Hasselblad H6D: a $27,000 monster of a camera

Hasselblad has announced its newest camera, the H6D. Verge creative director James Bareham - a veteran photographer and former Hasselblad 2000 Series user - spent some time with it in our studio, and spoke to Hasselblad CEO Perry Oosting to find out just why someone might want to spend $27,000 on a camera.

[@foolchecker123]

"buying a Hasselblad isn't an practical decision it's an emotional one" - The perfect sum up of why you'd ever want one

[@jonathanraecrisanto5912]

Best line

[@smokey267]

+foolchecker123 Depends which Hasselblad I guess. We use a full frame Hasselblad but it's not because of the megapixels it because the angle of view is wider on longer focal lengths. Same reason why many people upgrade from APS-C to 35mm

[@Abr3200]

Just like an Iphone

[@sophrapsune]

I don't think any photography business spends $27k on an emotional basis. If they did, they wouldn't be in business very long.

[@AnthonySforza]

+sophrapsune I couldn't agree more. I think what he may have been referring to is why a Hasselblad over something like a Leica or Mamiya. In that if you're actually going to take that step up to the Medium Format cameras already... Hasselblad may be an emotioanl choice. It'd be like "Why Ferrari?" If you can afford a Lambourghini or an AMG... why Ferrari?

[@AnandaPriyadharshan]

"Your phone camera is always better than the DSLR that you don't have" what a line...

[@G33kyAli]

+Christopher Wilson The camera you have on you is always better than the camera you don't

[@Muscari]

The best camera is the one you have on you ;)

[@Coty0010]

+Iesvilla Chase Jarvis ;)

[@Jasuta123]

Ananda Priyadharshan lol

[@johnspooner1403]

Not his line. It's an old and well-known one. Don't know who the originator was.

[@ranulranepura7210]

The host in this video does an excellent job!

[@syahirashri5214]

this guy knows his shit

[@MangezDesPommes]

no

[@rogueguineapig]

that line was poetry... "we snap pictures with our phones; we TAKE pictures with a Hasselblad". ...still jonesing for an old 500--now I know why!

[@bensslightnature]

+rogueguineapig great idea to compare a 50K camera to a smartphone.

[@rogueguineapig]

+Moody more about comparing mentalities--blazing away with snapshots by the thousands versus composing something with intent and a thought process that's longer than 2 seconds...

[@agro0]

actually I think that line is nonsense and it's where he is completely wrong: they difference between taking and snapping a picture has nothing to do with sensor size, resolution or any other technical aspect of the camera. You can snap a picture with your phone and you can snap a picture with a hasselblad. Or you can deliberately take your time even with a phone camera, think about composition, about light, about what's happening in the scene and take the picture in the right moment. If you only snap pictures with your phone, then it's because you decided to snap. The camera just does what you tell it to do.

[@johnspooner1403]

Yeah - I used to shoot for a studio that owned an old 500C and a 500 EL/M ’20 Years in Space’ grey leatherette specal edition. I hear you. Mostly we used 4x5 view cameras, so the 'blad quality was actually a step down, but they were great cameras.

[@normanm11]

That is a poetic line, however is bullshit. I own two Hasselblad bodies, every time I go shooting (I live in Iceland so I always see a crap load of photographers), I come across people shooting with Hasselblads almost every time and they are often incredibly crappy photographers, seriously, the worst of the worst. I’ve literally seen people taking better photographs with an iPhone than with a Hasselblad.

[@dialexnunes]

That Jonathan Ive impression 4:50 , priceless :)

[@pruett89]

This video was surprising and very cool. I know people will complain and say this is so expensive people can't afford this but I don't care because the product is awesome and it's a well shot video

[@DatDude7802]

I concur.

[@Gsus89]

+Michael Pruett I don't ever care about photography and was engaged through the whole video. Props to the editor.

