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The H2D digital camera delivers improved mobility,
quality, and workflow. Brand new camera features include a highly advanced image
approval and selection tool, called Instant Approval Architecture ( patent
pending) providing a swift and easy way to select and classify images.
Additionally, Hasselblad has built into the H2 cross-platform camera a new
single-battery operation of the camera with the new Ixpress CFH digital back,
offering one on/off switch and one operating system, facilitating streamlined,
integrated operation. With existing digital backs already in the market, the H2D
delivers the exact functionality of the H1.
Christian Poulsen, CEO of Hasselblad
explains: "In the year since Hasselblad and Imacon joined forces, we have been
inundated with constructive feedback from professional photographers worldwide,
eager to see Hasselblads legendary quality evolve with developments in digital
technology. When we reviewed their wishes, we were able to distil them into five
key areas: format, storage, open standards, image approval and selection, and
image color refinement. This gave us a clear blueprint for the next phase of our
product development." "The result is a new range of technologically advanced
products that will change the working habits of general and specialist
professional photographers, providing them with the tools they need to capture
magical images, while growing a profitable, customer-focused business."
Format a new digital camera platform
today's professional photographers demand higher resolution, less noise, and
improved composition, all of which are addressed with Hasselblads new camera
platform. The Hasselblad H2D uses an optical format much larger than 35mm, with
a large format, high quality 22 Megapixel CCD sensor measuring 37mm x 49mm.
Coupled with an ultra bright, extra large H-size viewfinder enabling better
image composition, the final result is image quality that exceeds normal
expectations of medium format photography. New products in the Ixpress digital
back line include the Ixpress CF and Ixpress CFH, bringing new levels of
flexibility to specialist professional photographers, enabling them to take full
advantage of everything that leading-edge digital photography can offer.
Storage three storage modes for ultimate
choice and flexibility Optimum portability and image storage are critical for
the professional photographer, but have historically been compromised in the
digital medium format environment. Hasselblads new products now offer the choice
of the portable CF card storage, the flexible FireWire drive, or the tethered
operation with extended, special capture controls. With these three operating
and storage options, the photographer is able to select a mode to suit the
nature of the work at hand, whether in the studio or on location.
Open standards redefining the way
professional photographers work Hasselblad has partnered closely with Adobe to
make its new products fully compatible with Adobes raw image format DNG (Digital
Negative), bringing this new technology standard to the professional
photographer for the first time. The DNG file format enables raw, compressed
image files to be opened directly in Adobe Photoshop CS. This allows
photographers to operate quickly and efficiently, reducing the "downtime"taken
to process image data and enabling final images to reach the customer more
quickly. Hasselblad image files now carry a full set of metadata, including
capture conditions, keywords and copyright, facilitating work with image asset
management solutions. For specialist commercial photographers the full
productivity and creative freedom offered by Hasselblads FlexColor workflow
software is also available via importing the DNG file. The new FlexColor now
allows the photographer to manipulate color temperature and compare image
details across multiple images for precise image selection.
Image approval and selection ultimate
creative control Limitless digital image capture loses some of its potential if
the photographer cannot quickly review and select the best images to present to
the client. Building on the success of its Audio Exposure Feedback technology,
Hasselblad has created Instant Approval Architecture (IAA), an enhanced set of
feedback tools, designed to liberate the photographer to focus on the shoot
rather than the selection process. IAA triggers audible and visible signals for
each image captured, telling the photographer immediately whether the image has
a red, amber or green light status. The information is recorded both in the file
and in the file name, providing a quick and easy way to classify and select
images, in the field or in the lab. In addition, a larger, enhanced OLED display
in the new Hasselblad products provides a realistic, high quality and perfect
contrast image view, even in bright sunlight, to allow instant on-site image
approval.
Color refinement new color
handling concept Color management solutions have in the past imposed limitations
on professional photographers, particularly when capturing various skin tones,
metals, fabrics, flowers etc. To combat this, Hasselblad has developed a new,
powerful color engine in its FlexColor workflow software. With a one-camera
set-up, the new optimized color engine produces reliable out-of-the-box color
with smooth gradations, with skin tones and other difficult colors reproduced
effectively.
Christian Poulsen
concludes: "Less than nine months since the launch of the integrated H System
digital product line, Hasselblad is meeting professional photographers changing
demands with a revolutionary set of fully-featured cross-platform and integrated
digital products. Hasselblad has always set new standards in analogue
photography, and by doubling our R and D resource, we are fully committed to
being at the leading edge where professional digital photography is concerned.
With these new products, we are underlining our mission to work hand in hand
with loyal Hasselblad users and new customers to help them take full advantage
of the potential that digital technology holds for them, creatively and
commercially." The new Hasselblad products will be rolled out worldwide through
Hasselblads national subsidiaries and channel partners in Q3 of 2005.
Source: LetsGoDigital
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