Our Gear: How we achieve the best results?
At ALPHASTUDIO.UK, we employ industry-leading lighting and top-tier gear to ensure exceptional quality in every shot. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our choice of equipment: we utilize Hasselblad cameras for stunning medium format results, delivering unparalleled detail and depth. Complementing this, we rely on high-performance Nikon Z and Sony gear to capture vivid, high-resolution images across a variety of projects. This meticulous approach is crucial to producing the best possible outcomes that rival those of the world's foremost media agencies. Our dedication to using cutting-edge technology empowers us to create outstanding visuals that meet the highest professional standards. With regards to lighting we work with numerous brand, too many to mention, however when it comes to camera and lenses, below are our favourite systems for the results we achieve for you.
For more details on how we work and what we use, reach out to us through our Contact page and discover how we can create together.
Hasselblad History
Hasselblad, founded in 1941 in Sweden, has long been renowned for producing medium format cameras synonymous with exceptional image quality and precision engineering. The company gained international prestige after NASA selected Hasselblad cameras for the Apollo moon missions, solidifying its reputation for reliability and superior optics.
In the early 2000s, Hasselblad acquired Imacon, a Danish company noted for its pioneering digital camera backs. This strategic purchase allowed Hasselblad to seamlessly transition from traditional film to cutting-edge digital imaging technology, integrating Imacon’s advanced digital capture systems into their medium format cameras. The synergy between Hasselblad’s mechanical expertise and Imacon’s digital innovation became a defining factor in their ongoing success.
Hasselblad's colour science is widely regarded as unrivalled in the photography industry. Their proprietary image processing delivers remarkably accurate, vibrant, and naturally balanced colours, setting a high standard especially valued in commercial and portrait photography. This capability stems from meticulous sensor calibration and sophisticated algorithms that preserve tonal subtlety and skin tone fidelity.
One of Hasselblad’s signature technical advantages lies in their use of leaf shutter lenses. Unlike focal-plane shutters, leaf shutters are positioned within the lens itself, enabling flash synchronisation at extremely high shutter speeds. This feature provides photographers with exceptional control over depth of field and motion freeze, crucial for achieving flawless results in flash-lit portraiture. The combination of leaf shutter lenses and Hasselblad’s superior colour rendition ensures portraits exhibit unparalleled sharpness, tonal richness, and naturalness under studio or mixed lighting conditions.
Why we use Hasselblad?
At ALPHASTUDIO, we exclusively use the Hasselblad X2D II medium format (102 Megapixels) camera paired with a carefully selected range of XCD lenses from 35mm to 100mm for all our Signature Editorial Portrait Experience packages. This exceptional combination enables us to capture extraordinary detail and achieve stunning, high-resolution image quality that truly elevates each portrait. Thanks to Hasselblad’s renowned and industry-leading color science, we consistently deliver portraits with unparalleled color accuracy, remarkable depth, and vivid vibrancy—ensuring the best possible results that exceed expectations every single time.
Nikon History
Nikon, established in 1917 in Japan, has a long and illustrious history as a pioneer in optical and imaging technology. From its early days producing precision optics for microscopes and cameras, Nikon rapidly gained global acclaim for its innovative and reliable photographic equipment. Known for iconic film cameras like the Nikon F series introduced in the late 1950s, the brand became synonymous with durability, superior engineering, and exceptional image quality, favored by both professionals and enthusiasts worldwide.
As photography transitioned into the digital era, Nikon adeptly embraced this evolution, launching its first digital SLRs in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The company continuously refined its sensor technology, autofocus systems, and imaging processors to compete at the highest levels of digital photography. Nikon’s commitment to optical excellence and innovation remained fundamental, ensuring that its digital cameras delivered outstanding performance across various genres of photography, including portrait, landscape, and sports.
Today, Nikon’s pioneering spirit is best exemplified in the Nikon Z series, their groundbreaking line of mirrorless cameras introduced in 2018. The Nikon Z system represents a major shift in design philosophy, incorporating a new large-diameter mount that allows for faster lenses and superior light transmission. With cutting-edge features such as high-resolution sensors, in-body image stabilization, and advanced autofocus, the Z series caters to modern photographers demanding versatility, precision, and exceptional image quality.
Building on over a century of optical mastery, the Nikon Z lineup combines the brand’s heritage of robust construction and ergonomic design with state-of-the-art digital imaging technology. This synergy makes the Nikon Z series a formidable tool for portrait, wedding, commercial, and creative photographers alike, much like Hasselblad’s legacy but with its own distinct Japanese engineering ethos.
In essence, Nikon’s journey from precision optics to advanced digital imaging culminates in the Nikon Z system, which continues to set professional standards through innovation, reliability, and exceptional photographic performance in today’s diverse and demanding visual landscape.
Why we use Nikon?
At ALPHASTUDIO.UK, for projects requiring faster-paced content and greater flexibility, we utilize the Nikon Z8 camera (45 Megapixels) combined with a versatile range of Nikon Z lenses spanning from 16mm to 600mm. This setup offers an excellent alternative to medium format, delivering the highest quality 35mm Full Frame results, while keeping people and skin tonality at the highest quality much like medium format on Hasselblad. Our choice of the Nikon Z8 allows us to achieve exceptional speed, a broad selection of focal lengths, and enhanced adaptability to diverse shooting conditions, all while maintaining superior image quality. This ensures dynamic, crisp, and professional visuals tailored to the demands of modern, fast-moving content without compromising on detail or clarity.
Sony History
Founded in 1946 in Japan, Sony has established itself as a global leader in electronics and imaging technology. From its early roots in consumer electronics, Sony revolutionized the photography industry by pioneering digital imaging advancements. The launch of the Cyber-shot series marked Sony’s commitment to high-quality digital cameras, but it was the introduction of their Alpha line that truly transformed professional photography and videography.
Sony’s high-end hybrid cameras, particularly in the Alpha series, are renowned for seamlessly blending still photography and high-resolution video capabilities. The Alpha 7 lineup, beginning with the A7 in 2013, was among the first full-frame mirrorless cameras, offering impressive sensor technology, superior autofocus systems, and compact form factors. These features empower photographers and videographers to capture stunning images and cinema-quality footage without compromise.
Sony’s dedication to innovation is evident in their use of large-exmor sensors, advanced BIONZ image processors, and real-time Eye-AF and autofocus tracking, setting new industry standards. The incorporation of in-body image stabilization further enhances performance for both photo and video. Their hybrid cameras support various professional video formats and frame rates, making them favorites among content creators and filmmakers worldwide.
Today, Sony continues to lead the market with the latest Alpha models, pushing the boundaries of what hybrid imaging devices can achieve. Their legacy of precision, innovation, and versatile imaging solutions remains instrumental in shaping the future of photography and videography.
Why we use Sony?
At ALPHASTUDIO.UK, for projects demanding high-speed performance and exceptional versatility, we rely on Sony’s hybrid cameras, particularly the Sony α1, α9 II, and the advanced α7R V models. The α7R V complements our lineup with its remarkable 61MP resolution, delivering incredible detail and dynamic range, making it ideal for both high-resolution stills and professional video work. Equipped with an extensive range of Sony G Master lenses from 16mm to 600mm, this setup provides an excellent alternative for high-end speed photography and video production. Sony’s full-frame sensors deliver superior image quality and skin tonality comparable to medium format standards, ensuring stunning detail and color accuracy. This combination allows us to capture dynamic, crisp, and professional visuals with remarkable autofocus speed, broad focal length options, and enhanced adaptability to fast-paced environments—perfectly suited for creating cutting-edge, high-quality content.
