The world of professional photography is buzzing with the news of a groundbreaking partnership between Capture One and Hasselblad. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in the industry, as it finally brings native support for Hasselblad's medium format camera systems to Capture One software. For years, photographers have faced a frustrating roadblock when working with Hasselblad cameras, as Capture One's historic roots with Phase One, Hasselblad's former rival, meant that Hasselblad files were locked out of the software.
This digital divide has now been bridged, and the result is a major workflow victory for high-end studio, fashion, and commercial photographers. With the release of Capture One 16.8.3, photographers can import, organize, and develop Hasselblad RAW files (.3FR) natively. This update includes bespoke, dedicated color profiles and tailored lens corrections for 19 Hasselblad XCD lenses, initially supporting three of the brand's flagship 100-megapixel systems: the X2D 100C, the X2D II 100C, and the CFV 100C digital back.
But the partnership goes even further, as it also tackles the holy grail of commercial workflows: studio tethering. While the initial release focuses on native RAW development, both companies have confirmed that full Hasselblad tethered capture will be integrated into the platform before the end of the year. This means that photographers can now work seamlessly with Hasselblad cameras, without the need for cumbersome file conversions or workarounds that compromised color fidelity and dynamic range.
According to Capture One CEO Rafael Orta, the partnership was driven directly by user demand. The meticulous process involved analyzing sensor performance and color science to ensure that the integration maintains the uncompromising quality professionals expect from both brands. This attention to detail is a testament to the commitment of both companies to providing the best possible experience for their users.
The partnership between Capture One and Hasselblad is a significant development for the professional photography industry. It removes a long-standing and annoying industry barrier, and it opens up new possibilities for photographers who want to work with Hasselblad cameras. With the release of Capture One 16.8.3, photographers can now import, organize, and develop Hasselblad RAW files natively, and they can look forward to the full Hasselblad tethered capture integration before the end of the year. This is a major win for photographers who want to work with the best equipment and software available.
