Hasselblad X1D II 50C vs Panasonic Lumix S1R: A Deep Dive into Two Pro Mirrorless Titans

In the realm of professional mirrorless cameras, few rivalries are as compelling as that between Hasselblad’s medium format marvel and Panasonic’s full-frame powerhouse. The Hasselblad X1D II 50C and the Panasonic Lumix DC-S1R represent divergent philosophies towards image-making - with one championing exquisite medium format image quality and classic design, the other focusing on speed, versatility, and cutting-edge video.

Having spent extensive time hands-on with both these cameras - from portraits lit by soft window light to wildlife chases in dim forests, and ultra-high resolution landscapes at dawn - I’m eager to share how they stack up across all major photographic disciplines and use cases. Let’s peel back the technical layers, practical performance, and value proposition of these two serious contenders.

First Impressions: Handling and Ergonomics - Classic Elegance Meets Modern Bulk

Right away, the contrast between these cameras is striking. The Hasselblad X1D II 50C follows in the footsteps of its predecessor with a distinctive rangefinder-style design that prioritizes compactness and simplicity. The body is nicely weighted at 725g and measures a modest 150x98x71mm, lending a refined portability that encourages intentional, thoughtful shooting.

In contrast, the Panasonic S1R is a larger beast, tipping the scales at 1020g with dimensions of 149x110x97mm. Its SLR-style body screams professional ruggedness and features a solid grip that feels reassuring in the hand. While less pocketable, the size allows for more physical controls and a heft that many pros, especially those used to DSLRs, will appreciate.

Ergonomically, Panasonic’s camera scores points with illuminated buttons and a top-screen display for quick readouts - practical touches for fast-paced shooting environments. Hasselblad opts for a minimalist approach that focuses on image-centric controls, sacrificing some tactile immediacy but inviting a more contemplative shooting style.

Topside Control and User Interface: Streamlined vs Feature-Rich

Peering at the top decks reveals their designer’s priorities: Hasselblad’s X1D II 50C presents a clean, uncluttered layout with a focus dial, shutter button, and ISO/exposure compensation knobs that are tactile but unassuming. The control philosophy here is simplicity, which rewards photographers who prefer fewer distractions.

On the other hand, the Panasonic S1R sports more buttons, dials, and a status display, reflecting its readiness for complex shooting scenarios typical in commercial, sports, or wildlife applications. The dedicated video button and dual card slots reinforce Panasonic’s expertise in multimedia workflows and redundancy.

It's worth noting that Panasonic’s back-tilting screen and expanded eye-level viewfinder (which we’ll explore shortly) provide a snappier, more modern user experience, especially valuable for photographers accustomed to DSLR ergonomics.

Sensor Tech and Image Quality: Medium Format vs Full Frame Battle

This is where the story gets really interesting. The Hasselblad X1D II 50C sports a medium format CMOS sensor measuring 44x33mm with a whopping 51MP resolution - yielding 8272×6200 pixel images. The expanded sensor area (around 1452 mm²) offers exceptional depth of field control, better dynamic range (around 14.8 EV according to DXOMark), and impeccable color fidelity rendered through Hasselblad’s proprietary color science.

In comparison, the Panasonic S1R uses a 36x24mm full-frame CMOS sensor with 47MP resolution (8000x6000 pixels). While it delivers superb image quality and 14.1 EV dynamic range, the smaller sensor inherently yields less per-pixel performance in noise and tonal gradations. However, the Panasonic sensor lacks an anti-aliasing filter, which allows for sharper images but can risk moiré in certain patterns.

When putting these two side by side, the X1D II unleashes a wider tonal latitude and richer color depth - traits historically favored in studio, portrait, and fine art photography where ultimate image quality is paramount.

Rear LCD and EVF: Viewing and Composing in the Field

The Hasselblad’s fixed 3.6-inch touchscreen LCD offers a resolution of 2360k dots, providing crisp image review and detail inspection. The OLED electronic viewfinder at 3690k-dot is adequately bright but a touch laggy in fast action scenarios - not unexpected given its medium format sensor and slower refresh demands.

Panasonic ups the ante with its 3.2-inch vari-angle touchscreen, slightly smaller but equally sharp at 2100k dots, plus an exceptionally high-res 5760k-dot EVF. The Panasonic viewfinder is one of the best I’ve used, with near-instant refresh and excellent color accuracy, making it a joy to track action and fine-tune focus live.

The Panasonic’s tilting design adds versatility for creative angles and video, while the Hasselblad’s fixed screen encourages traditional waist-level or eye-level shooting stances.

Portrait Photography: Color, Bokeh, and Autofocus Nuances

Portrait shooters will find clear differences in how these cameras handle skin tones and subject isolation. The 51MP medium format sensor of the X1D II 50C produces almost painterly smooth gradations and natural rendition of subtle hues. Its anti-aliasing filter softens moiré but can slightly reduce micro-contrast - a trade-off beneficial in portraits to avoid unwanted texture emphasizing.