[@SoundMediaVibes]

"I must be a good photographer because I've got a Hasselblad!" ;-)

[@Abr3200]

Only if you really know how to use it

[@SoundMediaVibes]

Abr3200 LOL

[@mrjumbolegz6483]

you are truly above it all. i bet you drive a subaru too.

[@JaspreetSinghArtist]

Sound Media 😂😂😂

[@marklarson3934]

Sound Media either that or Rich

[@-Sean_]

Buy a Hasselblad so the CEO can buy an Aston Martin.

[@davidrenz1534]

thats a very cheap aston

[@JaspreetSinghArtist]

SeanTheHOMIE 😂😂😂

[@j2jnicols306]

Hasselblad selfie stick- $16k + grip $5k

[@RiveTheRat]

+Yaa Boiii you don't snap a selfie with a Hasselblad. You take an autoportrait.

[@paulchristian5375]

This is not red

[@15DJONYX]

Pro gear comes with pro prices 🤣🤣🤣

[@canoopsy]

Absolutely stunning video. Great work Verge team!

[@angelosales2371]

+Canoopsy Not surprised seeing you here ;)

[@JaspreetSinghArtist]

Canoopsy shot on other camera 😂😂

[@glacio95]

I don't have $27,000 to spend on a Hasselblad, most people don't. So, it's not an emotional choice, but a commercial one. This camera is made for quality, for long-lasting pictures and for big-ass prints. The you can print an iPhone picture doesn't mean that you should.

[@sophrapsune]

Yes. Just because an iPhone image can be viewed on a billboard from 50 metres does not mean that a 100MP medium format camera won't blow the iPhone out of the water. It all depends on just how good the image needs. At $27k, that is definitely a commercial decision.

[@TimHunold]

and often a rental

[@agro0]

Actually, if you print on a billboard, it doesn't matter if you print an 8mp picture or a 100mp picture. The viewing distance renders the extra resolution irrelevant.

[@mrg6424]

L. Willis This is nonsense!

[@CeeBricknell]

Firstly, much want for this camera. Secondly please can we have more of this guy doing reviews. Somehow his voice just makes the review not only more interesting but also makes you understand the subject of the review.

[@danielalbright6257]

I'm fortunate enough to own an H4D and he's absolutely right. I snap off rapid shots with my Nikon D500, and D810, but when I pick up my Hasselblad, I pause, and really take the picture. 40 mega pix on mine, and the clarity and detail is absolutely unheard of. This one is priced far above what most of us can pay, but I got the H4D relatively cheap (key word "relatively") and I'm not disappointed. If your looking for a whole lot of auto features however, wrong camera for you.

[@LashanR]

Narrate more videos please

[@salvatoreocello]

KZbins up to something good recommending this 4 years later

[@FrankValchiria]

i'd love to use one. great tonality and details.

[@MOONGOONJOON]

Its not a "blad" ... its a "Hassy"

[@nicolasbarreto8824]

This video was mesmerizing, the video team is truly top notch.

[@Sebach82]

As a former photographer, I like his take. Sound very genuine and it rings true of my own experiences.

[@AppleWasMyIdea]

The camera, I'll pay you for it with 60 portions.

[@nazhif1]

+AppleWasMyIdea actually. the camera's not for sale.

[@AppleWasMyIdea]

nazhif1 Follow the reporter, & get that camera!

[@taytems]

Jony Ives reference at the end; I like it.

[@OclooBattles]

so tell us, the yellow thing he had on, how many did you guys zoom in? cause DAMN that detail just WOW!!! totally 27,000+ dollaazzzzz worth it

[@spikeypineapple552]

+Dance Battles 100%...

[@keithshenkin3674]

Beautifully made, enjoyable and informative review. Thanks.

[@Mycak2000]

I actually really liked this review. It felt honest and unbiased.

[@TheBanarasiGuy]

its not a review bro

[@Kyo-uz1zi]

darshan mohanty I think that was sarcasm

[@portblock]

I was trying to buy the H6D, I really wanted the heritage , sadly, I got so much run around from Hasselblad USA, and the local rep in Los Angeles just ignored me, and guess what PhaseOne offered to help me, and they put one in my hands, as I am the head photographer for Los Angeles fashion week, and I got to shoot end of runway on a PhaseOne.

