GXAce GX-P1 revives the panoramic 65:24 format — a compact camera inspired by Hasselblad XPan

GXAce, a company founded by photographer Casey Cavanaugh, has announced the upcoming launch of the GX-P1, a compact camera that draws inspiration from the legendary Hasselblad XPan. The announcement was made via email and an Instagram post, accompanied by two teaser images that reveal a camera with a minimalist metal body, an optical viewfinder, and what appears to be a fixed anamorphic lens.

The camera is specifically designed for still photography, not videography, as confirmed by Cavanaugh in an interview with PetaPixel. The GX-P1 captures images in a 65:24 aspect ratio — the same panoramic format used by the Hasselblad XPan, which has become a highly sought-after collector's item among photography enthusiasts. Unlike most modern cameras that rely on stitching multiple shots together for panorama modes, the GX-P1 uses its anamorphic lens to capture ultra-wide panoramic photos directly onto a conventional 3:2 sensor. The exact size of the sensor has not been disclosed.

The body of the GX-P1 is described as small enough to fit in a pants pocket. The top panel features a small display, a dial, and a rectangular button that likely serves as the shutter release. The front of the camera houses an optical viewfinder and a rectangular cover around the lens. Based on the teaser images, the lens appears to be permanently attached, and interchangeable lenses are not expected.

Pre-orders for the GXAce GX-P1 are expected to open before the end of the year through a crowdfunding platform. Detailed specifications and pricing have not yet been announced. The camera's launch marks a rare attempt to revive the dedicated panorama camera format, which has largely disappeared from the mainstream market.