Hasselblad X1D II 50C vs Nikon 1 J1: A Deep Dive into Two Mirrorless Worlds

When you hear “Hasselblad,” your mind probably floods with visions of medium format elegance, impeccable color science, and pocket-sized luxury for the discerning pro. On the other hand, mention the “Nikon 1 J1” and you’re stepping back a decade into the realm of accessible, compact entry-level mirrorless, aimed at casual users dipping a toe into interchangeable lenses.

So why on earth would we be pairing these two cameras in the same ring? Because understanding the extreme ends of the mirrorless spectrum – from budget-friendly beginner tools to high-end professional gear – sheds light on just how much camera technology and user expectations have evolved. Plus, picking one or the other (or neither) depends heavily on your photographic ambitions, workflows, and budget. Buckle up, because in this article, I’m going to walk you through an authoritative, hands-on comparison that I hope will save you time, money, and frustration.

Size, Build, and Handling: The Feel Test

Let’s start with the obvious: size and weight.

The Hasselblad X1D II 50C weighs in at a substantial 725 grams with dimensions roughly 150 x 98 x 71 mm. It’s a solid hunk of medium format pedigree housed in a sleek rangefinder-style mirrorless body. The heft communicates quality and stability, but don’t let that fool you – it’s remarkably compact for a medium format camera, designed for professionals who crave top-tier image quality without lugging a full-on studio rig.

The Nikon 1 J1, by comparison, is featherlight at just 234 grams and measures 106 x 61 x 30 mm. This camera is unmistakably entry-level, built for portability and ease of use. The plastic body feels less premium but is perfectly adequate for casual use. Ideal for tossing in a bag or even a large pocket, it’s designed for travel or quick snaps.

The ergonomics of the X1D II 50C favor comfort over extended shoots, with a modest grip and intuitive button placement. The Nikon 1 J1, lacking a deep grip or dedicated manual controls, feels a bit cramped if you’re used to handling larger cameras for longer sessions.

The top-view reveals the clear divide: the X1D II 50C sports a clean, minimalistic control layout with a command dial and an ISO button positioned for quick access, while the Nikon J1 relies on a simplified mode dial and fewer dedicated buttons. More control means faster adjustments on the Hasselblad, but arguably also a bit steeper learning curve.

Practical takeaway: If you prioritize portability and straightforward shooting, Nikon J1 wins. For tactile satisfaction and greater manual control, the Hasselblad feels like the luxury car in your driveway.

Sensor and Image Quality: Medium Format vs. 1-inch Sensor

Now, this is where the rubber hits the road - or should I say, where dollar signs meet pixel reality.

The Hasselblad X1D II 50C features a 51-megapixel medium format CMOS sensor measuring 44 x 33 mm, with a sensor area of 1452 square millimeters. That’s about four times the size of the Nikon 1 J1’s 1-inch (13.2 x 8.8 mm) 10-megapixel sensor.

Why does sensor size matter? In practical terms: dynamic range, low-light performance, color fidelity, and depth of field control all benefit when you increase the sensor area. The X1D II’s sensor allows for stunning image files with 16-bit RAW support, exceptional detail, and pleasing skin tones that pro portrait and commercial photographers dream about.

Nikon’s 1-inch sensor, while compact, was impressive back in 2012 for its size but is clearly a step below in terms of detail and noise control. The 10 MP resolution means it won’t compete in printing or cropping flexibility but can still produce JPEGs suitable for social sharing and casual prints.

According to DXO Mark benchmarks, the X1D II scores an overall 102 - stellar for medium format goodness - boasting 26.2 bits color depth and a dynamic range of 14.8 stops. The Nikon 1 J1 clocks in at 56 overall, with 21.5 bits color depth and 11 stops DR, respectable for an entry-level 1-inch sensor but limited in demanding lighting conditions.

Real world implications: The Hasselblad’s images stay clean and detailed even at ISO 3200, while the Nikon J1’s noisiness emerges beyond ISO 800, restricting its use in dimly lit scenes.

Viewing and Interface: Finding Your Perfect Frame

How you frame your shots matters, especially when working with precise compositions.

The Hasselblad X1D II boasts a high-res 3.6” touchscreen LCD with 2.36 million dots, complemented by an electronic viewfinder (EVF) sporting 3.69 million dots, 100% coverage, and 0.87x magnification. This EVF delivers a bright, true-to-life preview, crucial when composing portraits or landscapes where color accuracy is king.

Meanwhile, the Nikon 1 J1 relies solely on its 3” fixed, non-touch TFT LCD with 460,000 dots and no EVF, which can feel limiting in bright sunlight or when working more visually-intense subjects like wildlife or street photography.

The touch sensitivity on the Hasselblad enhances usability for menu navigation and focus point selection – a blessing for studio work or handheld shooting - whereas the Nikon’s simpler interface suits beginners but forces more button hunting and less intuitive flow.

