Image: Capture One / Hasselblad
Capture One and Hasselblad are partnering up: a new update is adding support for editing Raw files from some of the camera-maker's medium format models.
At launch, Capture One will support Raw files from the X2D II 100C, the X2D 100C and the CFV 100C digital back. Support for tethering is coming later in 2026 as well.
Capture One long declined to support Hasselblad Raw files, and the company was fairly candid about why. The roots of the tension trace back to Capture One's origins as part of Phase One, a direct Hasselblad competitor in the medium format space, before the two were split into separate companies by private equity firm Axcel in 2019.
In an official support article, CEO Rafael Orta said that the decision came down to both technical considerations and "the nature of our relationship with the manufacturer." He went on to say that "the relationship between Phase One and Hasselblad was notoriously antagonistic, and as I’m sure you’ll know from life experience, it takes a second to blow up a bridge and a very long time to rebuild it."
Image: Capture One / Hasselblad
It seems that the bridge has now been rebuilt, and the relationship is strong enough for a partnership. While the tension between the two companies may have eased since Capture One became its own entity, it wasn't a simple step to add support for Hasselblad Raw files. In an interview with Orta ahead of the partnership announcement, he told DPReview that it "takes quite a bit of work to support super-capable cameras, especially the latest generations."
Orta explained that Capture One only adds support for cameras after the team has had a chance to use them and create thousands of images. He said they work to develop a deep understanding of how individual image sensors, file formats, and each brand's color science work.
The process involves very close collaboration with the partner companies, and adding support for Hasselblad Raw files was no different. "Every camera and every manufacturer is special," said Orta. "Each one has its own take on color science and how they process sensor data inside its cameras. We're very dedicated to making sure that when you open that file, you're seeing colors that are true to our standards."
Photo: Capture One / Hasselblad
"The way we see it, it's a labor of love, to be honest," Orta said. "We give each individual device the same process, but we also understand that each device has its own technology."
"Tomorrow is the start line, and we're excited to see where photographers take this"
The new Raw support and upcoming tethering won't be the extent of Capture One's partnership with Hasselblad, according to Orta. "Tomorrow is the start line, and we're excited to see where photographers take this," he said.
Raw support for the X2D II 100C, the X2D 100C and the CFV 100C digital back is available starting today. Users will need version 16.8.3 of the desktop app and version 3.3.4 for the mobile app. A free seven-day trial is available from the Capture One website.
Press release:
HASSELBLAD AND CAPTURE ONE PARTNER TO BRING NATIVE HASSELBLAD RAW SUPPORT
Photographers can now develop their Hasselblad medium format RAW files natively in Capture One. Tethered capture support follows later in 2026.
GOTHENBURG, Sweden, and COPENHAGEN, Denmark — July 2, 2026 — Hasselblad and Capture One today announced a partnership that brings native support for Hasselblad medium format cameras to Capture One. Photographers can now import, organize, and develop their Hasselblad RAW files (.3FR) directly in Capture One, with the full toolset of layers, masks, color editing, and precision adjustments. Support spans three of Hasselblad’s 100-megapixel models from day one: the X2D II 100C, the X2D 100C, and the CFV 100C digital back.
Tethered capture will follow later in 2026.
A native workflow, years in the asking
Native Hasselblad support has been one of the most frequently requested additions to Capture One for years, raised by photographers across community forums, feature-request boards, and social channels.
Until now, bringing those files into Capture One meant conversions and workarounds that cost photographers color fidelity and editing latitude. That step is gone – Hasselblad images now open natively, ready to develop with the same tools photographers use for the rest of their work.
"Since the beginning, Hasselblad has been driven by a passion for photography and a commitment to giving photographers the tools they need to realize their creative vision. We are excited to make Hasselblad technology accessible to a wider audience. Together, we are empowering more creatives with best-in-class tools to bring their vision to life and create exceptional photography."
Bronius Rudnickas, Global Marketing Manager, Hasselblad
Built specifically for Hasselblad
Hasselblad cameras are known for their image quality, and the integration is built to preserve it.
The support is bespoke, not generic: dedicated color profiles were created for each model, so Hasselblad files render with the same true-to-life color Capture One users know and love, while dedicated lens profiles for Hasselblad XCD lenses correct distortion, chromatic
aberration, and light falloff.
"Photographers have asked us to bring Hasselblad’s image quality into Capture One’s platform for years. This partnership delivers exactly that, empowering even more photographers with everything they need, from initial inspiration to final image. It’s a collaboration the photography community has wanted for a long time, and we’re glad it’s finally here."
Rafael Orta, CEO, Capture One
Tethered capture to follow later in 2026
At launch, the partnership covers native RAW file support, so photographers can develop both existing and new Hasselblad images in Capture One. Tethered capture, which connects a Hasselblad camera directly to Capture One for live, on-set shooting, is planned
for later in 2026. [Exact timing to be confirmed.]
A step for both companies
For Capture One, the partnership continues a long commitment to supporting the professional camera systems photographers rely on, now welcoming Hasselblad alongside the many brands already supported in the software. It reflects a shared priority: giving photographers the freedom to pair the cameras they love with the software they trust.
Availability
Native support for Hasselblad RAW files is available today in Capture One from version 16.8.3 and Mobile version 3.3.4. for the three supported models. Tethered capture is planned for later in 2026. A free 7-day trial of Capture One is available here.
