A Limited Edition Hasselblad in the Faroe Islands.

[@BlazeFirereign]

I don't think I could blame anyone for saying yes to a free Hasselblad. While I can't speak for all of your viewers, I really appreciate your integrity in worrying about review bias. But the images are still, very distinctly, your style - it really makes it clear that it's the photographer, not the camera, that gets the results. You probably could have taken all of those shots with any modern camera, with more than enough detail. But some cameras help and make the experience more enjoyable. I picked up an X2D some months back. It's outrageously expensive, as are the lenses, and I don't think anyone sane could honestly suggest that it's good value. However, it's an absolute joy to use, in a way that few cameras are in my experience. And I hate putting time into extensive editing, so getting great colour straight out of camera every time is awesome. I'd been telling myself that I was happy with the 28P and 45P, but watching this has not helped my temptation to pick up the 55.

[@cristibaluta]

Was the fototripper the only one buying it? Just had a video discussing the gear costs, didn't say anything about receiving it for free

[@BlazeFirereign]

@@cristibaluta Gavin (fototripper) has had the X2D for some time now, but I'm not sure if he paid for it. He was sent an X2D a year ago, it's not clear to me whether that was a loaner or a keeper. The recent lenses he's shown in videos were likewise sent to him, including the 20-35 from that gear video. It wouldn't surprise me either way, as Hasselblad have sent both loaners/review units and keepers in the past. But they've recently been giving a lot of gear to KZbinrs to keep. I expect that's their strategy now: it alleviates some of the concerns over integrity and biased reviews if it's pitched as "here, have a camera and just make a video where you use it", and it's more likely that the person they give it to will continue to use it in future content if it's theirs to keep, and not a loaner for review.

[@nicolask.3825]

Oh, my Lord, they let you keep it? That's so cool! Can't wait to see you use it more.

[@KG_BM]

@@nicolask.3825 not like they lost anything. Who realistically is buying this over its price competitors, talk less of people who buy in this category in the first place

[@marvinbeatty]

The little smiles when you kept saying, "... nice to have."

[@stuartshook3614]

Good things happen to good people. Of course, the Internet’s most humble KZbinr is given a Hasselblad X2D. Makes perfect sense to me. Can’t wait to see what beautiful images you create with it. Cheers.

[@dominiclester3232]

And yet mr Heaton also received one...

[@bsmukler]

I think this was a good move by Hasselblad (both with you and with Thomas Heaton). Their cost, for the trips and cameras, is certainly reasonable considering they get exposure on your YT channels as well as great images they can use for advertising. It’s always fun seeing the differences in style, and this instance - - your video and Thomas Heaton’s video - - are a great example, although, interestingly, the same calm mood or overtone comes through in both. I hope you get a lot of enjoyment from that kit, in addition to appreciating how cool it was for Hasselblad to reach out to you with their proposal.

[@heinekhalwin8735]

Getting to keep that camera is an absolute win !

[@Jay-xb2sx]

I really loved hearing your thought process as you tried to compose the shot of the stadium. It was really insightful.

[@robert_may]

Lovely looking camera, hilarious price. A limited edition camera that costs a fortune is a bit counterintuitive for "exploring", in my opinion 😅 I've fallen over on my S5IIX twice whilst hiking mountains and I think I'd have a heart attack if it cost £12k. I'd certainly take one if I was given it though, so I hope you enjoy it 😸

[@Localtraveler2376]

It cost him nothing so I’d just have fun.

[@BoostFutbol]

My jealousy knows no bounds...a visit to the top of my bucket list location and with my dream camera. Such a lovely vide to watch.

[@nickyfoulkes8476]

You wanted something different to shoot with. Now the photography angels have answered your prayers. I love your honesty in such matters.

[@stuartcarden1371]

I've followed you since near the beginning (under 5k subs) and I still think your photographic eye very special - I love how you see the world!

[@susanmeyer8885]

"I'm enjoying myself. How could I not be"...understatement of the year. Made me laugh!

[@mikeweiwers5512]

Got my Hasselblad today, got number 999 :-) As I'm following your channel for quite a while now, I hope you will continue like this, because I love it

[@hedydd2]

Nice to have luxuries are great, because we only have one life and we should appreciate every pleasurable aspect of it. I have a Leica Q2 007 edition which is very nice to have, although sparsely used compared to my more workaday cameras and even, dare I say it, my rather good iPhone 15 Pro-Max cameras and lenses. I’m no camera snob and appreciate what my cameras do for me, not what I do for them.

