Hasselblad X2D II 100C: Everything We Know So Far

Hasselblad has officially unveiled the Hasselblad X2D II 100C, a medium-format camera that’s shaping up to be its most impressive release yet. 

Medium-format cameras have the largest sensors available and are renowned for capturing still subjects like landscapes and portraits with incredible detail. These cameras used to be big and heavy, but Hasselblad’s X1D mirrorless line changed that in 2016, making medium format more portable than ever before. 

Now, the Hasselblad X2D II 100C has been announced. It takes everything the Hasselblad X2D 100c started and adds HDR, LiDAR-assisted continuous autofocus, and the most powerful stabilisation ever seen in medium format. Pre-orders are already open, with shipping expected to start mid-September.

MPB’s Laura Milner breaks down the Hasselblad X2D II 100C, covering specs, new features and how it stacks up against the original X2D, along with three medium-format cameras worth considering. 

Hasselblad X2D II 100C Specs

Pros

• Class-leading 5-axis IBIS (10 stops)

• Continuous autofocus with subject recognition

• High-quality HDR output

• High-resolution OLED screen

• Slimmer, lighter design than its predecessor

Cons

• Still only 3fps burst (not ideal for action)

• Battery life is around 327 shots 

• No video

Good to know: Hasselblad cameras are known for being unapologetically stills-only. If you need a hybrid camera (for stills and video), you’ll want to look at the alternatives below. 

What Makes the Hasselblad X2D II Special

The most prominent feature of the X2D II is its 10 stops of in-body stabilisation (IBIS), the most ever seen in a medium-format camera. For comparison, the original X2D and the Fujifilm GFX 100 II both ‘only’ manage 8 stops. That extra reach is impressive and it should translate to noticeably sharper handheld images.

The X2D II is also Hasselblad’s first camera with continuous autofocus, powered by Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) and deep-learning subject recognition. The X2D should be able to track people, pets and vehicles more accurately than before. It’s a major step forward, and one we’ll put to the test when we review the X2D II in full.

Then there’s in-camera high dynamic range (HDR) processing, a world first in this format. Medium-format cameras already offer plenty of dynamic range, but the X2D II now offers HDR straight out of the camera. 

Of course, there’s also the 100-megapixel resolution shared by the X2D and Fujifilm GFX100 series.

Hasselblad X2D 100C vs X2D II

Image Quality and Sensor Performance

Both the X2D and X2D II use the same 100-megapixel backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor with 16-bit colour depth, capturing an incredible 281 trillion colours.

The X2D II produces HDR JPEGs, but RAW HDR shooting is only possible through Hasselblad’s Phocus software, which is available on PC, Mac and mobile. There are limitations — HDR mode won’t work in burst shooting, bracketing or full manual mode. Tip: Thanks to the combination of HDR and 10-stop IBIS, the X2D II should handle low-light scenes even better. Given its medium-format sensor, we can already expect beautifully clean results in low light. 

Autofocus and Shooting Performance

The original X2D only offered AF-S (single-shot). The new X2D II takes a big step forward with continuous autofocus (AF-C), supported by LiDAR assist and subject tracking. The number of focus points has also jumped from 294 to 425.

The trade-off? A slight framerate dip, from 3.3fps to 3fps. In practice, though, neither camera is designed for capturing bursts of high-speed action. That said, sports photographers have been producing stunning images for decades on manual-focus lenses and film, so never say never. Still, if faster continuous shooting is a must, the Fujifilm GFX 100 II delivers 8fps bursts.

Design and Handling

The X2D II body is only 5mm deeper, but 55g lighter. Other improvements to handling on the X2D II include a new textured grip, a customisable front dial and a brighter OLED tilt screen.

Tip: On the X2D, the rear screen tilted but was partly obstructed by the viewfinder. The X2D II improves on this with a screen that pulls out and tilts a full 90 degrees. For those familiar with the original design, it’s a small but welcome upgrade. For new users, it simply means the tilting function now works seamlessly.

