OnePlus 9 update brings improved camera performance, 'Hasselblad Xpan' setting

When OnePlus launched the OnePlus 9 and 9 Pro, the initial focus of its partnership with camera maker Hasselblad was in the software. So, while we wait for what the custom camera hardware will look like, we get updates like this new one that brings the Hasselblad look and feel to the stock camera apps on these phones. 

Both devices are getting an Xpan Mode that replicates the look of Hasselblad's Xpan film cameras. It will include an aspect ratio of 65:21 and a very wide mode with two focal lengths (30mm and 45mm). When you preview a shot, there are frame lines you'll see through the lens of an XPan camera. And when you take a picture, there will be an animation of negative film developing. The update also brings two film simulation effects—color and black and white. Hasselblad is working on the latter with OnePlus.

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Hasselblad rumoured to be developing MotoMod

Leaks of upcoming MotoMods have been spotted in the wild before. Now though there are more leaked information spotted on Chinese microblogging site Weibo about an upcoming MotoMod designed to boost the camera capabilities of the Moto Z and Moto Z Force. This module is being dubbed the “True Zoom Camera” and is supposedly made by Hasselblad. If true, it won’t be news that a reputed camera maker is working with a tech company. Huawei has gotten to work with Leica for its P9 smartphones.

This leaked image of the supposed Hasselblad-made MotoMod is said to have a 10x optical zoom, physical shutter, Xenon flash, automatic button, and a RAW format option. There is no word on megapixel count and size as well as the other information you might be seeking. For now, let’s just take this with a huge grain of salt and wait for Lenovo to confirm or deny the information.

Source: PetaPixel

DJI and Hasselblad to offer high-tech, pro-level drone bundle

We’re seeing the first result from DJI’s purchase of a minor stake in Hasselblad. The drone maker and the medium format camera manufacturer are going to release a bundled version of DJI’s top-of-the-line M600 hexacopter and an aerial photography-focused version of Hasselblad’s A5D medium format camera. The M600 comes with an A3 flight controller and Lightbridge 2 transmission system to allow live video broadcasting of up to 1080p. Plus, it can carry over 13 pounds. Meanwhile, the A5D-50c camera packs in a 50-megapixel CMOS sensor. It’s built to take high-resolution aerial shots for things like topographic and surveying work. Its kit comes with an HC 3.5 / 50mm-II lens.

We don’t have a price or release date yet. But when you think about it, the M600 drone and Ronin-MX gimbal together cost US$6,198 or roughly CA$8,000. So if you add in the medium format camera, just be prepared to pay a hefty sum for it. It’ll most likely just appeal to professional aerial photographers, surveyors, or those with a lot of extra money to spare. DJI and Hasselblad do have plans to collaborate more in the future. They probably won’t be able to produce consumer-level drones together but it might influence DJI’s more affordable Phantom line.

Source: The Verge