Hasselblad has announced the launch of its H3DII-50, featuring a new Kodak 50-megapixel sensor, and the upcoming release of a new 645 sensor in 2009. Both are designed to meet the demands of high-end photographers.

The Kodak KAF-50100 image sensor, which measures 36 x 48 millimeters, will be implemented in the same-size housing as in the H3DII-39 camera. The new sensor size is also optimized to work with Hasselblad's HTS 1.5 tilt/shift adapter to enlarge the image circle by 50 percent and bring the benefits of tilt/shift photography to medium format DSLRs. An 83 line-pairs/millimeter are resolved over the full, large area of both today's 36 x 48 millimeter sensor and of the upcoming larger 645 sensor.

Kodak has also added a set of entirely new features on the 50-megapixel sensor, such as new dyes resulting in richer colors. The new sensor also includes a range of other new features, including quick-flush technology to enable faster capture and lower power consumption, resulting in longer battery life.

The H3DII-50 camera is available for $39,995.