[Review] Hasselblad True Zoom Moto Mod

The Moto Z and Moto Z Play phones both stand out from the crowd on account of their unique ability to accept a number of snap-on mods on the backplate that expand their functionality. One of the most unique mods in Moto’s line-up is their
impressive Hasselblad True Zoom Moto Mod. Once it latches onto the back of the the Moto Z or Moto Z Play, it makes the whole affair look and feel like a real compact with a distinctive grip, a shutter release and a whopping 10X optical zoom. When viewed from the business end, it looks exactly like a compact camera.

The Hasselblad True Zoom mod is as powerful as a real compact with a 12-MP BSI CMOS 1/2.3-inch sensor that has a large 1.55 um pixel size, optical image stabilisation and the aforementioned 10x optical zoom with an aperture capable of going from F/3.5 – /6.5 and a focal length of 4.5-44mm (25-250mm, on a 35mm equivalent ).

 
Once attached, the Hasselblad supersedes the onboard Moto Z series camera with its own 12-MP sensor. It also has a Xenon flash built-in with shots framed via the Moto’s touchscreen. All this is powered by the phone’s camera so if you’re snapping away with abandon, it’ll drain your battery in a rapid fashion. Shots are saved on the phone’s onboard storage.

As an attachment to your phone, it’s heavy at 145g and plus the weight of your Moto Z Play or Moto Z, it’s highly unwieldy. It also makes your phone take on some rather pocket-unfriendly dimensions. Taken on its own merits as a camera, it shines as it is easily one of the most powerful compact snappers that you can (mostly) cram into your pocket.

The physical zoom controls and large textured grip make it a joy to use when deployed. It powers up in seconds and the shutter release button is swift and responsive with snaps captured with minimal shutter lag.

Shots on the Hasselblad True Zoom under daylit conditions were excellent with fast subject acquisition and the large 5.5-inch rear display makes composing shots a doddle. The 10x optical zoom offers some paparazzi pleasing creative options. Shots at dusk and indoors as well were pretty good with some grain though it’s on par with what you’d get with a similarly priced compact. Videos were decent too but are maxed out at 1080P at 30fps.

All said, the Hasselblad True Zoom is an interesting addition to your Moto series phone that offers great optical zoom and snaps that are an order of magnitude better than what the stock onboard camera offers. This is tempered by the fact that it’s bulky, drains your phone’s battery with heavy use and is reliant on your phone to stay in operation which means you’ll likely need to bring a power bank or two if you’re planning to use it extensively in the field.  The biggest quibble is that it can’t be used on its own though it is a nice option to have if you’re a Moto Z series phone owner who wants to take markedly better snaps and has the cash to spare.

WHAT WE LIKED Good image quality, excellent build quality, easy pairing with Moto Z series phones, excellent optical zoom
WHAT WE DIDN’T Reliant on Moto Z series for use, cannot take 4K video, bulky
WE SAY A modification that turns your Moto series phone into a potent compact with impressive zoom capabilities though it veers on the bulky side and is reliant on your smartphone for juice, limiting its endurance in the field.

Specifications
Price 1,299
Sensor 12-MP BSI CMOS
Zoom 10x optical
Focal length 4.5-45mm (25-250mm 35mm equivalent)
ISO Up to 3200
Size/Weight 152.3 x 72.9 x 15.1mm / 145g
*Review unit courtesy of Lenovo Malaysia