What’s Missing?

Like the original X2D, the Hasselblad X2D II does not have video functionality, so it’s a no-go for all filmmakers. For stills-only photographers, however, this means you’re not paying for unnecessary extras.

Finally, the X2D II has a pretty modest battery life. At around 327 shots per charge, it’s a shame that this is notably lower than the GFX 100 II (with 540). 

Hasselblad X2D II 100C Alternatives

If you can’t wait for the Hasselblad X2D II, or you’re just curious about other medium format cameras, there are plenty of alternatives worth considering. Many of them are more affordable and usually available secondhand from MPB.

Fujifilm GFX 100 II

The Fujifilm GFX 100S II pairs a 100-megapixel medium-format sensor with the ability to handle just about anything: landscapes, portraits, product work, macro and even 4K video. Its IBIS is rated at 8 stops, just shy of the X2D II’s 10.

Watch Amy’s review, where she puts it through its paces and shows off its upgraded design, shooting features and image quality.

The X2D wins on stabilisation, while the GFX 100 II has more shooting options, video included. Ultimately, it’s about deciding which features you’ll actually use. Read our full Fujifilm GFX 100 II review. 

Original Hasselblad X2D 100C

The Hasselblad X2D 100c is for those who love landscapes, portraits, and studio work. Its 100-megapixel medium-format sensor produces the beautifully detailed files you’d expect from Hasselblad, wrapped in the brand’s trademark sleek, minimalist design.

That said, it isn’t built to do everything. Autofocus is slower than many rivals, and there’s no video mode at all. But this is a camera designed for stills perfection rather than versatility. And, in that respect, it excels. If you need something more rounded, the newer X2D II feels quicker and easier to use, and its tilting screen adds welcome flexibility.

Price is also an important factor. When new, the X2D 100C actually costs more than the X2D II. But, on the used market, it’s often the cheaper way to get into Hasselblad’s medium-format system. You can read our full Hasselblad X2D 100C review for more details.

Pentax 645Z 

The Pentax 645Z is a sturdy old-school medium-format camera that’s intuitive and reliable. It’s rugged and weather-sealed, making it a proper workhorse for photographers who shoot outdoors in all conditions. Unlike the Hasselblad X2D II, the 645Z is a DSLR rather than a mirrorless body, so it’s heavier and bulkier, but its traditional controls will appeal to those who prefer classic handling.

The 645Z has a 51.4-megapixel CMOS sensor, which has less resolution than the 100-megapixel Hasselblad and Fujifilm options, but is still capable of producing rich files with excellent dynamic range. It’s also built to take knocks, and its battery lasts far longer than those found in most mirrorless medium-format cameras.

It is slower to use, with more basic autofocus than the X2D II’s LiDAR-assisted system, and there’s no IBIS. Even so, if you value ruggedness and classic DSLR handling, the 645Z remains one of the more affordable routes into medium format on the secondhand market. Check out some more sample images in our Pentax 645Z review to see what it can do.

FAQs

What is the price of the Hasselblad X2D II 100C?

In the US, the launch price of the Hasselblad X2D II is $7,399. In the UK, it’s £6,400, and in the EU it’s around €7,200. 

Is it Worth Upgrading to the Hasselblad X2D II 100C?

If you’re a current X2D owner, the upgrade is tempting. You’re getting better stabilisation, HDR capture, a smarter autofocus system and a more user-friendly design.

For medium format shooters working in landscapes, portraits or commercial photography, it’s almost a no-brainer. The X2D II addresses the limitations of its predecessor while pushing Hasselblad into new territory with HDR and continuous autofocus.

Of course, if you need video or faster burst speeds, the Fujifilm GFX 100 II remains the better choice. But if you only ever shoot stills, then the X2D II might be worth the upgrade.

Read more camera gear guides on the MPB content hub.