A document spotted by Twitter user OsitaLV shows the ‘next DJI camera’ that looks almost identical to the Hasselblad X1D model. Is DJI planning to launch a medium forma camera in 2022? Read our analysis.

The race for medium format cinematography

In 2017, DJI acquired a majority stake in Hasselblad. Since then, the Hasselblad’s technologies were implemented in DJI products. Indeed, DJI utilized those technologies in its drones but has never taken them to the next level in order to maximize image quality. Although Hasselblad cameras use Sony’s sensors, the methodologies needed for outputting high-quality imagery from that huge sensor, are quite complex.

Swedish thoroughness combined with the Chinese speed of manufacturing

Hasselblad doesn’t mass produce its cameras. It makes them in small batches assembled in-house by hand, one by one. The cameras are being assembled for 6-8 hours and for some cases it may reach up to a few days. However, the medium format sensor calibration process can take up to a third of that time. “Each sensor is calibrated and tested to a single-pixel level, which is very time-consuming and quite unique in this industry,” says one of Hasselblad’s workers. However, DJI works fast… VERY fast. Contrary to the Swedish company, the Chinese manufacturer can produce those medium format cameras like hotcakes.

Main medium format models: X1D II 50C and H6D-100c

Currently, Hasselblad has two main models: X1D II 50C and H6D-100c. The X1D II 50C is armed with a 50MP 43.8 x 32.9mm CMOS Sensor, and the H6D-100c is the flagship model that owns a 100MP 53.4 x 40.0mm CMOS Sensor. Both models produce stunning images. However, both models suffer from impaired video quality. Although Hasselblad has released a firmware update that sharpens the video capabilities, it was too little and too late. Yes, you can shoot a medium format video with these cameras, but the codecs (including RAW) are not practical for editing, nor is the quality of the captured video. For instance, when shooting video strange artifacts are revealed, plus elevated rolling shutter. Hence, those cameras were not developed for professional videographers. That fact is a bummer since this huge sensor is not being utilized for video. However, DJI can change all that. A document spotted by a Twitter user OsitalV, suggests te DJI is developing a new camera that looks almost identical to the Hasselblad X1D model. Explore the first page below: 

DJI will focus on the video capabilities

It must be noted, that this is our sole assumption. However, the document shows a purely logical product. DJI bread and butter is video. Thus, it makes sense that DJI will try to suck the huge potential from the Hasselblad’s medium format sensor in order to allow its consumers the privilege of large-format video capturing. Furthermore, DJI can easily combine this medium format imagery into its products (drones and gimbals), and that’s a market breaker. Imagine a drone with a medium format camera. Moreover, rumors suggest that the Hasselblad X1D 100c model which will be released in 2022, will carry a 100MP medium format sensor. We hope that DJI will take control of that sensor in order to provide decent video capabilities. Explore the schemes in that document: 

Summary

The document that was published by OsitaLV, was created in 2019. There’s a valid chance that the camera presented incorporates a medium format sensor that will come to fruition in 2022. If so, you can expect a new medium format camera from DJI, that will be capable of high-quality medium format video capturing.

Product List

Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers. 

• Hasselblad X1D II 50C Medium Format camera
  • BUY on B&H
  • BUY on ADORAMA
• Hasselblad H6D-100c Medium Format DSLR Camera
  • BUY on B&H
  • BUY on ADORAMA