[@kiah9318]

I enjoyed watching this video with relaxing music.

[@slhsprmktg]

Electric bike does both and still bike feeling!

[@danielhenzphotography]

Photography is one of the reason, I bought an e-bike

[@blindsquirrelmedia]

This was fantastic! Love the photos, LOVE your commentary and thought process.

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

I have the same setup in the basic camera. I am thrilled with the IQ. And I try to find a way to express that IQ. Color? Detail? Gradation? Yes, all of that. It will make a detailed portrait without making a harsh portrait. Magic. All I can think if is that this camera captures what your mind sees rather than what you eye sees. It turns the image up to 11. Good on you for getting one free. Shoot it like crazy. The images you took are great. Thanks.

[@mr.sudbury3856]

2 days are not enough. Greetings from the Faroe Islands

[@Jen-ur4ut]

I love & so appreciate your humility. Enjoy your new camera. And yes, looks more green-ish here too.

[@andrewcrossley2448]

As a manual focus (Bronica and Fuji 6x9) MF person the DOF is engraved on the prime lenses and we usually have a stop down option to check. Takes longer but pretty accurate… Even my little old Minox 35 GT has focal distance and DOF markings to work out hyper focal etc. I very rarely had any out of focus shots with that, but then as a civil engineer since 1977, estimating significant distances is part of the lifetime of training…..😊

[@Dirkfensty]

Your work is always inspiring!!! Glad you are getting the recognition you deserve!

[@dominiclester3232]

I like the way you just continue to do your usual quirky video, regardless of the equipment. It’s a shame you didn’t show off the excellent dynamic range or crop in a silly amount to showcase the resolution. I did appreciate the one Xpan crop and I do agree with you about the green case, thanks!

[@SamBugas]

One of the best in the biz! Well earned, and stoked to watch you use the new kit. Faroes are as good a spot to show it off as anywhere on earth! Cheers

[@suew6307]

James, great pictures! Thanks for sharing your adventure with your newest camera. The places you were at are so beautiful, hope I can visit someday.

[@danielhenzphotography]

Wow what a great e-mail to get. I would probably hasitade at first too. And you were fully transparent what was going on. Thank you.

[@richardturner81]

Oh wow! That's a nice gift James! I bet you're over the moon with it 🙂

[@jaynemitchell7209]

I love your photography and you absolutely deserve this but gosh I'm jealous! Cant wait to see all the amazing shots you get with it.

[@marlenelandstravels]

OMG! I can’t believe you get to keep it 😮😊 dream camera for sure, well done 💖

[@geoffmphotography9444]

Thanks as always. It's your quality content that has earned that camera. Well deserved.

[@jklphoto]

WHAT?! A $14K USD camera system for free? You hesitated? Kudos to you and your hard work! This camera is perfect for your landscape images! Sounds like you need a Benno Etility™Bike for exploring. Maybe they will send you one of those for free too!

[@scroy65]

Enjoy it. Hasselblad have such a wonderful colors, BTW, really enjoy your compositions,

[@mr.a3484]

A free $14k camera? Good video as always.

[@gavinbnash]

Been following you for a long time, James, and has others have said, your photographic eye is exceptional. However, there's really only one thing that prompted me to comment here: a Stripes quote?! Amazing work. Enjoy the Hassie!

[@IsaacJohnston]

The Canadians call the one foot in the puddle disaster a "Soaker" haha. The worst.

[@NJM1948]

And......just as he stepped into it he said "it's funny"!!!!

[@Hephasto]

Finally, good photos with good camera at good location

[@proksalevente]

I'm happy for your success James. I've been watching you since way back and it's great to see how far you've come!

[@peterfritzphoto]

Very cool. I had to pay for mine, but it was money well spent. After 40 years of shooting with around 20 cameras, the X2D is my favourite. That, and my original F3.

[@robert_may]

The F3 is really growing on me. Bought one on a whim last year and didn't immediately gel with it, but damn - what a camera. Except for the film rewinder, which collapses on me constantly 😅

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@robert_may I have to get one again. I re-bought my first semi-pro camera last year - the FE2 with the drive, but the F3 was the GOAT back in the photojournalism and motorsport film era. I’d love to buy a NIB one, but that’s a very expensive souvenir.

