CCD... Now you are talking... You are talking to a M9 devotee here... CCD is gorgeous... Never thought of an H1 or an H2... Hmm... you may have ignited my GAS pretty bad...

Have you (or steveash for that matter) taken a look at Fuji's medium format camera? While I still admit I like the lines of the Blad and its menu system, the Fuji seems a better bang for the buck with similar and possibly in some cases better output. Any thoughts?

 

[kenoh]

Have you (or steveash for that matter) taken a look at Fuji's medium format camera? While I still admit I like the lines of the Blad and its menu system, the Fuji seems a better bang for the buck with similar and possibly in some cases better output. Any thoughts?

Now not thought about the Fuji. Being honest, bit if a sheep moment... My brother in-law and another pro friend use Hasselblads for their work so I relate that to being the best because they use them. The Fuji's are interesting too. Thanks be honest this is just me being silly. I can't spend that kind of cash right now and if I was going to I would likely put it on something with a red dot on it.

However, back in the real world I have a bathroom and a family room to build out so spending thousands on a new toy would likely attract the wrath of Mrs Kenoh

 

[Apple fanboy]

Now not thought about the Fuji. Being honest, bit if a sheep moment... My brother in-law and another pro friend use Hasselblads for their work so I relate that to being the best because they use them. The Fuji's are interesting too. Thanks be honest this is just me being silly. I can't spend that kind of cash right now and if I was going to I would likely put it on something with a red dot on it.

However, back in the real world I have a bathroom and a family room to build out so spending thousands on a new toy would likely attract the wrath of Mrs Kenoh

If it helps just buy it and keep it at my house. Then Mrs Kenoh won't need to know!

 

[steveash]

Have you (or steveash for that matter) taken a look at Fuji's medium format camera? While I still admit I like the lines of the Blad and its menu system, the Fuji seems a better bang for the buck with similar and possibly in some cases better output. Any thoughts?

The details seem a bit sketchy at the moment so its hard to say. The main things that attract me to MF were image quality/accuracy and the high flash sync speed of leaf shutter lenses. The Pentax 645 was always an odd one because the central shutter gave very slow sync speeds yet it was a bit big to use outside the studio for any length of time. These new cameras are that bit more versatile. I think the X1D will also attract current Hasselblad owners as their lenses can be adapted.

If there is one camera I do lust for it's the Leica S Typ 007. Reasonably compact (DSLR size) but well balanced, solidly made and with some really stunning lenses. Trouble is, even if I found the cash my best work would still get less attention than funny cat pictures...

 

[fathergll]

To be honest and at risk of igniting your GAS (I could have worded that better!), you could pick up a lightly used H1 or H2 body and a P25 back and you would have some of the most beautifully rendered images of any camera for the price of an average full frame DSLR. The old CCD sensors have arguably better sharpness, colour accuracy and rendering than the newer (and smaller) CMOS. The lower resolution backs also benefit from lovely great big pixels too (google 'fat pixel backs' if you dare...). Just don't expect modern tech or to use it above base ISO.

I've considered this but im always nervous on options if something goes being an older used body.

 

[kenoh]

If it helps just buy it and keep it at my house. Then Mrs Kenoh won't need to know!

Nah she knows me too well. She would know I was up to something...

She was rummaging in my office last night and I hate that because she moves stuff and that gets on my nerves. Yes I am OCD.

Anyway she wanted headphones. So I went in a gave her a pair of headphones from my drawer full of cables and headphones. She sensed my tension using her wifey senses and her response was

Mrs "where is it?"
Me "what?"
Mrs "What have you bought? Where is it? Is it another camera?"

She immediately assumed I was hiding a purchase...

So no, hiding it at yours only makes me look more guilty when inevitably she finds out anyway

Having said that, sensing her anger levels, she didn't seem to put out at the possibility of me having a new toy... So maybe there is scope for a wee treat sometime soon? Hmm.... Choices choices...

Pen-F, Q, a6000.... Hmm....


[doublepost=1484120392][/doublepost]

The details seem a bit sketchy at the moment so its hard to say. The main things that attract me to MF were image quality/accuracy and the high flash sync speed of leaf shutter lenses. The Pentax 645 was always an odd one because the central shutter gave very slow sync speeds yet it was a bit big to use outside the studio for any length of time. These new cameras are that bit more versatile. I think the X1D will also attract current Hasselblad owners as their lenses can be adapted.

If there is one camera I do lust for it's the Leica S Typ 007. Reasonably compact (DSLR size) but well balanced, solidly made and with some really stunning lenses. Trouble is, even if I found the cash my best work would still get less attention than funny cat pictures...

That is a nice bit of kit. I like that but I would have to rethink my approach completely before spending that much. Am I really that into it? I mean don't get me wrong, I am heavily into photography, but £30K on a camera system into it? It would have to be earning revenue for me at that cost.

I am still thinking of MF being the next step up in quality, not because I need to eek out the last drop of details but because subconscious I am still despite trying to train myself not to, thinking better gear better pictures. I think the next step in my journey is to learn to be at peace with images that are not necessarily tack sharp for the sake of art.

I look at images from Ming Thein for example and think to myself how the hell, given identical body and lens setup, are his images so eye stabbingly sharp... And mine just aren't..

I think like the crop vs FF 35mm argument, if you have to ask why MF is better than FF for you, then you don't need MF.

And those funny cat pictures are real funny though aren't they?

 

[Apple fanboy]

Nah she knows me too well. She would know I was up to something...

She was rummaging in my office last night and I hate that because she moves stuff and that gets on my nerves. Yes I am OCD.

Anyway she wanted headphones. So I went in a gave her a pair of headphones from my drawer full of cables and headphones. She sensed my tension using her wifey senses and her response was

Mrs "where is it?"
Me "what?"
Mrs "What have you bought? Where is it? Is it another camera?"

She immediately assumed I was hiding a purchase...

So no, hiding it at yours only makes me look more guilty when inevitably she finds out anyway

Having said that, sensing her anger levels, she didn't seem to put out at the possibility of me having a new toy... So maybe there is scope for a wee treat sometime soon? Hmm.... Choices choices...

Pen-F, Q, a6000.... Hmm....


[doublepost=1484120392][/doublepost]


That is a nice bit of kit. I like that but I would have to rethink my approach completely before spending that much. Am I really that into it? I mean don't get me wrong, I am heavily into photography, but £30K on a camera system into it? It would have to be earning revenue for me at that cost.

I am still thinking of MF being the next step up in quality, not because I need to eek out the last drop of details but because subconscious I am still despite trying to train myself not to, thinking better gear better pictures. I think the next step in my journey is to learn to be at peace with images that are not necessarily tack sharp for the sake of art.

I look at images from Ming Thein for example and think to myself how the hell, given identical body and lens setup, are his images so eye stabbingly sharp... And mine just aren't..

I think like the crop vs FF 35mm argument, if you have to ask why MF is better than FF for you, then you don't need MF.

And those funny cat pictures are real funny though aren't they?

It's how you train them. Mine lets me buy what I want!
But then I let her do the same. Her card making hobby is expensive!
(Well not compared to mine!).