I've been struggling and failing to figure out whether Hasselblad has decided not to put video on future X2D iterations. Has it?
I have had a long love affair with my X1D but have decided I want to step up relatively soon to either the X2D back or *gasp* sell my gear and migrate to the GFX100II. Is there any info anyone can point me to on whether baseline cinema-quality video will be present on near term future versions of the X2D? Has H decided to abandon video in this platform?
What do you mean by "future X2D iterations"? The X2D is here and it can only be changed through f/w - video cannot be added to the camera this way. Whether there will be an X2Dii is too early to tell and whether it will have video is anyone's guess. Mine for that matter is that it will not, due to potential heat issues and "clutter". I am not into video at all so I couldn't care less, but I see how that could be a show stopper for some people. In my mind it is harder to combine the two functions at the highest level in one body, so -as always- it is a compromise and Hasselblad are opting to go the photography route.
You got it, The X2D or its successors. I haven't been into video much in the past either, but I am finding I could get deeper into video for various reasons, and it's a very strong want to have for me. The Fuji GFX100II shoots 8K and at least by some metrics seems a fairly competent video camera. That's the obvious alternative, although it would come with some IQ and "cool" sacrifice.
If I can figure out whether video definitely is coming out in a X2D whatever format within a year I would almost certainly wait for that. If video is gone forever or there's no info on that then I feel I have a real decision to make.
Predicting the future is not something that I would attempt. I would base any decisions on what is actually available currently.
Look at the number of threads in the "Video" section here on Hasselbladdigitalforum, the number of youtube videos or reviews. From this, it is very evident that Hasselblad photographers are generally not videographers. Hasselblad will see no reason to develop an X2D II with video, and even more so as long as the X1D II is still in production, already offering video capabilities. Is there no way for you to keep the X1D for video? A backup body is generally not a bad idea?!
I make videos, but use a camera that is much more suited - Sigma FP.
There are numerous smaller, more affordable cameras that shoot fantastic video. I wouldn't use a Leica or Hasselblad to shoot video personally.
The fact that microphones are still built into the X2D (see operating instructions) could suggest that Hasselblad at least reserves the option of a video mode.
Personally, I'm one of those who is happy that the X2D does without video. In my opinion, medium format video doesn't make sense either.
Yes, the new Gxf has a relatively good video mode, but due to the slow readout time compared to the 35mm image, the image distorts when panning, for example.
For video filming, cameras with a "full format sensor" are much better served.
Medium format sensors suck at video. Suck. Most high resolution 35mm sensors also suck at video. The readout just isn't fast enough for decent 4/8K footage if anything moves.
An Osmo Action 3 will do a better job as will any m43 system or something like the s5IIx. You can get a complete setup that will annihilate the GFX100II vise for less than the cost of a single XCD lens.
I travel with my X2D and an Osmo action. Great setup for pretty much anything except paid work. If If was getting paid I'd get an S5IIX.
Gordon
After spending most of the day yesterday looking into the fine details of the GFX100II, I agree with the comments that at least with the current state of play the GFX's video isn't quite there yet for fast moving objects, the GFX IQ looks like it has the same shortcomings vis a vis the H as with the 50 MPs, and there are other options for better video cams for less $$ than I'd lose by selling my lenses and reinvesting in GFX.
Still it would be nice to have fairly high quality video in the same camera, so I hope H finally ends up putting that audio port to use in the XD2. If I were a more impulsive type, which I almost was, not having video might have made me execute on that idea before I did my research.
So I'm going to get the X2D. Image quality will be better than GFX for stills from what I read and as I know from my experience with the 50 MPs of both in the past. Plus it's just very cool. Now, do I tell my wife or just do it . . . 🤔 And should I wait for the X2D II to see what that looks like? Regular rollout cycles suggest that could be within a year I would guess.
Not sure video can be added, maybe limited to couple of minutes, as the camera body should be designed to dissipate the heat
Quote from: flash on March 19, 2024, 12:48:27 AMMedium format sensors suck at video. Suck. Most high resolution 35mm sensors also suck at video. The readout just isn't fast enough for decent 4/8K footage if anything moves.
I guess so (at least in your world) but I like the look of the video that I get using the 907x and the 50MP back. The specs don't compete with serious video orientated cameras but for the little "mood" sequences that I sometimes shoot on a tripod, the resulting 2.7K videos are quite pleasing. I've also used a GFX 100s (not mine) as part of a job videoing a person talking and the results were excellent. It didn't suck at all.
The absence of video from the two 100MP Hasselblad cameras isn't a deal-breaker for me personally but I like having the option available.
Is Video Gone Forever? I hope so!
Quote from: Ralf on March 18, 2024, 11:00:39 PMThe fact that microphones are still built into the X2D (see operating instructions) could suggest that Hasselblad at least reserves the option of a video mode.
