Hasselblad has some of the most iconic medium-format cameras of all time. The company introduced models such as the X1D, the 907X 50C, and the 501C. The company’s latest launch, the X2D 100C, is another gem in its crown, offering the chance to slow down and take stunning images. Today, the company announces its highly awaited successor, the X2D II 100C, which offers some important upgrades, including an industry-first achievement. What is it? Let’s dive in.
When Camera Meets Innovation
The Hasselblad X2D II 100C features an industry-first 100MP BSI CMOS sensor with “true end-to-end high dynamic range (HDR).” This means you get natural colors and true details in highlights and shadows. The new HNCS HDR offers a 3-stop increase in dynamic range when shooting in-camera, and it grows by another stop when processing RAW images in Phocus. Here is a look at its specs:
- 100MP BSI CMOS sensor with Native ISO 50
- 16-bit colors
- New 15.3 stops of dynamic range (initially it was 15 stops)
- 425 AF points
- Newly introduced AF-C Subject Detection, along with PDAF, CDAF, and LiDAR
- 5-axis, 10-stop in-body image stabilisation
- 5.76-million-dot electronic viewfinder
- 3.6-inch OLED touchscreen with 1400-nit peak brightness, making it 75% brighter than its predecessor. There is also a tilting capability of up to 90° and down to about 43°
- Full flash synchronization from 1/4000 second to 68 minutes
- Internal 1TB SSD
- CFexpress Type B cards
- Measures 148.5 × 106 × 75.0mm and weighs 730g
- Phocus Mobile 2
- Price: $7,399
The autofocus is said to have much improved performance, thanks to the 425 AF points and deep learning algorithms. The camera claims it can work even in low light and help photographers capture every move easily. In addition, the Hasselblad X2D II 100C features a 5D joystick, a new custom button underneath it, as well as a new AF illuminator and selfie countdown indicator lamp. There is also a new magnetic side cover, graphite grey logo, and grip texture. The device is said to be perfect for landscape, portrait, street, and travel photography.
Hasselblad Introduces a New Zoom Lens
In addition to the camera, the company has also introduced a Hasselblad 35-100mm f2.8-4 E lens, which is ideal for a variety of shooters. The initial ‘E’ stands for “exclusive,” and the lens is said to offer the same edge-to-edge image quality as XCD prime lenses. Here is a quick look at its specs:
- 16 elements in 13 groups, including 3 aspherical elements and 5 extra-low dispersion elements
- Internal focusing
- Equivalent to 28-76mm
- Minimum focusing distance of 0.4m on the wide side and 0.5m on the telephoto side
- Maximum image ratio of 1:8.0 (1:4.0)
- Filter thread is 86mm
- Size: 138mm x 90mm
- Weight: 894g
- Price: $4,599
The new lens offers a 3x zoom, STM (high-speed stepping motor), and the fastest focus speed “among all XCD lenses.” In addition, it functions well with the new AF-C mode. Overall, the f2.8 aperture, internal focus, and weight make the lens a great companion for travel photography needs. Alongside, the company also introduces three new 86mm UV ($299), ND8 ($329), and CPL ($559) filters, as well as the Vandra Backpack ($469).
It is clear that Hasselblad is catering to serious photographers who want to slow down and make visuals that matter in a content-driven world. While expensive, Hasselblad’s new offering is different from what is already there in the industry. The device promises the beauty of analog, its sharp image quality, and fantastic colors, something only a handful of cameras can do today. If you are someone who needs an upgrade from full frame to medium format, then this should be your go-to option.
For more information, visit Hasselblad’s website.
