Hasselblad H6D-400c MS is a 400MP beast of a camera

Hasselblad H6D-400c MS
(Image credit: Hasselblad)

Announced today, the latest of Hasselblad’s Multi-Shot medium format cameras is the H6D-400c. Its maximum effective resolution of 400MP is attained by six-shot image capture, which involves adjusting the sensor and its mount with extreme precision - known as pixel shift technology.

In creating the six-shot image, the first four shots require moving the sensor one pixel at a time “to achieve real colour data” - ie, red, green and blue information at every photosite. The sensor is then returned to its starting point, and makes two final half-pixel movements (one horizontal, one vertical) to complete the 400MP image, delivered as a 2.3GB 16-bit TIFF. The final file measures 23,200 x 12,400pixels. 

What is pixel shift?

A visual representation of how the sensor moves when creating the six-shot images

A visual representation of how the sensor moves when creating the six-shot images

On its website, the firm has uploaded a Multi-Shot image by photographer Göran Liljeberg to give prospective users a taste of what the camera can do – head here to try it out

In order to accomplish these shots, the camera needs to be tethered to a Mac or PC, which is done via USB 3.0. This also allows for high-speed data transfer and 30fps live view, although Wi-Fi is also on board for wireless image transmission.

The model is also capable of capturing 100MP images in four-shot Multi-Shot mode or single-shot mode, thanks to its 53.4x40mm 100MP CMOS sensor, which is also said to boast 15EV stops of dynamic range. Users can also shoot HD and 4K UHD video on the H6D-400c if so inclined, with HDMI and Audio I/O available. 

The body carries two card slots, one each for CFast 2.0 and SD-type media, while a 3in, 920k-dot touch-sensitive display that uses a smartphone-style interface is found on the rear. The camera also adheres to Hasselblad’s current modular design, which allows users to customise it to taste, and the company has promised an "improved back removal process” to make this easier.

Hasselblad H6D-400c MS: Pricing and availability

The Hasselblad H6D-400c is expected to ship in March 2018, with a recommended price of $47,995/£36,250, and pre-orders will be starting from today. 

It’s also available to rent through Hasselblad’s new rental service. In Europe, prices are around €399 for shorter rentals, though if you’re willing to commit to a term of ten days or more you can get that down to €199 per day. Visit Hasselblad’s website for more.

TOPICS
Jon Stapley

Jon spent years at IPC Media writing features, news, reviews and other photography content for publications such as Amateur Photographer and What Digital Camera in both print and digital form. With his additional experience for outlets like Photomonitor, this makes Jon one of our go-to specialists when it comes to all aspects of photography, from cameras and action cameras to lenses and memory cards, flash diffusers and triggers, batteries and memory cards, selfie sticks and gimbals, and much more besides.  

An NCTJ-qualified journalist, he has also contributed to Shortlist, The Skinny, ThreeWeeks Edinburgh, The Guardian, Trusted Reviews, CreativeBLOQ, and probably quite a few others I’ve forgotten.

Latest in Digital Cameras
Banner for a Bird Buddy bird feeder on a blue background
My favorite bird feeder camera is on sale in Amazon's super spring sale
Canon PowerShot V1
Canon’s first serious compact camera in years is finally here – but is the Canon PowerShot V1 just the start?
Insta360 X3 deal
My favourite beginner's 360-degree camera under $300: Insta360 X3 lowest price ever
Taylor swift, wearing her hair in pigtails with a cream colored sweater, standing at a microphone, with an Olympus OM-D E-M10 Mark IV next to her and the text "Price drop"
Want Taylor Swift's camera? Buy it today and get a FREE lens
OM System OM-1 camera deal
Holy cow! OM System OM-1 camera drops to its lowest price ever!
HFSTools
Easy-to-buy thermal camera deals go live for Amazon's Big Spring Sale
Latest in News
Sony Venice Extension System Mini
BREAKING: Sony has just expanded its renowned cinema line with the Venice Extension System Mini
Miofive S1 Ultra dash cam on a wooden surface against a white background
Dashcam prices crash by up to $110 in Amazon's spring sale
Kodak Slide N Scan deal
Kodak slashes the cost of its film scanners in Amazon Big Spring Sale
Amazon Spring Sale
These are the best camera deals across the Amazon Big Spring Sale
Akaso Brave 7 LE
Our best budget action cam is now even cheaper in the Amazon spring sale
DJI Mini 4K
The amazing DJI Mini 4K camera drone drops to under $250