[@robert_may]

@@peterfritzphoto Ooh FE2 is a nice choice too. There's always a part of me tempted by the FM3a too but that's holding its value annoyingly well. I went with a near-mint black F3/T from Japan as that variant never really appears much in the UK, although the HP viewfinder isn't quite the same finish anyway so that was probably an unnecessary extravagence 😆 I'm always tempted by a nice NIB older camera but I _know_ I'll just drop the damn thing anyway so I can't bring myself to do it 🙈

[@peterfritzphoto]

@@robert_may Haha! Me too! It’s amazing how many NIB or otherwise mint vintage cameras are available in Japan. I’d love to rebuild my entire lifetime camera collection, but I could probably buy a ver nice car for that.

[@papermate8773]

Thank you for the video. I'm so glad you're shooting with a different setup. Great to see.

[@andyb_23]

Lucky lad! Hope that you enjoy the camera, and look forward to seeing some more images from that system. Watching you move from micro 4/3 to Full Frame and now Medium Format. Our boy is all grown up. Enjoy James.

[@philbrown8181]

Not sure that I've ever seen James quite so charmingly nonplussed. Nice trip, nice new toy! And nice 'not a review'.

[@kenn6592]

Fabulous video, wonderful photos, extraordinary camera! Only those trousers disappoint! Well done too to Hasselblad for choosing you to showcase their camera.

[@mastergunes]

Well done mate! Proud of you and your success, you deserve it!!

[@TormeyWoods]

What an amazing email to get indeed! Great shots as always, really loved that third one of the football pitch and the man with his hands behind his head.

[@WalkingEng]

That’s absolutely brilliant, so well deserved.

[@MicroFourNerds]

The faroe islands is my fave 😍 I think I'm going back again for the third time in three years next year. Photographer's paradise!

[@Coreal07]

Congrats on the very excellent new camera! I'm glad you ended up not overthinking it, take those gifts when life offers them to you! You don't owe us any explanation! Cheers!

[@EsbjornWristwatchReviews]

Fantastic to see this in your hands, great video as always 🙌🏻

[@colbybundy6082]

James: "Eh, hello everybody" Hasselblad: "Sold" Love the vid, James. I'm so happy you got this camera! I look forward to more vids with it!

[@benjhaisch]

The files out of these things legitimately are still the most underrated feature.

[@ImagesbyAsh]

Great video, James and congrats on being chosen to get the Hasselblad I had a quiet chuckle at your thoughts about symmetry at the football stadium, I was looking at the scene and it was starting to make my brain itch!!!!

[@markattardo]

Congrats on your new camera! Nice to have indeed! The photos have some serious pop.

[@alirecant3955]

Wowoawiwoa. Nice two videos in a row. Or ive just been watching your video since the last upload nonstop

[@kruuuber]

Good on you James! Well deserved.

[@matthew_w_moore]

Everyday your name pops up on my notifications it makes me happy! You are my biggest inspiration for my photography!

[@Daniel.Walker]

I’m 30 seconds in, but from reading the comments I’m guessing ahead on the themes! These images that are right in front of me are speaking for themselves, very you, very awesome!

[@ChrisBrogan]

It's really why you don't have to do a review, James. One, you're quite trusted (says a guy who co-wrote a book about trust). Two, you're showing the experience of it, not having to talk us through every stat (which lots of folks google anyway). Good on Hasselblad for knowing a valuable person to put that camera in front of. Cheers for taking us around.

[@carlpalmer6095]

You deserve it james for the effort you put into your KZbin videos.

[@traceybartlam7737]

We were there in August - briefly. It was grey and misty/drizzly which made for so many waterfalls down the mountains but a beautiful place. Sadly I had very little chance to take any time to take photos. I’d love to go back. Really enjoyed this video and some great images.

[@LOU2179]

Can't wait for the book to come in. Also pretty cool that they let you keep that camera!

[@mikejankowski6321]

Great images, nice waffling. I saw opportunities with that football grandstand, you explored them well. I especially liked your framing of the bridge and buildings at 4:30, using the white and blue wall with the roof poking in perfectly.

