Improving speed, stability, and color on the already-brilliant platform, the Hasselblad X2D II 100C is the next-gen flagship mirrorless camera that continues to make medium format even more flexible for ordinary and extraordinary shooting situations, alike. Upgrades to the AF system, more robust IBIS, and greater color flexibility benefit the veteran medium format shooters as well as those upgrading to the larger sensor format, and these sensor-based upgrades are further complemented by an intuitive user interface, easy wireless control, and refined physical details to make working with the camera more enjoyable.
100MP BSI CMOS Sensor
Revolving around a proven sensor, the X2D II 100C features a familiar 43.8 x 32.9mm 100MP BSI CMOS sensor, which offers impressive resolution along with 16-bit color. The sensor and processing have been enhanced compared to the previous generation, with an improved 15.3 stops of dynamic range and native sensitivity that extends from ISO 50 to ISO 25600 for more detail in the extreme shadows and highlights. Additionally, matching with upgraded focusing speed, the X2D II also supports continuous shooting at 3 fps for working with moving subjects.
HNCS HDR
Building on Hasselblad's obsession with color science, the X2D II is the first medium format camera to feature true end-to-end HDR capture. High Dynamic Range images are captured and processed in-camera as HDR HEIF or Ultra HDR JPEG files, with the results immediately viewable on the camera's rear OLED monitor or editable via Phocus Mobile 2.
- Taking HDR capture further, HCNS HDR (Hasselblad Natural Color Solution) blends the high dynamic range capture with Hasselblad's signature color profiling for more detail and color nuance, especially in the highlights, without sacrificing contrast.
- In order to reveal HDR capture's full potential in highlight and shadow detail recovery, the wider P3 color gamut is used to result in a 3-stop increase in dynamic range for in-camera processed images and up to a 4-stop increase in dynamic range when processing raw files in Phocus.
- HDR images made in camera (HDR HEIF and Ultra HDR JPEGs) are viewable on a variety of HDR-capable devices, including select iPhones, iPads, Mac computers, and Android devices.
Leaf Shutter Lenses and Electronic Shutter
One of the key advantages to the X System is the matching XCD lenses, which feature matched designs, optics to support the high-resolution 100MP sensor, and leaf shutters that provide flash sync at all shutter speeds up to 1/4000 sec depending on the lens.
Alternatively, the mirrorless design of the X System also enables adapting lenses from other systems, including Hasselblad's own X-Pan and H-series lenses. These lenses can be used in conjunction with an optional lens adapter and will make use of the camera body's electronic shutter function for shooting at up to 1/6000 sec.
Improved Focus
A key upgrade for the system, autofocus has been improved in terms of both speed and accuracy, and a new AF-C mode even makes it easier to photograph moving subjects. The phase-detection AF (PDAF) system now uses 425 points across the sensor for more accuracy, and a new LiDAR sensor has been added to the body for quicker performance in a variety of lighting conditions. Additionally, a new AF illuminator also improves low-light focusing.
Making use of the increased focus point density, there are also new focus point modes: Expand Spot, Custom, and Wide modes, which add to the existing Spot mode for more control and precision when focusing on differently sized subjects.
Continuous Autofocus
Featured for the first time in a Hasselblad camera, the X2D II sports an AF-C setting for continuous autofocus that benefits photographing moving subjects. Beyond just continuously changing focus, this mode uses deep learning algorithms for excellent accuracy and reliably detects and tracks human, vehicle, cat, and dog subjects during capture.
5-Axis, 10-Stop Image Stabilization
Greatly benefitting the ultra-high 100MP resolution, a 5-axis in-body image stabilization system compensates for 10 stops of camera shake. This robust stabilization is eight times more effective than the previous generation when photographing distant subjects and effectively permits hand-holding the camera for long exposures for several seconds.
The 10-stop stabilization is measured at the center of the frame and translates to 8 stops of stabilization at the edge of the frame. This stabilization system is dependent on the lens in use and subject distance and is also benefitted by an electronic compass via Phocus Mobile 2 that compensates for the Earth's rotation for consistent performance worldwide.
Body Design and Handling
X-series cameras have always been known for outstanding ergonomics and a sleek design that's comfortable to hold for all-day shoots. The X2D II improves on the body design with a few notable updates:
- Refined exterior has a new graphite gray matte coating and black lettering along with a redesigned grip covering for more comfort during long shoots. The internal structure has also been optimized to reduce overall weight by 7.5% compared to previous versions; the X2D II 100C weighs 1.85 lb compared to the X2D 100C that weighs 1.97 lb.
- The 3.6" 2.3m-dot OLED supports accurate monitoring of HDR images with its P3 gamut, and the monitor has a 1400-nit peak brightness for high clarity in bright conditions.
- OLED touchscreen also has revised two-way tilting design that tilts upward 90°, downward 43°, and can be pulled further away from the body to avoid being blocked by the viewfinder.
- High-resolution electronic viewfinder has a 5.76m-dot OLED panel and a comfortable 1x magnification.
- Top status 1.08" LCD allows you to quickly see settings and shooting information without needing to enter the menu system.
- Rear of the camera features a new 5D joystick next to the touchscreen, which allows quicker switching of focus point selection and more intuitive menu navigation. Additionally, there are also two new custom buttons for more personalized tactile control.
- Single USB-C 3.1 Gen2 port permits quick data transfer from the camera and also allows for in-camera battery charging.
- Included 3400mAh lithium-ion battery is rated for approximately 466 shots per charge and takes about 2 hours to fully charge via USB with a 30W USB-C charger.
- Internal 1TB SSD can hold more than 50,000 HEIF files, helping to avoid the worry of running out of card space or even allowing you to forgo the use of a memory card; the internal drive offers write speeds up to 2370 MB/s and read speeds up to 2850 MB/s. Alternatively, there is a single CFexpress Type B slot for more flexible and portable file storage.
Phocus Mobile 2
Supporting the HDR workflow of the X2D II, Phocus Mobile 2 allows you to transfer and edit images on an iPhone or iPad, as well as wake the camera and initiate wireless transferring of files at 40 MB/s without having to take the camera out of a bag or manually switch it on.
The editing capabilities support raw HDR files and permit making exposure adjustments, reducing noise with Hasselblad Natural Noise Reduction (HNNR), and applying HNCS effects for fine-tuned color.
