So you've jumped into Hassy? I would be very interested in hearing your thoughts, especially on the files you get. At least 80-90% of equipment reviews I see are from people whose images I don't find interesting or special, so I ignore them. I am interested in hearing whether or to what extent you think the files may be different/better than FF in terms of dynamic range (especially that, since I highly value good highlight roll-off), detail, or color. (I know one can get pretty much the color you want from most any system these days in PP, but I will say that I like what I've seen of the rendition of foliage/green that comes straight out of Hassy/Phocus better than any other digital system without having to work too hard - with the exception of the DP Merrills).
I have shot/owned the Leica SL2, Q2, Q2M, Fujifilm GFX 100s, Sony A1 (used for several years), A9, A9II and now a pair of Nikon Z9s and a Z8. Bluntly, there is no comparison to my Hasselblad X2D and XCD lenses...I will even say my anniversary edition 907x is a step above (although a much different experience). IMHO, image quality, DR, is just on another level.
photonoclast wrote:
So you've jumped into Hassy? I would be very interested in hearing your thoughts, especially on the files you get. At least 80-90% of equipment reviews I see are from people whose images I don't find interesting or special, so I ignore them. I am interested in hearing whether or to what extent you think the files may be different/better than FF in terms of dynamic range (especially that, since I highly value good highlight roll-off), detail, or color. (I know one can get pretty much the color you want from most any system these days in PP, but I will say that I like what I've seen of the rendition of foliage/green that comes straight out of Hassy/Phocus better than any other digital system without having to work too hard - with the exception of the DP Merrills)....Show more →
I wrote half of a book ... PM sent.
CliffsNotes: I like it. Testing vs. other gear TBD for IQ diff's.
Handling, seems a bit quirky on some things as I'm trying to learn the new trick (old dog) on how to navigate certain modes / combinations / transitions. AF isn't on par with top tier FF counterparts. Works well enough for many things. Struggles a bit with slower response, if challenged with the harder stuff. Pretty much as stated in the reviews, but I didn't get it to be a "highly reactive" shooting rig. That would be duty for a FF camera, imo. It would be part of the "one for slow, one for go" strategy I have always leaned toward. That approach for me goes back to my days when I shot my Kodak SLR/C and Canon 1D II N combo.
The rewards for the "slow" that it brings to the table ... yeah, I'm liking it. Just gotta realize that a HumVee isn't a Formula 1. Different kind of performance ... each upper tier, just in diff ways. Upper Tier IQ, not upper tier speed.
Note: A HumVee can still haul ... but, it'll never keep up with an F1 on the track. Of course, an F1 will never keep up with a HumVee in the desert, either. Cuts both ways. Just gotta know what you're trying to cut.
I used a different workflow on this one, and a different export. Not sure, if I see banding in it or not. I'm clean on my file, but the posted version seems suspect on my monitor. Just wondering if others see anything that's an issue. Feel free to comment on IQ issues.
I used a different workflow on this one, and a different export. Not sure, if I see banding in it or not. I'm clean on my file, but the posted version seems suspect on my monitor. Just wondering if others see anything that's an issue. Feel free to comment on IQ issues.
So glad to see your postings of X1D II. I really enjoy all the images. I don't see any problems (banding) on my 27-inch I-Mac monitor. Look forward to seeing more of your images/postings. Thank you.
ocean2059 wrote:
So glad to see your postings of X1D II. I really enjoy all the images. I don't see any problems (banding) on my 27-inch I-Mac monitor. Look forward to seeing more of your images/postings. Thank you.
Thanks for the feedback.
Here's a grossly underexposed shot with the X1D II, plus a deep crop.
Under backlit Sodium Vapor.
Atypical kind of shot for me. They had approached me (I was on their turf) in my truck, and we chatted a bit (all good), and they walked away. Then, suddenly they turned around and shouted back to me "Take our picture !!"