[@Digg3r]

Wowsers 😲. You lucky so en so. You deserve it though, your channel is awesome. I know you will put that camera through its paces and show everyone what it is capable of. Enjoy 😊

[@SD_UK]

Lovely to have - congrats. Enjoyed the Faroe footage and resultant images. End of the day, we see you make great images on a Point & Shoot, and your personal style is evident in whatever format or sensor size. Just stating the obvs ;) I found myself thinking, ooh ..that would be a bit of a lump, until I clocked that it is actually lighter than my trusty ol' Nikon D700 ..🤭

[@flowkes2707]

Always a great day when a new James Popsys video is released

[@RewDowns]

Nobody needs a medium format camera but if it’s your passion treat yourself, you’ll never look back!

[@dhlininger3159]

I love the colors this camera makes and can’t wait to see more. And as usual with every new video I ask myself how did he see that image. They inspire me work harder, keep those sheep coming.

[@bloomylicious]

Crackin' video. Can't say I could fathom turning down that offer either! The only issues would be if you didn't do the bit at the start and explain what the circumstances were, but you did, so all is grand. Side note but in terms of composition for the football field, I honestly liked the shot you set up to film yourself there from the corner of the pitch showing the houses on the right. Would love a photo of it during a game too so full of spectators (hopefully!)

[@drwride]

Very enjoyable video. Faroe Islands seems like a perfect match to your photography style.

[@PJ-om2wq]

More videos like this please! (Composition more than gear). Thanks.

[@TimLucasdesign]

THomas Heaton got the same proposal. You are both GOATs!!!!

[@MadsPeterIversen]

Love how you pronounce every single nordic town name 😆

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

Perfectly, you mean?! 😂

[@MadsPeterIversen]

@@JamesPopsysPhoto Perfectly! 😂

[@nicholasferrante4333]

As always, these photos are stunning. I think what that goes to show is that gear matters very little once you reach a certain level of quality. And it helps if the photographer is awesome too haha

[@SnapsBySamosh]

Lovely camera and great photos, colour is sorta reminiscent of the Leica SL reporter editions

[@marcusnz232]

I use the X2D now. It’s the best camera I’ve ever used in 40+ years as a photographer. Beats my former Leica M11 into the dust in my opinion. The biggest downside is the relatively large size of many lenses (not all) and the relatively limited focal length options. Although you can adapt other lenses, the camera contains no physical shutter so unless they’re older Hasselblad lenses you’re restricted to using the electronic shutter only which can lead to motion blur.

[@peetje28021970]

Congrats on your new camera, it’s a dream camera. Smile on your face says it all.

[@GemmaHentsch]

I have different people I listen to in order to get perspectives on camera/lens/equipment stuff... Some of it is people trying to get objective reviews (like christopher frost) Some of it is people trying to get the mid range between usage and tech (Jason Vong/Tony+Chelsea/Chris+Jordan) And others like you are very much about the experience of photography, and what helps and hurts...and I think its very valid that a camera you might dislike at the beginning, might become more loved, or vice-versa...I don't think your perspectives are any less insightful than the technical ones I think also that hasslblad wanted to give you a trip and a camera is both a signifier of your skill/ability both in photography and gab, and a reason I'm green with envy...

[@FilippoSolari]

What an incredible video, camera and shots, James. Me as usual looking at things that I will never afford. If I ever win the lottery, I won't tell anybody but there will be signs.

[@desgardner7169]

I just knew you was going to say it's yours! and why not, (methinks) you have always wanted one...Nice one, enjoy!

[@airship9637]

Love the orange button -- way to go Hasselblad!

[@don7117]

I just bought a NOS Fuji X-E1 for $390, and because it is a 12 year old camera in pristine condition, I am afraid to use it 😂. Tje first time it gets a ding is gonna be painful! I cannot imagine having that camera. It would give me night terrors. My old Sony A7R2 is my comfort blanket haha. It takes my abuse without stressing me out. Looking forward to more from the Hasselblad. Great score, James. You deserve it. Congrats.

[@BenjaminLeeds]

X-E1 is a great choice. Card write speeds and buffer are a poblem, because certain features are locked while it writes. But, for that one con, I could write an essay on the things I love about that camera. But one that stands out is the sound of the shutter and the way it sends haptic feedback through the body.

