The Hasselblad X2D II 100C addresses many of the limitations that held back its predecessor, positioning itself as a more versatile medium format option for photographers who previously found the original X2D too restrictive for dynamic shooting scenarios. At £6,400, this camera targets professionals and serious enthusiasts seeking medium format image quality without sacrificing modern mirrorless functionality.
Design Evolution
The X2D II 100C refines the original’s design language through practical improvements. The new graphite grey matte finish provides a more subdued professional appearance, whilst the redesigned grip texture addresses handling concerns from the previous model. At 840g with battery, the camera maintains portability whilst housing the substantial medium format sensor and stabilisation systems.
The most significant ergonomic addition is the 5D joystick, addressing workflow issues that required photographers to repeatedly switch between viewfinder and touchscreen for focus point adjustments. This addition brings the camera in line with contemporary mirrorless operation expectations.
HNCS HDR Technology
Hasselblad’s Natural Colour Solution with High Dynamic Range represents the camera’s most distinctive feature. The 1400-nit rear display enables immediate assessment of highlight detail that would be invisible on conventional camera screens, whilst the system captures HDR HEIF or Ultra HDR JPEG files directly for immediate viewing on compatible devices.
The technology extends the colour gamut to P3 standards and processes HDR images in-camera, though full RAW HDR workflow currently requires Hasselblad’s Phocus software rather than third-party alternatives like Adobe Lightroom.
Autofocus Improvements
The X2D II 100C introduces continuous autofocus (AF-C) to address the original model’s static shooting limitations. The system incorporates subject detection for humans, cats, dogs, and vehicles, with eye detection capability that functions even in challenging backlighting conditions.
Published specifications suggest 93% hit rates for tracking moving subjects, though the system operates at slower speeds than comparable full-frame mirrorless cameras. The implementation suits portrait and street photography requirements but remains unsuitable for high-speed action scenarios.
Stabilisation Capabilities
The 10-stop in-body image stabilisation system (10-stop at centre, 8-stop at edges per CIPA testing with XCD 120 Macro) enables handheld shooting at exposure times previously requiring tripod support. The system connects to Phocus Mobile 2 for GPS-based optimisation, adjusting stabilisation algorithms based on geographic location and Earth’s rotation.
This capability expands creative possibilities for architectural and landscape photographers who frequently encounter tripod restrictions in public venues or challenging locations.
Image Quality Specifications
The 100-megapixel BSI CMOS sensor features improved base ISO of 50 (reduced from 64), providing marginal dynamic range improvements. The 16-bit colour depth and 15.3-stop dynamic range deliver the detail and tonal gradation expected from medium format systems, though 3FR RAW files average 206MB, requiring substantial storage and processing capabilities.
The enhanced stabilisation system ensures full utilisation of the 100-megapixel resolution by eliminating micro-vibrations that could compromise sharpness.
Flash Photography Advantages
The integrated leaf shutter system provides flash synchronisation up to 1/4000s, enabling techniques unavailable with focal-plane shutter cameras. This capability allows photographers to overpower bright ambient light with portable flash units whilst maintaining wide apertures, expanding creative possibilities for outdoor portrait work.
Technical Considerations
Battery life rates at 327 shots (CIPA standard), with extended life of 466 shots when HDR is disabled. The 1TB internal SSD provides substantial storage with write speeds up to 2370MB/s, supplemented by CF Express Type B compatibility for backup or overflow capacity.
Weather sealing provides basic protection against dust and moisture, though no official IP rating is specified. The camera is designed for normal outdoor use rather than extreme conditions.
Market Positioning
At £6,400, the X2D II 100C competes within the medium format segment against systems like the Fujifilm GFX100S II. Hasselblad’s advantages lie in colour science, interface design, and leaf shutter capabilities rather than raw specifications or shooting speed.
The camera addresses specific requirements for photographers prioritising image quality over burst rates, working in controlled environments, or requiring particular capabilities like high-speed flash synchronisation.
Assessment
The X2D II 100C resolves many practical limitations of its predecessor whilst maintaining medium format’s inherent quality advantages. The improved autofocus, 10-stop stabilisation, and HDR implementation create a more versatile tool for dynamic photography scenarios.
Limitations include 3fps continuous shooting, Phocus software dependency for full HDR workflow, and substantial file sizes that impact storage and processing requirements. Battery life requires consideration during extended shooting sessions.
For portrait photographers, landscape specialists, and architectural photographers prioritising absolute image quality, the X2D II 100C offers capabilities unavailable in other systems. The combination of handheld long exposure capability, reliable autofocus, and superior shadow recovery addresses specific professional requirements.
The camera complements rather than replaces full-frame systems, serving photographers whose work benefits from medium format’s distinctive characteristics whilst requiring modern mirrorless functionality.
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