Swedish camera brand Hasselblad has announced the release of its new medium format camera, the X2D II 100C. As its second 1-megapixel medium format model, it boasts comprehensive upgrades in autofocus and image quality compared to its predecessor, along with what it claims is the industry's strongest 10-stop image stabilization. Its price has also become more competitive.
Comprehensive upgrade of imaging and focus
While the previous-generation X2D 100C was capable of capturing detailed images, it was technically conservative, even lacking continuous autofocus. Hasselblad has finally addressed this shortcoming with the X2D II 100C, becoming the first Hasselblad camera to support AF-C phase detection autofocus. Assisted by AI algorithms and LiDAR, this significantly improves focus accuracy in low-light environments, making mobile shooting and continuous shooting (up to 3fps) a breeze.
The new back-illuminated sensor also boasts a 1-megapixel design, supports 16-bit RAW, and boasts a dynamic range of up to 15.3 stops. The X2D II 100C is also the first medium format camera to support "true end-to-end HDR," effectively preventing overexposure and preserving highlight detail. It also offers Ultra HDR JPEG and HDR HEIF formats, allowing photographers to visualize the effects directly on the back screen.
The industry's strongest 10-level anti-shake
In addition, the X2D II 100C provides up to 5 levels of vibration compensation in the 10-axis body anti-shake system, surpassingFuji GFX100 IIThe 8-level anti-vibration system, and the 8.5-level anti-vibration system for certain Canon models, make it the most advanced anti-vibration system available. Hasselblad emphasizes that photographers can even "shoot multi-second exposures freehand" without the need for a tripod, thereby opening up new creative possibilities.
Improved body and operating experience
The camera's weight is 7.5% lighter than its predecessor, reaching approximately 730 grams without the lens. A redesigned grip with a non-slip texture enhances handling. The newly designed 3.6-inch screen boasts 1400 nits of peak brightness, tilts up 90 degrees and down 43 degrees, and features a new 5D joystick for convenient focus switching and menu navigation.
The built-in 1TB of storage remains a unique selling point, along with a CFexpress Type B card slot. However, the X2D II 100C still doesn't support video recording, clearly positioning itself as a pure stills photography tool.
The price is more affordable and targets the professional market
The X2D II 100C has a suggested retail price of $7399, which is $800 cheaper than the previous generation's launch price and even $100 cheaper than the Fujifilm GFX100 II's launch price. With this pricing strategy, Hasselblad clearly hopes to narrow the gap between itself and professional photographers and commercial users.
Hasselblad also released the XCD 2.8-4 35-100E zoom lens (equivalent to 28-76mm full-frame), with a suggested retail price of $4599. It features a high-speed stepping motor and leaf shutter, enabling flash synchronization up to 1/4000 second, making it suitable for outdoor fill lighting. Hasselblad also released the Vandra photography backpack (US$20) with a 469-liter volume, and three 86mm filters, priced between US$299 and US$559.