My experience: Using the X1D II’s high-res EVF feels more like “looking through the lens” rather than a digital proxy, making focus critical tasks easier and more confident. On the other hand, Nikon J1 users will find themselves relying on the LCD a lot, which might frustrate under strong sunlight or fast-paced shooting.

Autofocus and Shooting Performance: Precision vs. Speed

Autofocus (AF) is a moving target in camera tech, evolving rapidly over the last decade.

The Hasselblad X1D II employs a contrast-detection AF system with 117 focus points and supports touch AF, face detection, and tracking, but not phase detection or animal-eye AF. It offers single, continuous, and tracking modes with relatively slow continuous shooting capped at 2.7 frames per second (fps).

By contrast, the Nikon 1 J1 includes a hybrid AF system combining contrast and phase detection with 135 focus points and can shoot up to 10 fps continuous burst - features designed to snatch fast-moving subjects for the casual thrill-seeker or novice.

Why the difference? The X1D II’s massive sensor and high resolution contribute to slower AF acquisition and frame rates; the system prioritizes accuracy and image quality over speed. The Nikon J1’s smaller sensor and reduced complexity allow for snappy autofocus and fast shooting, albeit at the cost of image quality and precision.

For wildlife or sports shooters eyeing fast action and tracking, the Nikon 1 J1’s AF and buffer may be more forgiving. But the small sensor and less sophisticated AF limit results in challenging light.

For portraits, studio, and landscape where deliberate focus and image perfection matter most, the Hasselblad’s slower, more deliberate AF shines.

Lens Ecosystem and Compatibility: Your Glasses Matter

Both cameras use proprietary mounts with a modest selection of lenses.

Hasselblad X system offers 13 medium-format lenses with focal length equivalents that start wide and reach moderate telephoto, all impeccably crafted optically and physically. These lenses are optimized to exploit the large sensor for exceptional sharpness, contrast, and bokeh quality.

Nikon’s 1 mount also claims 13 lenses, covering wide-angle through telephoto, but these lenses serve the smaller 1-inch sensor. While some lenses are compact and lightweight, the overall system lacks the optical excellence and variety that a dedicated enthusiast or professional demands.

Hasselblad X1D II 50C front Hasselblad X1D II 50C screen back Nikon 1 J1 screen back

When testing, Hasselblad lenses delivered buttery-smooth bokeh and razor-sharp details - particularly beneficial in portraiture and landscape. The Nikon’s kit lenses produce good results for snapshots but show softness at edges and less pleasing background separation.

If you’re serious about lenses, the Hasselblad X1D II’s ecosystem represents a meaningful investment with longer-term value and performance. The Nikon system remains best for casual or entry-level dabbling.

Battery Life and Storage Options: Staying Powered Up

Battery life won’t win awards on the Hasselblad X1D II, which offers roughly 400-450 shots per charge, typical for medium format with high power draws. The Nikon J1, meanwhile, impresses with about 230 shots per battery but can eke out more thanks to its low-res sensor and minimal electronics.

Storage approaches differ: the X1D II features dual card slots supporting SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, ideal for backup and extended shooting sessions. The Nikon has a single card slot supporting the same formats but with fewer options.

If you’re planning day-long shoots or travel with the X1D II, packing extra batteries and cards is mandatory. The Nikon’s success here is modest but sufficient for casual users.

Environmental Sealing and Durability: Ready for the Elements?

The Hasselblad X1D II offers environmental sealing - a dust and moisture resistant body built for pro use in rugged conditions. However, it’s not fully weatherproof or shockproof.

The Nikon 1 J1 lacks weather sealing and robust construction, reflecting its position as an entry-level camera intended mainly for casual, indoor, or controlled outdoor use.

If your photography ventures into challenging environments - think rain-soaked landscapes or dusty wild settings - the Hasselblad’s sealing capabilities offer peace of mind.

Video Capabilities: Moving Pictures from Two Eras

Video shooting is where these cameras diverge clearly in ambition and capability.

Hasselblad’s X1D II maxes out at 2720 x 1530 resolution (roughly 2.7K) at 30p, encoded in H.264, which is respectable but far from cutting-edge 4K standards today. The inclusion of microphone and headphone jacks supports better audio capture and monitoring, appealing to hybrid shooters.

Nikon 1 J1 offers 1080p video up to 60 fps and a variety of lower resolutions for slow-motion effects, which was impressive at the time of release but feels dated by modern standards. Notably, no external mic or headphone support limits audio quality control.

Neither camera targets hardcore videographers, but the Hasselblad’s output is cleaner and more flexible for multimedia content creation, especially when paired with its superior in-body color rendering.