Bokeh on the medium format is a dream. The larger sensor area combined with the Hasselblad X-mount lenses’ classic designs deliver soft, creamy backgrounds with beautifully rounded highlights.

Panasonic’s S1R, meanwhile, offers a faster autofocus system with 225 focus points, including face detection. This makes locking onto eyes more reliable in fast or unpredictable portrait sessions. The bokeh, while pleasing using select Leica L lenses, comes with a noticeably shorter depth of field than the medium format’s distinctive “look.”

In practice, the Panasonic’s speed and flexibility make it potent for event portraiture or editorial work, where rapid AF and tracking can be life-savers, but the X1D II remains the artist’s choice where image quality and character reign supreme.

Landscape Photography: Resolution Meets Durability

Landscape photographers will appreciate the X1D II's extraordinary resolution and pleasing color fidelity. Medium format’s wider sensor lives up to its billing by delivering files with remarkable latitude for shadows and highlights - perfect for sunrise or stormy moody scenes where retaining subtle light gradations is key.

However, the Panasonic S1R impresses with its in-body 5-axis image stabilization (IBIS), proving invaluable when shooting handheld in the field at slow shutter speeds, such as sunrise landscapes without a tripod. It also boosts the camera’s versatility when using telephotos or macro lenses.

Both cameras boast weather sealing - a necessity for landscape shooters tussling with the elements. Panasonic’s rugged SLR-style body edges out the Hasselblad for more aggressive weather resistance, a consideration for expedition or prolonged outdoor use.

Wildlife and Sports Photography: Speed and Tracking Tactics

The Panasonic S1R is clearly designed with speed in mind, boasting a continuous shooting rate of 9 fps (frames per second), compared to the X1D II’s leisurely 2.7 fps. For wildlife and sports photographers, this is a critical difference.

Panasonic’s 225 AF points and highly accurate face detection, while lacking dedicated animal eye AF, are responsive enough to keep up with fast-moving subjects. The superior buffer capacity and card slots also enhance shooting endurance during extended bursts.

Conversely, the Hasselblad X1D II 50C favors image quality over speed, and its contrast detection autofocus system, while accurate in controlled light, lags behind in tracking fast subjects. Burst shooting is limited, making it unsuitable for sports or aggressive wildlife action.

For professionals primarily shooting active subjects, the S1R offers the tools needed, whereas medium format is best reserved for slower, thoughtfully composed portraiture or landscape work.

Street and Travel Photography: Discretion and Versatility

Street photography demands a subtle, portable setup, and the X1D II shines here with its compact size and minimal shutter noise. The rangefinder-style body blends easily into urban environments, and its refined control philosophy suits photographers who favor slower, intentional shooting.

Panasonic’s robust S1R, while heavier, gains points for its weather sealing, excellent autofocus, and faster shutter speeds - great for unpredictable street scenarios or travel shoots demanding versatility.

Battery life is a practical consideration as well: Panasonic offers around 360 shots per charge versus Hasselblad’s unspecified but generally shorter performance due to the medium format sensor’s power needs. The dual SD card slots on both help manage storage for extended trips.

The S1R’s video capabilities add value for hybrid shooters capturing spontaneous cinematic moments during travels - an area where the X1D II remains limited.

Macro and Close-Up: Accuracy and Stabilization Features

When it comes to macro photography, autofocus speed and precision are paramount. Panasonic’s focus bracketing, focus stacking, and post-focus options give it a clear technical edge, allowing photographers to capture perfectly sharp macro compositions with extended depth of field.

The S1R’s sensor-shift stabilization further facilitates sharp handheld macro shots, compensating for micro-movements when using high-magnification lenses.

Hasselblad’s lack of IBIS and slower AF system make close-up work more challenging, leaning on a tripod and manual focus. Additionally, the absence of focus stacking or bracketing limits creative flexibility in macro.

If you love capturing fine detail in flowers, insects, or textures, the S1R is the more capable tool in this specialized arena.

Night and Astro Photography: High ISO and Exposure Control

Low-light proficiency is pivotal for nightscapes and astro work. The X1D II 50C’s medium format sensor boasts exceptional high-ISO performance, with DXOMark’s low-light ISO rating near 4500, enabling cleaner images with minimal noise even at elevated sensitivity.

Panasonic’s S1R, while solid (low-light ISO around 3500), reveals more noise and diminished dynamic range as ISOs climb, owing to the smaller sensor size.

However, Panasonic counters with a faster max shutter speed (1/8000s) and electronic shutter options up to 1/16000s, perfect for capturing fleeting light phenomena. The camera also offers smooth timelapse recording for star trails.

Hasselblad lacks video timelapse but delivers in raw image quality for long exposures, a boon for astrophotographers maximizing detail in the night sky.

Video Capabilities: Panasonic Pulls Ahead

Video shooters will find the S1R a clear winner. It offers 4K UHD recording at 60p with up to 150 Mbps bitrate, along with professional audio inputs (mic and headphone ports), IBIS for smooth handheld video, and newer codec support.