[@bernardobrien8855]

this is the best description of the hasselblad camera i have ever read or heard you nailed it

[@RonakDhakan]

Well written, presented and edited. And since it is Verge's creative director, hoping it was not a paid item, because it sure sounded like an ad. If was an honest opinion, then it was a very powerful one.

[@RexusKing]

My Holga 120 with hand-wind instax back also slows me down : )

[@darkfish]

Great video, this host is a definite keeper, more with him please.

[@MOHAMMEDHHAMID]

Am i the only who got that joke in the end made on Jony Ive?

[@Lonsparks]

Haha got it too !

[@TechReflex]

+Mohammed Khuzaima (Sid) Most people got it. ._.

[@MOHAMMEDHHAMID]

TechReflex you're commenting on this after almost a Day... So yeah most people got it till then...

+Mohammed Khuzaima (Sid) yeah because everyone sees videos when they're released

[@xdgfx_]

This guy was really good! He seemed to know what he was talking about and his commentary was just what was needed, nothing less or more

[@MattWorkman]

yeah this edit is amazing, must hire this edior

[@GeorgeAdams0n]

Probably my favourite verge video since the First Lady 360 video piece! Great work!

[@FlexWheeler2nd]

Thanks for this video and review. Thanks for the honesty of what a Hasselblad is and what it is to buy and use one, and what it isn't. Makes me want one all the more :-)

[@GabrielScindian]

I HEART Hasselblad's. The H1 was my first. I blew my mind with the image quality

[@AkshayRathee]

Tesla model 3 or this? Definitely this camera...

[@KixTricks]

tesla cars look like complete shite and outdated to me... looks like someone from the 80's was like, "THE FUTURE LOOKS LIKE THIS" and someone found it and made it into a car

[@Le.K]

+Akshay Rathee Shitty car vs ultimate portrait camera ?

+kenjikFr but is it though? is it really the ultimate portrait camera?

[@AkshayRathee]

+kenjikFr the ultimate camera...

[@Le.K]

No it's not lol, I just hate Tesla fan boys :D

[@carlstawicki1915]

Those Hasselblads lost on the moon must be real collector's items.

[@veryveryred]

This review was highly enjoyable, one of the best of The Verge in a long time imho

[@ViktorG1]

Awesome Jony Ive zing there at the end! Also, great video!

[@TechRadicalTv]

Damn

[@SemmyRace]

This is very pleasing to watch

[@WBBPhotography]

I agree with your comments regarding shooting with a medium format camera make yo "Think" before you take the shot, also it makes you slow down. I am relatively new to medium format and started with DSLR and have gone to medium format. For me I think people should look at the other choices out there before they consider which medium format to buy

[@andyvan5692]

nice video , particularly that self-sarcasm in the out-takes in the end..... priceless mate, should do a stand up gig :)))))

[@rohanbhattnainital]

Thank you for this very practical video. Your videos are very apt and to the point. I really enjoy them.

[@xyzhou6207]

The image is absolutely nice and clear, but I just dont buy it when fellow photographers justify how a slow camera (like Leica M, this and etc) makes you think and bluh bluh. I used to shoot film and I am so glad I have digital cameras now. If a camera is slow then slow it is, it could always be improved in the following generations of products BUT please do not play the card 'Slow camera makes you think'. I can think more than I need with a faster camera, a technology-advanced camera does not make me shoot randomly but rather give me more options and opportunities.

[@JoeyBowman]

Well said

[@itsjantore]

+XY Zhou Agreed.

[@RichardTheRoe]

+XY Zhou - That just tell us you are the guy who would buy a $5 Casio over a Rolex due to it "telling time better" or choose the new Skoda Octavia over a classic car from 1960 due to "better mileage". If you don't think gear can alter ones state of mind I can only say I'm sorry.

