You know how there are cars, and then there are cars? You could technically argue that Toyota and Ferrari make the same thing, from a functionality standpoint, but we all know that they aren’t equal. The same could be said about cameras. All cameras, ultimately, take pictures, but there are models akin to a Ferrari that go beyond their intended purpose – exuding style and luxury, with a price tag to match. One of those camera makers is Hasselblad, which just announced its newest full-frame DSLR, the $11,500 HV.


To professionals, Hasselblad is one of the go-to companies for medium-format cameras, which we have written about from time to time. But it also has a line of insanely expensive digital cameras that are geared toward anyone who can afford, say, that Ferrari. The HV joins the Lunar and Stellar in Hasselblad’s luxury lineup. The HV is made with titanium, high-grade aluminum, and tough PVD-finish frame, yet ergonomic and rugged (and big) like any high-end DSLR.


“This camera is aimed squarely at people who don’t just love taking pictures – but love taking them in real style,” said Hasselblad CEO Ian Rawcliffe. “And the HV doesn’t just look good; it feels good to hold too.”


Of course, as with the Lunar and Stellar, Hasselblad doesn’t mention in its press release or the website that beneath the ritzy exterior is actually the Sony A99 DSLR; everything, from the 24.3-megapixel full-frame CMOS sensor to the SteadyShot image stabilization system, is made by Sony. The camera comes with a Carl Zeiss 24-70mm f/2.8 lens, but will support any Sony A-mount or DT-mount (APS-C, cropped) lens.


We’re not sure who’s insane rich enough to buy these (somebody must, since Hasselblad just came out with a new model) and we can’t imagine a huge production run, which makes them that much more exclusive. For the rest of us, we can get our hands on the original Sony A99 for around $2,800 (body only) – the Toyota in our comparison. Yes, that’s still expensive, but a bargain when you park it next to the HV.


(Via Photo District News)