Following years of anticipation and consistent requests from photographers, Capture One and Hasselblad have officially announced a significant collaboration. This partnership introduces native support for Hasselblad RAW files within Capture One's acclaimed photo editing software. With the release of Capture One version 16.8.3, users can now seamlessly import, organize, and develop Hasselblad's proprietary .3FR RAW files, eliminating the need for cumbersome workarounds that often compromised image quality and editing flexibility.
This long-awaited integration marks a pivotal moment for both companies and the professional photography community. Previously, the lack of direct compatibility was largely attributed to historical competitive dynamics between Hasselblad and Phase One, the former parent company of Capture One. However, with Capture One's acquisition by Axcel in 2019, the path for this crucial alliance was cleared, promising enhanced workflows and superior image processing capabilities for Hasselblad users.
Enhanced Workflow and Image Fidelity for Hasselblad Photographers
The new partnership between Capture One and Hasselblad is set to revolutionize the workflow for photographers using Hasselblad cameras. Prior to this integration, photographers frequently resorted to complex conversion methods or third-party software to process their Hasselblad RAW files within Capture One, leading to potential degradation in color accuracy and a reduction in post-processing latitude. The introduction of native support in Capture One version 16.8.3 directly addresses these challenges, allowing for direct import and development of .3FR files. This seamless integration ensures that Hasselblad images can now be opened and edited with the full suite of Capture One's advanced tools, preserving the intricate color fidelity and expansive dynamic range that Hasselblad is renowned for. This advancement significantly streamlines the editing process, empowering photographers to achieve their creative vision without technical limitations.
This comprehensive support extends to three of Hasselblad's most popular 100-megapixel camera models: the X2D II 100C, the X2D 100C, and the CFV 100C digital back. Capture One has emphasized that this is not a generic integration but a bespoke solution, involving the creation of dedicated color profiles specifically tailored for each supported camera model. Furthermore, specialized lens profiles have been developed for Hasselblad XCD lenses, providing automatic corrections for common optical issues such as distortion, chromatic aberration, and light falloff. Looking ahead, both companies have confirmed plans to expand this support, with the highly anticipated addition of Hasselblad tethered capture functionality expected to be integrated into the Capture One platform before the close of 2026. This ongoing commitment underscores their shared dedication to providing photographers with the highest quality tools and an uninterrupted creative experience.
Strategic Collaboration to Empower Creative Vision
The collaboration between Capture One and Hasselblad represents a strategic alignment driven by a shared commitment to empowering photographers. As Bronius Rudnickas, Global Marketing Manager at Hasselblad, articulated, the company has always been fueled by a passion for photography and a dedication to equipping artists with the necessary tools to realize their artistic vision. This partnership makes Hasselblad's advanced technology more accessible to a broader audience, fostering a synergy that provides creatives with best-in-class tools from the initial inspiration to the final polished image. This collaborative effort is a direct response to the persistent demands from the photography community, who have long sought the integration of Hasselblad's exceptional image quality with Capture One's robust platform.
Rafael Orta, CEO of Capture One, echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the partnership delivers precisely what photographers have been requesting for years. He emphasized that this collaboration equips even more photographers with everything they need to produce outstanding work, bridging a long-standing gap in the industry. The core philosophy underpinning this alliance is Capture One's enduring commitment to supporting professional camera systems, now proudly welcoming Hasselblad alongside numerous other established brands within its software ecosystem. This reflects a mutual priority: to grant photographers the creative freedom to pair their preferred cameras with the trusted software solutions they rely on. The announcement solidifies a unified front in enhancing the professional photography landscape, promising continuous innovation and support for a diverse range of photographic endeavors.