My settings were not ready for that (low ISO, getting ready for some night tripod work), but I just "shot the moment" (handheld, hip shot, from the driver's seat) rather than fiddle with making exposure adjustments. I was about 6 stops underexposed (bottomed out on aperture) for them, so this is what I teased and styled out of the abyss.
TBH, I was surprised I got a focus lock in the dark. There was a "slight" hunt (1/4-1/2 second), and I figured it would be a swing and a miss. It was just a "point and pray" ... so, I was glad to see that I had something to work with, even if not much.
SOOC abyss for reference.
Kent Southers 2023
X1D II 50CXCD 80 lens80mmf/1.91/125s400 ISO-5.3 EV
Kent Southers 2023
X1D II 50CXCD 80 lens80mmf/1.91/125s400 ISO-5.3 EV
Here's a grossly underexposed shot with the X1D II, plus a deep crop.
Under backlit Sodium Vapor.
Atypical kind of shot for me. They had approached me (I was on their turf) in my truck, and we chatted a bit (all good), and they walked away. Then, suddenly they turned around and shouted back to me "Take our picture !!"
My settings were not ready for that (low ISO, getting ready for some night tripod work), but I just "shot the moment" (handheld, hip shot, from the driver's seat) rather than fiddle with making exposure adjustments. I was about 6 stops underexposed (bottomed out on aperture) for them, so this is what I teased and styled out of the abyss.
TBH, I was surprised I got a focus lock in the dark. There was a "slight" hunt (1/4-1/2 second), and I figured it would be a swing and a miss. It was just a "point and pray" ... so, I was glad to see that I had something to work with, even if not much.
ocean2059 wrote:
These files can be really pushed! Were you processing them with Hasselblad Phocus software?
Here are a few travel images from two months ago in France with X1D + XCD 45/4P lens (precessed using Hasselblad Phocus).
That was using ACR ... I might try and revisit them with Phocus and see if there's a substantial difference in what Hassy vs. Adobe can do on such a "torture" test. My early use of Phocus didn't strike me as vitally, compelling (new tricks, old dog workflow stuff, too) ... so I just resumed using Adobe. I'll be curious to see if Phocus can wrangle it better.
Interestingly (to me) enough, the sooc abyss is pretty representational of how dark it was out there. Maybe one stop brighter to my eye, but there wasn't much light to work with.
RustyBug wrote:
That was using ACR ... I might try and revisit them with Phocus and see if there's a substantial difference in what Hassy vs. Adobe can do on such a "torture" test. My early use of Phocus didn't strike me as vitally, compelling (new tricks, old dog workflow stuff, too) ... so I just resumed using Adobe. I'll be curious to see if Phocus can wrangle it better.
Interestingly (to me) enough, the sooc abyss is pretty representational of how dark it was out there. Maybe one stop brighter to my eye, but there wasn't much light to work with.
The X1D sensor is basically ISO invariant. I have 5 stop push files that are quite silly in how good they are. Exposing for the highlights and recovering shadows is a really valid way of shooting the X1D cameras. Other systems can fall apart doing this.
If you want to be impressed wait until you do a metered 10-15 minute exposure. The camera doesn't offer LENR because it doesn't need it. It's pre calibrated for it.
flash wrote:
The X1D sensor is basically ISO invariant. I have 5 stop push files that are quite silly in how good they are. Exposing for the highlights and recovering shadows is a really valid way of shooting the X1D cameras. Other systems can fall apart doing this.
If you want to be impressed wait until you do a metered 10-15 minute exposure. The camera doesn't offer LENR because it doesn't need it. It's pre calibrated for it.
Gordon
Thanks for the info, Gordon.
I've only gone out to about to about a two (2) minute exposure so far. BUT, it was readily noticed the experience lacked the LENR and the IQ was very nice. I cut my teeth on Fujichrome 50 (Velvia) and a tripod. I'd say that the experience of the Hassy on the tripod was most reminiscent of my days of yore. Extended exposures beyond what my M10R offered are on the radar. Having to wait for LENR between frames is a PITA (jacks up the mojo), the Hassy is much nicer to use in that regard.