Overall Performance: Scores in Context

Finding reliable benchmarks, like those from DXO Mark, helps put raw specs to the test. The Hasselblad X1D II’s impressive overall score (102) reflects its medium format superiority in color depth, dynamic range, and low-light ISO. The Nikon 1 J1’s modest 56 score confirms its consumer-focused place.

Performance-wise, expect stellar image quality and refined control from the X1D II at the cost of speed and agility. The Nikon J1 provides faster burst rates and snappier AF but cannot compete on pure image quality or build.

Specialized Use Cases: Which Camera Suits Your Photography Style?

Moving beyond specs, here’s how these cameras stack up across popular photography genres:

Portrait Photography

No contest - the Hasselblad X1D II excels at skin tone rendering, natural colors, and smooth bokeh thanks to its medium format sensor and quality lenses. Eye detection AF isn’t present, but manual focus precision and touch AF compensate well.

The Nikon J1 can capture portraits but lacks the resolution and shallow DOF to produce portraits with creamy backgrounds and subtle tonal nuances.

Landscape Photography

The X1D II’s 14.8 stops of dynamic range make it perfect for high-contrast scenes, from alpine vistas to dramatic skies. Its rugged sealing helps protect shoots outside.

The Nikon 1 J1's smaller sensor restricts flexibility, requiring careful exposure and limiting print sizes.

Wildlife and Sports Photography

Ironically, the Nikon 1 J1’s faster burst rate (10 fps) and more agile AF system can track action scenes effectively in bright conditions. The X1D II lacks speed and tracking sophistication for fast wildlife or sports.

Street Photography

Size again becomes a factor. The J1’s compact form makes it approachable for discrete street use, but low-light performance and AF speed can be frustrating.

The Hasselblad is bulkier and slower to shoot, but produces higher quality images for deliberate compositions.

Macro Photography

Neither camera specializes here. Lack of focus stacking and stabilization diminishes macro capability, though Hasselblad’s resolution aids detailed close-ups.

Night and Astro Photography

The X1D II’s low noise and high dynamic range at ISO 3200+ give it an edge under starry skies, despite lacking dedicated astro modes.

The Nikon J1 struggles with noise beyond ISO 800.

Video

Again, moderate usage caps: Hasselblad allows better audio options; Nikon J1 limited and dated.

Travel Photography

Nikon J1 wins on portability and battery life. Hasselblad offers image quality but at the expense of weight and bulk.

Professional Use

Hasselblad is built for workflows requiring 16-bit RAW, dual card backups, and pro-level reliability.

Nikon J1 fits hobbyists unlikely to demand sophisticated post-processing.

Connectivity and Extras

The Hasselblad X1D II includes built-in Wi-Fi and GPS - no Bluetooth or NFC - facilitating geotagging and remote control via apps. Nikon 1 J1 has no wireless connectivity.

Both support HDMI output for tethering or external monitors. The Hasselblad’s USB 3.0 port provides faster data transfer compared to the Nikon J1’s USB 2.0.

Price-to-Performance: The Numbers Game

At launch, the Hasselblad X1D II 50C cost roughly $5750, positioning it in the high-end, pro mirrorless market.

The Nikon 1 J1 targeted the consumer market at $625, a fifth of the Hasselblad price.

That’s a steep price difference, but remember - investing in camera gear isn’t just about specs but intended use. The X1D II provides undeniable medium format advantages, pro-grade color science, and robust build. The Nikon 1 J1 offers a gateway into interchangeable lens photography at a pocket budget.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Buy Which?

Having spent weeks testing these cameras in real world scenarios - studio shoots, landscapes, street strolls, action sequences - I hope my insights clarify this eccentric pairing.

Choose the Hasselblad X1D II 50C if:

• You demand best-in-class image quality with stunning color accuracy and tons of resolution.
• You shoot portraits, commercial, or large-format prints and want medium format portability.
• Your workflow includes rigorous RAW editing and you need dual card backups.
• You value build quality and weather sealing for professional shoots.
• Budget allows for significant investment into body+lenses.
• You’re willing to accept slower AF and shooting speeds for image excellence.

Choose the Nikon 1 J1 if:

• You are a beginner or casual shooter exploring mirrorless without breaking the bank.
• Portability and ease of use trump ultimate image quality.
• You want a camera capable of delivering decent images for social media, casual landscapes, and family events.
• You desire faster AF and burst rates for simple action sequences.
• Budget is tight and you want a no-frills introduction to interchangeable lens shooting.

In essence, if Hasselblad’s X1D II 50C is a Leica of the digital age - luxurious, precise, and timeless - the Nikon 1 J1 is your reliable family hatchback: practical, affordable, and fun.

Hopefully, this in-depth, experience-based comparison arms you with enough ammunition to pick your champion.

Happy shooting!

This review is based on extensive hands-on testing and industry standard benchmarking, cross-checked with personal photographic use cases and workflow integration experience accrued over 15+ years.