[@xyzhou6207]

+Richard Roe oh of course if you view cameras as a luxury product to show your personal taste of machines. For me watch is a statement of my taste, just like my photos, but not the machine which takes them. at the end of the day, it is all about personal perspective, and i simply just shared mine. All the camera brands started to catch up with the technology race, including hasselblatt and leica, though they kind of left behind... yes i just said that. Of course they can manage to product better products in the future since stuff improving too fast.

[@xyzhou6207]

+Richard Roe oh right, btw, just saying, I do use a mechanical watch branded 'Shanghai', a forty year old timepiece given by my grandpa, still running smoothly with my care. It is not that fancy, not new and not that famous, but it is a memory of family. The point is, and this is really just a suggestion, why not try film if u insist so much on these values~ although I don't quite value film cameras that much since I just sold mine, it does not represent anything but a machine FOR ME ONLY. the time Hass moved on to digital, it was already about time to catch up with the game. But I prefer something smaller and easier to use lol

[@rohankar1999]

3:24 that amount of detail is just crazy.

[@jordiventura7970]

I totally agree. A legendary camera that evolves slowly but in smart way.

[@manuprosser8778]

What's the song they used at the start?

[@TheLegohead123]

the comparison with the Ratina Display, nailed it

[@skatertwig26]

+Ant on Yet retia is just marketing and there are far better displays haha

[@TheLegohead123]

Of course there are, i know. But the Basic idea of the comparison was great. Edit: But the Iphone 6s Display ist -one- of the Best on the Market.

[@skatertwig26]

Ant on Many of Apples displays are LG panels. Phone displays are not too important,I mean they are nice but a computer monitor is much more important.Considering that is where the editing happens. Which I was originally referring to. But yes there phone displays are nice, although I would never own a iphone. It is nice to show people your work on your phone with a nice display. I understood the comparison, it is true.

[@Eclectic185]

If you want quality like this by a film Hasselblad or medium format camera yes you have to process film and scan it but you will get image quality similar to this with natural colour and better dynamic range plus you could get a setup for under £2000 for Hasselblad for other brands way under.

[@Amuaya]

Tesla model 3 or this

[@MohsinKhokhar1]

+Alex Curtis Like comparing apples and oranges.

[@Thrark]

+Alex Curtis It certainly is not rubbish and despite possibly being a little overpriced, it delivers. The quality you get with a camera like this is insane, not just in terms of images but also regarding build quality and attention to detail. You don't buy it to take a quick selfie or even to shoot a wedding, you buy it for those shots you need the resolution for and the level of image quality you can only get from a medium format camera. Most people who buy it certainly acquire it because photography is not simply their hobby but because they are professionals.

[@SchneiderStudios]

+Brandon M The correct answer is both.

[@MeisterYodarkus]

Assuming you know how to use it the Hasselblad is something you can make a living on. The Tesla is just a way of transportation.

[@Amuaya]

MeisterYodarkus haha good point,but you can also make a living on a car too...just become an uber driver

[@somethingis9133]

Excellent experience analysis. I still want one.

[@DuhAverageJoe]

That Jony Ive joke at the end! lol

[@Rulerofwax24]

Those example pictures are all incredibly stunning. I know I will never be in a position to own one of these, or really even rent one of these, but I just want the experience of shooting on this for a day.

[@stewardappiagyei6982]

4:31 damn, the Galaxy S7 Edge still packing that photography heat 👀

[@darkstepwarrior88]

just a really calming video, it inspires me to become a photographer.

[@alexandriaoccasional-corte1346]

Wait a minute... There are 11 Hasselblads left on the moon??? Hold my beer...

[@johnhjic2]

Just like to say well said, it so nice to here some one say just slow down and think before clicking. I must say that I had a play with both the Hasselblad's X1D and the H6D and yes the X1D feel and looks great given the choice I will have the H6D. But thank you from some inspiring images and videos.