One nifty feature on the Hassy is to be able to use the "X" button to interrupt the exposure and close the shutter. Nice to be able cut it short for unwanted intrusions into the scene.
I'm giving the Hassy a ride to see how I like it ... but, long exposure work is probably going to be a strong point that it separates itself from FF bodies. I reckon the Hassy will be my "one for slow" ... and if you aren't looking for F1 kind of go, it seems able to be something that carries "on the go" reasonably well for its size. That said, I will admit it is the first camera I've used where I actually like having it around my neck, rather than just in my hand, only.
But, it won't fill the bill for "go-go-go" kind of performance (I don't frequently do that kind of shooting). That'll be something for another body. Right now, battery life is the challenge (one battery only), but I'm managing to keep it charged via USB-C when I'm in my truck. I reckon I'll pick up a couple more batteries, and should be good in that regard, too.
BTW ... how's the battery life on the X2D? Worse, because of more pixels, etc.? Better, because of improved power / efficiency? About the same?
Mine has pretty much taken over from the Leica M and CL as a take-everywhere walkaround and travel camera. I think of it as an M with AF and close focusing.
It is not a flawless camera, and it is not a sports camera, but it has been my favorite camera for 3 years now.
And though I still own FF mirrrorless gear its use case gets smaller, and once I upgrade to the X2D (should be relatively soon) I believe it will get smaller again.
Mine has pretty much taken over from the Leica M and CL as a take-everywhere walkaround and travel camera. I think of it as an M with AF and close focusing.
It is not a flawless camera, and it is not a sports camera, but it has been my favorite camera for 3 years now.
And though I still own FF mirrrorless gear its use case gets smaller, and once I upgrade to the X2D (should be relatively soon) I believe it will get smaller again.
Interesting ... my progression has also gone CL > M > X.
I've only gone out to about to about a two (2) minute exposure so far. BUT, it was readily noticed the experience lacked the LENR and the IQ was very nice. I cut my teeth on Fujichrome 50 (Velvia) and a tripod. I'd say that the experience of the Hassy on the tripod was most reminiscent of my days of yore. Extended exposures beyond what my M10R offered are on the radar. Having to wait for LENR between frames is a PITA (jacks up the mojo), the Hassy is much nicer to use in that regard.
One nifty feature on the Hassy is to be able to use the "X" button to interrupt the exposure and close the shutter. Nice to be able cut it short for unwanted intrusions into the scene.
I'm giving the Hassy a ride to see how I like it ... but, long exposure work is probably going to be a strong point that it separates itself from FF bodies. I reckon the Hassy will be my "one for slow" ... and if you aren't looking for F1 kind of go, it seems able to be something that carries "on the go" reasonably well for its size. That said, I will admit it is the first camera I've used where I actually like having it around my neck, rather than just in my hand, only.
But, it won't fill the bill for "go-go-go" kind of performance (I don't frequently do that kind of shooting). That'll be something for another body. Right now, battery life is the challenge (one battery only), but I'm managing to keep it charged via USB-C when I'm in my truck. I reckon I'll pick up a couple more batteries, and should be good in that regard, too.
BTW ... how's the battery life on the X2D? Worse, because of more pixels, etc.? Better, because of improved power / efficiency? About the same?...Show more →
When you get second/third battery, make sure you get the later version with high capacity ones of 7.2 VDC/3400 mAh. I believe that the early version is of 3200 mAh. The high capacity batteries do last longer on my X1D. I recently got an X2D and battery life does improve and the operating system seems more efficient. But I haven't had the opportunities to use it for any extended outings. Below are two taken from X1D and 45/4p XCD lens.
Agreed. Get the newer battery and you'll see a difference. It's the one with the grey O ring. Black or red are the older batteries. I don't think there's a significant difference in the cameras just the batteries. OTOH my original batteries from 2016 are still working well.
