The impossible comparison: Hasselblad 907X 100C vs. Olympus EPL6 by George Holden
George Holden made the impossible comparison between the Hasselblad 907X 100C vs. Olympus EPL6:
- The Luxury vs. Bargain Metaphor: Shooting with the Hasselblad is compared to a high-end designer store experience, while the Olympus EPL6 is like hunting for treasures in a “bargain bin” at TK Maxx.
- Shared Aspect Ratio: Despite the massive price gap, both cameras share a native 4×3 sensor aspect ratio, providing a similar “boxy” composition.
- Focal Length Parity: To keep the comparison fair, Holden uses a 55mm f/2.5 on the Hasselblad (43mm full-frame equivalent) and a 20mm f/1.7 on the Olympus (40mm full-frame equivalent).
- Resolution Contrast:
- The 16MP Olympus is described as the “Goldilocks” resolution—sufficient for social media and cropping without exhausting storage.
- The 100MP Hasselblad allows for extreme cropping and incredible texture detail but results in “ludicrous” file sizes.
- Waist-Level Viewfinder: Both cameras allow for waist-level shooting via tilting screens. However, the Hasselblad’s screen is significantly larger, brighter, and features a superior touchscreen interface.
- Minimalist Controls: Neither camera features traditional dual dials. The Hasselblad uses a unique dial wrapping around the shutter button, while the Olympus relies on a rear thumb dial and D-pad.
- Shutter Mechanics: The Hasselblad utilizes a silent, sophisticated leaf shutter, whereas the Olympus EPL6 uses a loud, “clunky” mechanical shutter.
- Lens Performance: The Hasselblad 55mm lens is fast, silent, and features a manual focus clutch. The Lumix 20mm on the Olympus is reliable but notably slower and noisier due to its older design.
- Medium Format Rendering: The Hasselblad provides an incredibly shallow depth of field that maintains high detail even when stopped down to f/4.8, a look that is difficult to replicate on smaller sensors.
- Color Science: Hasselblad’s “Natural Colour Solution” is praised for producing excellent out-of-camera results that require minimal raw editing.
- Modularity and Heritage: The Hasselblad is noted for its modular design, allowing it to be used as a digital back for classic film cameras, and its “NASA heritage” legacy.
- Philosophical Conclusion: Holden advises new photographers to buy only what they can afford (including using a phone), but notes that the Hasselblad makes sense for those wanting “the best of the best” for studio, portrait, or high-end travel work.