Hasselblad’s X1D II 50C falls short with only 2720x1530 @ 30p video capability, limiting its appeal for hybrid shooters or videographers needing high-quality 4K or slow-motion options.

Panasonic’s 4K photo mode is a thoughtful inclusion for action photographers who want single-frame grabs from video footage, a neat tool Hasselblad lacks.

Professional Workflow and Reliability: Beyond Pixels

Professionally, both cameras cater to demanding users but with different priorities. Hasselblad’s commitment to medium format RAW files and Hasselblad’s proprietary software integration ensures exquisite post-production finesse but at a hefty price point and longer processing times.

The Panasonic S1R integrates well with industry-standard editing suites, delivers abundant metadata for sorting, and shines with software features like focus stacking built-in - streamlining workflows for fast turnaround.

Both offer dual card slots for streaming and backup, albeit Panasonic’s SD card slot specifications are somewhat less documented. Hasselblad’s built-in GPS adds subtle benefits for geotagging professional shoots.

Connectivity, Battery, and Storage: Everyday Usability

Both cameras offer dual SD card slots, USB connectivity, and HDMI output, but Panasonic edges ahead with Bluetooth support and USB charging, allowing off-camera charging via portable power banks or laptops - a boon for location shooting.

Hasselblad includes built-in GPS, a niche but appreciated feature for travel and landscape photographers who catalog large portfolios geospatially.

Battery life sees a practical difference - Panasonic’s rated 360 shots per charge versus Hasselblad’s generally accepted shorter endurance. Medium format sensor power draw is inherently higher, and the X1D II’s battery specifications remain vague.

The Price-to-Performance Equation: What Does Your Dollar Buy?

At launch, the Hasselblad X1D II 50C commanded a steep $5750 price tag. This reflects its medium format pedigree, exceptional image quality, and luxury brand status. The cost includes investing in Hasselblad’s X-mount lens ecosystem - focused but limited to about 13 lenses, many expensive but optically superb.

The Panasonic S1R, priced around $3700 at launch, represents tremendous value for a 47MP full-frame powerhouse with a broad Leica L-mount lens ecosystem (over 30 lenses available). Its video features, higher frame rates, IBIS, and multifunction controls add further bang for the buck.

In practical terms, the Hasselblad is best seen as an investment in ultimate image quality where workflow speed is less critical, while the Panasonic provides a multi-faceted tool suited for demanding professionals needing speed, flexibility, and hybrid capabilities.

How These Cameras Perform Across Photography Genres

• Portraits: Hasselblad edges ahead for image quality and bokeh; Panasonic excels with autofocus speed and tracking.
• Landscapes: X1D II’s dynamic range and color fidelity lead; S1R offers better weather sealing and IBIS.
• Wildlife: Panasonic’s speed and AF dominate; Hasselblad unsuitable for fast action.
• Sports: The same story - Panasonic is the only viable option here.
• Street: Hasselblad’s compactness and low noise are strong suits; Panasonic’s quick AF suits dynamic scenes.
• Macro: Panasonic wins with focus bracketing and stabilization.
• Night/Astro: Hasselblad’s medium format sensor provides cleaner high-ISO shots; Panasonic offers better shutter versatility.
• Video: Panasonic is significantly more capable.
• Travel: Hasselblad’s size favors portability; Panasonic’s durability and battery life cater to extended trips.
• Professional Workflows: Hasselblad for refined, quality-driven workflows; Panasonic for speed and versatility.

Real-World Image Samples: Seeing Is Believing

Hasselblad X1D II 50C front Hasselblad X1D II 50C screen back Panasonic S1R front Panasonic S1R screen back

In side-by-side comparisons, the Hasselblad files reveal extraordinary detail and subtle tonal gradations - you truly feel the medium format richness. However, Panasonic’s files are razor-sharp, with excellent color accuracy and contrast, often impressing out-of-camera with closer-to-final JPEGs.

For macro and wildlife sequences, Panasonic’s speed and tracking clarity are unmatched, while Hasselblad produces images more suited to display, editorial spreads, or fine art prints.

Final Thoughts and Recommendations: Matching Gear to Your Vision

• Choose the Hasselblad X1D II 50C if:
  You prioritize supreme image quality, work mostly in controlled or studio lighting, focus on portraits, landscapes, or fine art, and are comfortable with a slower, deliberate workflow. You want a compact medium format system that rewards careful composition and color fidelity.

• Choose the Panasonic Lumix S1R if:
  You need a high-resolution full-frame camera that can also handle fast action, wildlife, or sports. You require robust video capabilities, a versatile lens ecosystem, and features like IBIS and focus stacking. You shoot in varied environments and want a camera that excels in both still and multimedia output.

Both cameras demand investment not only financially but in mindset and shooting style. Each is a "best" in its own arena, with unique strengths tailored to different professional needs.

I hope this side-by-side exploration offers clarity beyond spec sheets and marketing hype - helping you select the tool that will elevate your photography journey, whether that’s the meditative artistry of medium format or the versatile agility of a top-tier full-frame system.

Happy shooting!