[@cacanut123]

great video! sometimes people forget what photography is about.

[@vampirekiller16]

Yo can I get this guy reviewing everything? Guy is sick!

[@ShadowRaptor8]

Who else got this recommend in 2021? ✋🏽 Seems like Hasselblad is being recommended to everyone ahead of the OnePlus 9 release.

[@TheBigboySid]

what a brilliant guy lol. awesome, awesome review. is he a proper reviewer for this channel or just this particular camera ? never quite seen him before .

[@TheBigboySid]

***** awhh man sorry should've read the description first. and thanks alot

[@Pedro7526]

I dont care about cameras at all but this video was still very interesting. Good job Verge!

[@StuninRub]

Or...you know...a Phase One.

[@aloevera7422]

+Zhida Zhou or you know, film back

[@StuninRub]

+Benjamin Can't compete with today's digitalbacks.

[@TalesOfWar]

+Benjamin Modern digital backs have more stops of dynamic range than film.

[@Neopulse00]

The Phase One is more expensive yeah. But it's all about taste and the ecosystem you already own. A lot of Phase One people enjoy the built in Air to trigger Profoto and Hensel lights without the need of spending extra cash or wasting prep time.

[@TimHunold]

I can't understand the lack of this feature in a Ha$$y

[@RakshithPrakash]

Background music?

[@caaelum]

Great video, more of this Verge, compared to your htc 10 review this is like another channel.

[@TheSupertecnology]

Idk what's better: the video, or the comment section

[@K3V0M]

Well I really have a nerdgasm here because of the sensor size and resolution but the digital Hasselblads appear kind of "dead and cold" to me. I am pretty sure it would be awesome to shoot with this and zoom into all the photos but the old (well the 503 CW was made until 2013) analog models are just so iconic and the viewfinder, although I have only seen them in videos, are just gorgeous to look through. And they are much more affordable...

[@TalesOfWar]

+K3V0M They're not really workhorse systems any more though. Unless you're doing very considered, slow stuff or say high fashion etc then they're too slow to work with these days. It's all about great quality with fast turn around. The quicker you get it done the quicker you get to your next job and the more money you make. Film still has its place, but beyond specialist or hobby type things like mentioned it's kind of a dead format.

[@FuNathan]

Amazing unbiased review! Awesome editing! What is the music in the beginning?

[@IAmNumber4000]

My dad was a photographer and he used a Mamiya RZ67. I'm getting into the business myself, and since he kept all his lenses, I figured I could just buy a digital back for it and get it working again. I look online, and apparently the digital backs for an RZ67 start at close to $17,000. NOPE...

[@pit5000]

Hasselblad can shoot video now?, did i hear that right?

[@KonoChrome]

And 4K at that

[@zachsny23]

Oh what a time to be alive, eh?

[@derkescher266]

+Zachary Snyder Canadian, eh?

[@intetx]

Hasselblad used to push froniers by making smaller cameras so you can simply take a picture wherever you are. Now they're the staple for the slow and considered camera. It's life.

[@jordi.nackan]

Beautiful video

[@HelenaOfDetroit]

The reason why people say "Buying a Hasselblad is an emotional decision." is because they lack the imagination to take that camera and do the things with it that NO other camera could. I have a gallery that I'm working on that REQUIRES the extremely large and ultra sharp resolution of the H6D with the 400C back. Once I get that off the ground, the world will truly know the potential of extremely high resolution images.

[@Psydekick90]

We need a VS video with the top models from Hasselblad, Red One and PhaseOne :D

[@icisne7315]

May I ask but what is the name of the old digital camera in the first ten or so seconds of the video? it seems so cool.

[@sophrapsune]

It will be amazing on the second-hand market in about 10 years, when it actually becomes affordable for me!

[@marianpalko2531]

In about ten years, this will be crap, even compact cameras will outperform it. The lenses will probably remain timeless though. But the digital back... No way.