Perhaps the microphone is in place for a future Siri type firmware update that will allow you to verbally tell the X2D to capture remotely. This may arrive sooner than the USB C Remote Release Cable. Note - tongue deeply embedded in cheek. But .... it's a thought!
Steve Hendrix/CI
There are so many better video options that don't really care about what the real benefits of the X2D are from a photo perspective. They are also MUCH less expensive and have a wider array of video-oriented lenses available.
If you need video - DO NOT GO with a GFX. Fuji has it in there. The video codec and quality is perfectly fine but these camera suffer from HEAVY rolling shutter. Any movement of the camera during filming with vertical lines (such as lights, poles, buildings, sidewalks, corner of wall, furniture) is going to cause a "warping" effect.
These sensors do not have a fast enough read out speed. Yes, they can do video, and you're gonna see beautiful examples on the web. But it's mostly marketing and influencers. Find some real world video shooters (and even hybrid) and the number drops.
I'd enough say that it's not worth it just for "casual' or "on the side" video in real world use. Unless the camera is going to stationary on a tripod with no movement or panning (or very slow dolly in shots)
Here is an example from the original 100 (mind you - it uses these gates since its a good demo, but you will see it all over) -
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sPadMx0py8g
Let video to video gear, and still images to cameras made for photography.
i've been shooting commercials for a looong time, and never ever have i seen a photo-first type of camera put out the quality of Specially designed for video cameras.
That being said; A medium format is a horrible format for video if you choose for a 'photo-first' camera. You will have to crop or delete lines and this will only add terrible things to the video.
Honestly; for video: buy a videocamera. DSLR/Mirrorless bodys are never the answer for truly great video. They are an answer for truly hybrid stuff, and people mistake them for being videocameras. but it's ok.
While I'm not into video, so my views are probably biased, I agree with the general sentiment that it is best that the X2D does not have video functionality. I want a camera to do one thing well, and that is take high quality still pictures of the subject matter that I am interested in. I think many amateurs and professionals have multiple cameras across multiple brands, so if one wants video, then buy a camera that does video. If I ever get into the video side of things, I would buy a Canon or Sony or Nikon to supplement my Hasselblad. My 2 cents worth :-)
If H included video functionality in the X2D and it didn't impact still function or quality, would anyone refuse to download the update?
I've shot in a number of forums where it would be nice to roll off reasonably high quality 4K or 8K video even though I'm there to do stills. I don't want to lug around a video camera for that if I don't need to. I imagine video would be a nice to have to quite a few X platform owners. And I'd note in passing that DJI has quite capable video in house (expertise of which might actually exist in Sweden). That could be synergistic with development of the X platform, not a detraction.
Having said that, I 100% agree with the sentiment that the reason the X platform flourishes is cleary because of its exceptional still image quality, not bells and whistles — and that cannot be compromised.
Yet even with a comparatively slow sensor with older tech, putting video in the package seems at least to me to be a nice to have. I imagine that's likely the sentiment of a meaningful number of existing and would be X platform owners — for many even if it increased the price of a separate version.
This might best be thought of as one of many improvements that could be made in firmware or otherwise to the X platform as it goes forward. Along with improved autofocus and maybe a joystick, for example, this would be at or near the top for me.
If a firmware update only brought a video function without any improvement to the photo function, I would indeed not install it. But presumably, if there really is video for the X2D, it will be installed in an update that also inevitably includes improvements to the photo function.
I asked Hasselblad support about video, here is the reply...
Thank you for contacting Hasselblad.
Sorry for the incomplete reply to you.
We were referring to the X2D's microphone feature not being enabled.
It's true that X2D doesn't have a video function at the moment, because we want to focus on taking good pictures!
Of course we will be evaluating and maybe someday X2D will be able to use video and this microphone will be able to be used!
Please do not hesitate to contact us for additional support if needed.
Best regards,
The Hasselblad Support Team
Quote from: Mudlup on March 27, 2024, 02:28:55 AMOf course we will be evaluating and maybe someday X2D will be able to use video and this microphone will be able to be used!
Seems a bit ironic that Hasselblad included a microphone that will likely never be used but omitted a microphone input port that could have been used for the X remote release that would serve a very useful purpose.
In the case where the possible, perhaps possible, if all goes well, if... if Hasselblad follows a "logical" logic, and has consistency in ideas..., in this case, the usb connector usb-c must have been configured for connecting a headset assembly (like on an iPhone); but for the external screen without hdmi?
Included video could be quite useful. Not everyone is shooting release level footage. And some of what comes out of FF sensors is pretty good. Apparently there are mics in the camera which work. We do not know what else is in the camera/on the chip for making movies. We do not know what the company may have done for heat dissipation. Beyond believing the mics work we are in the dark.
But I would like to be able to shoot a video with that sensor and the XCD 55V or the 125/3.5 macro. Just to be able to do it with great image and color would be nice. It needn't be good enough for a two hour cine film presentation.
That's my two cents.