In this review, Karl Taylor runs through the new 'Face Detection' autofocus firmware update for the Hasselblad X2D.... Karl has been waiting for this new upgrade for some time and was super excited to put it to the test.
Bringing 'Face Detection' focusing to this stunning medium format camera will be a big plus for wedding, portrait, beauty and fashion photographers that wish to shoot the highest quality medium format images. In this video you'll also see the multiple face tracking options and switching as well as see the results of the tests.
The Hasselblad X2D's exciting new face detection focusing feature with firmware version 3.1.0, is available for download from their website. This enhancement is a boon for fashion and beauty photography, eliminating the need to manually select focus points on the screen. It drastically speeds up the workflow by accurately tracking faces.
The face detection function, available in the autofocus settings, offers options for auto, manual, or no detection. In the auto mode, the camera identifies and tracks faces seamlessly, simplifying the process of locking focus. However, unlike some advanced systems, this feature doesn't continuously update focus as the subject moves. Activating focus requires a half-press of the shutter.
During testing in this video, Amber, a photography assistant, served as the subject to evaluate the accuracy of face detection. The camera impressively tracked Amber's movements, maintaining focus even with rapid shifts. Furthermore, it accommodated multiple faces, allowing for easy selection between individuals simply by swiping on the screen.
The face detection feature proved effective even when using older lenses, albeit with slightly slower focusing compared to newer ones. Handheld shots showcased the system's ability to track subtle facial movements, demonstrating its potential for portrait and beauty photography.
Testing involved multiple subjects—Amber, Emma, and Joseph—moving simultaneously to assess the system's ability to track and switch focus between different faces accurately. The results were promising, with the camera adeptly following and locking onto each subject's face as desired.
Analyzing the captured images revealed an impressive success rate in maintaining sharp focus on subjects' eyes, even at shallow depths of field. However, occasional misses were observed, as is common even with advanced focusing systems.
In summary, the Hasselblad X2D's new face detection autofocus is a game-changer for portrait and group photography, significantly streamlining focus acquisition while maintaining a high success rate in capturing sharp, detailed images. Despite minor limitations, it presents a substantial leap forward in Hasselblad's capabilities for photographers in various genres, particularly fashion and beauty.
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