[@kazuto_in_black332]

I CANNOT believe that you just got to keep that beast of a camera. That's wonderful, it's my dream to one day own a camera like that.

[@JordanNeenan]

Jealous doesn't even start to cover it! But when you've worked so hard building a camera channel like this you definitely deserve it! I'd love to know, especially with 100mp, how much difference it would make if you used a tripod.

[@00Ryder]

The photo of the football stand… I absolutely LOVE the first one, with all that lack of symmetry. I think it’s the complete lack of symmetry that makes it work. The fact nothing at all is symmetrical, especially in the way you framed it is just perfectly imperfect, almost like it was meant that way. It’s a little ‘Accidentally Wes Anderson’

[@empressdoinalot]

Agreed.

[@MARZILLI]

I wouldn’t be able to say “No” either! BUT OF COURSE ITS A REVIEW you know that!!! How on earth are all these content creators accepting FREE CAMERAS supposed to be honest about the cameras capabilities… You see even though they aren’t told what to say IF THEY SAY THE CAMERA S*CKS they won’t ever get a FREE camera again… See why that makes it hard to be honest… BUT if anyone is going to be honest it’s James! ❤

[@smiffy5467]

Lucky boy… Nice one Hasselblad….

[@MitchWebb94]

It's very much your style but the colours are just popping off a lot more, they look amazing

[@jmackultra]

Let me hold it! Those cameras are so cool.

[@clemfandango9534]

Who remembers a time when James shot with a G9, stressed the small size of lenses was a key issue for him, and promised to never sell presets for money because it was a rip off? Happy days.

[@JamesPopsysPhoto]

I do!

[@thatsamshow]

KZbin creators, especially those in the photography niche, become less relatable over time. This has happened to countless creators, and James won't be the first or last.

[@dan.allen.digital]

Love the pics of the Soccer field.

[@robmowe8090]

I just looked up the price of that. The normal version is fairly expensive. The premium for having a number engraved on it is outrageous! I'm very jealous 🤣 - I wonder if 7 Artisans make any lenses for it

[@hermitmonk52]

I bet Federer will be round now you’ve got a Hasselblad! E bikes are ok for going up hills. Not much fun if you forget to plug them in occasionally though.

[@tomstrelok7272]

Congrats!

[@michaelrowe6852]

What a beauty. I'll take one, please.

[@nevvanclarke9225]

Having been a medium format using myself for awhile the hyper focal method will vary a fair bit depending on how low you are to the ground. The low you are to the ground. The focal point will change. It is quite tricky using medium format cameras. They're not easy to use. They are so rewarding when you get it rightBut they can be terrible. If you don't know where to focus you can have beautiful soft fall off in the foreground or background as well so there are some advantages with medium format. The one thing that stands out is the actual image quality oh my gosh. The GFX 100s II is snappy focus ..... If you are interested in medium format have a look at Fuji. I think they are a better all round camera than this one. This probably has that beautiful premium feel but in terms of usability the Fuji GFX cameras are more usable friendly. They are pretty much the same as a full frame cameras

[@richardchubbUK]

That’s a very nice email to get! Enjoy the camera 👍

[@MarcoBlanke]

Gosh, imagine living in one of those cute houses with that landscape all by yourself with that camera.

[@DISTANTMEDIA]

I stayed in one of the boat huts in the image you took in Hosvik! Awesome seeing how you view the Faroes. PS I think anybody in the world would be off their NUT to not agree to that email 😂

[@scarcesense6449]

Nice camera! There's an old guy at my local wetlands that decided walking laps of the 7km park was a bit much and now he zooms around the place on an e-scooter. Seems like a great option to me! And one of the cheaper investments when you consider the cost of cameras, lenses, computers, software, etc. Obviously not as fast as a motorbike, but it'll let you slip down lanes, alleys and walking tracks a motorbike isn't supposed to go on. It seems to navigate the mushy banks of the wetlands well enough.

[@melscreativelens]

Wonderful 😊

[@oswalddesign]

Love, love, love it. At the same time... Not to dwell on the past too much. But how exciting would it be if Hasselblad expanded their offerings to include X1D Mk3 with the 50mp sensor, IBIS, Face ID focusing, top 1" screen, and maybe a 500gb internal drive? That alone for a $6199 price tag would be a welcome option. Just a thought.