Hasselblad has just announced the X2D II 100C, and as you may have guessed, this is an update to the Hasselblad X2D 100C. Once again, the camera sports a 100MP medium format sensor that builds on the image capture potential of its predecessor.
The X2D II 100C will be the first to offer true end-to-end HDR for a medium format camera, and while the X2D 100C offered a superb dynamic range, the new model will see a marked boost in performance. Alongside HDR refinement, the camera will feature HNCS HDR (Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution with HDR), so not only will the image resolve more shadow and highlight detail than ever before, but the overall colour and tone will be more reflective of the natural scene. HDR image editing will also be available in the Phocus Mobile 2 app.
Another new feature for the camera is the addition of the continuous autofocus (AF-C) mode; before the X2D 100C, it only offered single-shot (AF-S).
The autofocus has been updated across the board with PDAF coverage that has expanded from 294 zones to 425 zones. Boosting the speed and accuracy, the camera now utilises LiDAR-assisted focusing as well as an added AF Illuminator for better low-light focusing. Something that studio and professionals working out in the field will find incredibly useful.
Complimenting the new AF-C mode is the new XCD 2.8 4/35–100E compact zoom lens that has been designed to complement the camera and offers a relatively lightweight solution.
Another boost to the performance, especially for those using the camera handheld, is the advanced stabilisation with an upgraded 10-stop, 5-axis IBIS system that will offer up to 8x more stability than the predecessor.
At the heart of the camera is once again a 100MP medium format sensor, and while this offers the same healing resolution, it has been upgraded with an enhanced 100MP BSI CMOS sensor with a native ISO of 50 and offers 15.3 stops of dynamic range, just a touch higher than the X2D 100C.
On the back of the X2D II 100C body is the display, which is once again 3.6 inches on the diagonal, but with a new 1400-nit OLED panel, it is 75% brighter than the previous iteration. This will again make a huge difference to those shooting in the field professionally.
While the camera packs in a host of new and upgraded features, it is actually slightly lighter than the X2D 100C, and comes in a graphite grey matte finish with redesigned grip and new 5D joystick for fast selection over the AF points and navigation.
As with the X2D 100C, the X2D II 100C will feature a 1TB internal SSD and support for a CFExpress Type-B card to store the standard JPEG and RAW images alongside the HDR HEIF or Ultra HDR JPEG files.
Hassleblad XCD 2,8–4/35–100E lens
Alongside the release of the X2D II 100C is the XCD 2,8–4/35–100E, a compact standard lens that will be a perfect partner to the new camera. This lens could be closely compared to the 35-75mm f/3.5-4.5, but now has a longer telephoto focal length while maintaining the wide angle.
The lens also pushes the creative potential with a maximum aperture at the telephoto end of f/4. This is an improvement over the 25-75mm that comes in at f/4.5.
The optical design has also been updated with a new formula that sees 16 elements in 13 groups, including 3 aspherical and 5ED elements that have been specifically designed to cope with the high resolution of that 100MP sensor.
Likewise, with the latest technology and enhancements in the X2D II 100C, the lens features fast stepping motors to ensure that the performance of the camera’s new AF-C autofocus is complemented by the lens.
For studio photographers, there’s also plenty to get excited about with the lens supporting an integrated leaf shutter with full flash sync up to 1/4000s, double the speed that could be achieved by many older lenses.
While the lens is small and lightweight, it is small and lightweight in the vein of Hasselblad, so it comes in at 849g and measures 138mm in length.
A final note on the aesthetics, the lens features engraved control rings synonymous with the XCD V Series, enabling adjustments of shutter, aperture and ISO.
Hasselblad X2D II 100C Specifications:
Sensor: 100MP BSI CMOS medium format sensor
Colour Depth: 16-bit colour depth
Dynamic Range: 15.3 stops dynamic range
HDR: Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution with HDR
Focus modes: AF-C continuous autofocus, 425 PDAF zones, AF-S and Manual
IBIS: 5-axis, 10-stop in-body image stabilisation
Sensitivity: ISO 50 native sensitivity
Storage: 1TB internal SSD storage + CFexpress Type B slot
Screen: 3.6-inch OLED tilting screen, 1400-nit brightness
Weight: 7.5% lighter than X2D 100C
Colour scheme: Graphite grey matte finish, redesigned ergonomic grip
Hasselblad XCD 2,8–4/35–100E Specifications
Focal length: 28–76mm full-frame equivalent focal length
Aperture range: f/2,8–f/4
Lens build: 16 elements in 13 groups (3 aspherical, 5 ED)
Shutter: Integrated leaf shutter, sync from 1/4000s to 68 minutes
Length: 138mm
Weight: 894g
Price and Availability:
The Hasselblad X2D II 100C is available for £6,400 / $7,399
The Hasselblad XCD 2,8–4/35–100E lens is priced at £4,100 / $4,599.
Alongside the release of the camera and lens is the Vandra Backpack, which will retail for £369 / $469, with the new 86mm filters priced between £259–£469 depending on type.
All new products will be available through Hasselblad Flagship Stores, authorised dealers, and the official Hasselblad online store at www.hasselblad.com.
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