[@TimHunold]

gigapixel cellphone cameras lol

[@hahaiseewhatyouredoing9086]

@@marianpalko2531 Nah, I still think the likes of H3D and P65+ are great, miles ahead compared to what the one i'm typing on here. In fact i still think interchangeable lens camera better than most smartphone, even if they still uses CCD, has much lower resolution, DR, slower, etc.

[@AlvinCornelius]

the perfect camera for Casey Neistat

[@George-lh8ol]

Don't take the piss

[@eiffe]

Can it take selfies?

[@sebastianasian]

Hm there is no art in his video. There are tons of better cinematographers that are unknown on Vimeo. I'm sure he can afford one though

[@twotrees510]

SebastianAsian there's still a ton of art in his videos

[@algorythm4354]

The video framerate would be an issue.

[@georgosdidymus2023]

I would think the logic behind owning a Blad/ Hassy is to enlarge the image to sizes where a DSLR image starts losing sharpness. Just as a DSLR could be used where enlarging a smartphone image softens it.

[@kennethwilliamsinc]

George Thomas Resolution aside, the file quality is still noticeable better than a DSLR when viewing a print.

[@vincentjanse]

damn no compromises

[@soundchecked123]

i think the whole "take your time and ask yourself do you want this picture" can just apply to film photography in general yes a blad have amazing quality and amounts of small details that you have to zoom in to see them and thats pretty much a blad is made for but you don't see photos by pixels you see them by overall tone and meaning behind the picture 135 films are just for that "take your time and ask yourself do you want this picture" moment but without the detail

[@BrianMarcWhittaker]

"Hand-crafted aluminium." LOL. That was perfect. I got the joke.

[@kaydoshtwoseventwoseventwo6867]

Anyone know what the first song is called?

[@BlownMacTruck]

Most people drooling over this camera have no idea how difficult it can be to shoot medium format. You think all those beautiful comps with huge dynamic range and detail are shot in a few seconds? Take the time you'd need to set up a very detailed dslr studio session (lights, backdrop, all sorts of stands and proofing stations) then add about 2 - 3 times more prep and slow it all down by half. Yes, Hassys make you slow down and really think out your shot, but that's because if you don't, you'll end up with something that looks worse than a phone camera image from an early 2000 Nokia candy bar phone. My favorite is when I've seen guys with too much money and no actual photography knowledge buy these things, take them outside (good luck with that) and ask where the autofocus is! Autofocus is not even a decade old on these things.

[@officialtechin5]

Yes Man! This is a verge video, an excellent reporter/narrator. No offence, but some hands-on/standard videos have really bad audio. Sometimes video too. Keep it at this level.

[@Kalhauge]

This one still has a bit too much bass for me.

[@2moke2creen]

Can anyone tell me what that song was in the beginning of the video?

[@Carsenmiller615]

Music is Super 1 by Cospe

[@komosky]

So... You don't buy it because it's practical or good, you buy it because it's a status symbol, and can sit on your shelf... makes complete sense to me....

[@CellarDoorx06]

You got it!

[@sulaimananggalarang9944]

I really want to try one

[@dansta12345678910]

Whats that music at the start of the video?

[@JeremyBoulerice]

OK OK so this cam gives you confidence, I like it.

[@rehmankhan0398]

verge ur videos are a treat to watch!

[@SEAN518848]

This is going into my favorites.

[@DaveK183]

What would be the best videocamera? For me it is probably the older analog Imax 70mm..

[@Lacocacolaman]

What did you guys shoot this video with?

[@jacopoabbruscato9271]

If you want to slow down, just shoot film. An old school Hassy is a fraction of the price and one of the best cameras in history. Since you've got something bulky and slow, it's better to go all the way

[@marianpalko2531]

Please tell me. Why would anyone buy the H6D 50c rather than X1D?

[@richardnixon2639]

That camera better take me out on a date every Thursday night and caress me when I'm lonely

[@pkbeats]

what song is that!!!!