contrast-detection AF system is compar-
atively sluggish, and for landscape and
still-life subjects, the precision of manual
focus with the assistance of focus-peaking
display was just a more pleasant experi-
ence than waiting on the AF system to hunt
for focus. It’s another example of why I
suggest that this camera is best for a pho-
tographer who appreciates a slower, more
methodical approach.VIDEO
If video is important to you, note that
while the camera is technically capable
of recording motion, that feature isn’t
yet available at the time of this writing.
Tapping on the video icon in the settings
prompts a message: “Video feature not
supported yet.” The camera’s datasheet
states that video will “be enabled at a
later date” but doesn’t indicate when or
what the video specifications will look
like. Considering that the camera was
introduced last June (2019), one wonderswhen “a later date” might be. Hasselblad
assured us that work on this feature and
other system improvements via firmware
updates is ongoing.PHOCUS MOBILE 2
Hasselblad’s mobile companion app for
the X1D II, Phocus Mobile 2 gives iPad
Pro (2017 models and newer) and iPad Air
(2019 model) the ability to control cam-
era settings as well as download, review,
rate and share images from your tablet.
You can connect to the camera either via
USB-C or WiFi. While you can release the
camera’s shutter via the app, you won’t
see a live preview through the lens as is
possible with the mobile apps from some
other camera makers. For that reason, I
didn’t find the app especially useful for
camera control while shooting, but it’s
great for reviewing frames you’ve already
captured to see them on a much larger
screen. The ability to download files to
your iPad or share them when connectednew gear & tech
22 Outdoor Photographer outdoorphotographer.com
One of the benefits of a medium-
format sensor is its enhanced
detail and resolution. I wanted a
longer lens for this image but was
able to crop in post-processing to
get the composition and subject
magnification I envisioned while
retaining excellent detail. Even with
this significant crop, I was left with a
16-megapixel file. Exposure: 1/1000
sec., ƒ/5.6, ISO 100.