Hasselblad X2D II 100C Medium Format Mirrorless Camera

Enhancing speed, stability, and color on the already exceptional platform, the Hasselblad X2D II 100C represents the next-generation flagship mirrorless camera that further enhances the versatility of medium format for both typical and unique shooting scenarios. Improvements to the autofocus system, a more durable in-body image stabilization, and increased color adaptability serve both seasoned medium format photographers and those transitioning to the larger sensor format. These sensor-related enhancements are additionally supported by a user-friendly interface, convenient wireless control, and polished physical features, all designed to make the experience of using the camera more pleasurable.

100MP BSI CMOS Sensor

The X2D II 100C is centered around a well-established sensor, featuring a well-known 43.8 x 32.9mm 100MP BSI CMOS sensor that delivers remarkable resolution alongside 16-bit color depth. Compared to its predecessor, both the sensor and processing capabilities have been improved, now offering an enhanced dynamic range of 15.3 stops and a native sensitivity range from ISO 50 to ISO 25600, allowing for greater detail in both extreme shadows and highlights. Furthermore, in conjunction with its upgraded focusing speed, the X2D II is capable of continuous shooting at 3 frames per second, making it suitable for capturing moving subjects.

HNCS HDR

Drawing from Hasselblad's dedication to color science, the X2D II stands as the inaugural medium format camera to offer genuine end-to-end HDR capture. High Dynamic Range images are recorded and processed within the camera as HDR HEIF or Ultra HDR JPEG files, allowing for immediate viewing on the rear OLED monitor or editing through 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 primary benefits of the X System is its compatible XCD lenses, which are designed to match in both aesthetics and optics, thereby supporting the high-resolution 100MP sensor. Additionally, these lenses are equipped with leaf shutters that allow for flash synchronization at all shutter speeds, reaching up to 1/4000 sec, depending on the specific lens used. Furthermore, the mirrorless configuration of the X System facilitates the adaptation of lenses from various other systems, including Hasselblad's own X-Pan and H-series lenses. These lenses can be utilized with an optional lens adapter and will leverage the camera body's electronic shutter capability, enabling shooting speeds of up to 1/6000 sec.

Improved Focus

A significant enhancement to the system, autofocus has seen improvements in both speed and precision, while a new AF-C mode facilitates the photography of moving subjects. The phase-detection AF (PDAF) system now incorporates 425 points throughout the sensor for enhanced accuracy, and a new LiDAR sensor has been integrated into the body to provide faster performance across various lighting conditions. Furthermore, a new AF illuminator enhances focusing capabilities in low-light environments.

Leveraging the increased density of focus points, there are also newly introduced focus point modes: Expand Spot, Custom, and Wide modes, which complement the existing Spot mode, offering greater control and precision when focusing on subjects of varying sizes.

Continuous Autofocus

For the first time in a Hasselblad camera, the X2D II features an AF-C setting designed for continuous autofocus, which is advantageous for capturing moving subjects. In addition to its ability to maintain focus continuously, this mode employs deep learning algorithms to ensure exceptional accuracy, effectively detecting and tracking human beings, vehicles, cats, and dogs throughout the capture process.

5-Axis, 10-Stop Image Stabilization

Significantly enhancing the ultra-high 100MP resolution, a 5-axis in-body image stabilization system effectively compensates for 10 stops of camera shake. This durable stabilization is eight times more efficient than its predecessor when capturing images of distant subjects, allowing for hand-held camera use during long exposures lasting several seconds.

The 10-stop stabilization is assessed at the center of the frame, resulting in 8 stops of stabilization at the frame's edge. This stabilization system relies on the lens being utilized and the distance to the subject, and it is further improved by an electronic compass through Phocus Mobile 2, which adjusts for the Earth's rotation to ensure consistent performance globally.

Body Design and Handling

X-series cameras have consistently been recognized for their exceptional ergonomics and a stylish design that ensures comfort during extended shooting sessions. The X2D II enhances the body design with several significant updates:

• The refined exterior features a new graphite gray matte finish along with black lettering, complemented by a redesigned grip covering that enhances comfort during extended shooting sessions. The internal structure has been optimized to achieve a weight reduction of 7.5% compared to earlier models; the X2D II 100C weighs 1.85 lb, whereas the X2D 100C has a weight of 1.97 lb.
  
  
• The 3.6" 2.3m-dot OLED display facilitates precise monitoring of HDR images with its P3 color gamut, and it boasts a peak brightness of 1400 nits, ensuring high clarity even in bright environments.
  
  
• The OLED touchscreen has been updated with a two-way tilting design, allowing it to tilt upward by 90° and downward by 43°, and it can be extended further from the body to prevent obstruction by the viewfinder.
  
  
• The high-resolution electronic viewfinder is equipped with a 5.76m-dot OLED panel and offers a comfortable 1x magnification.
  
  
• The top status 1.08" LCD provides quick access to settings and shooting information without the need to navigate through the menu system.
  
  
• On the rear of the camera, a new 5D joystick is positioned next to the touchscreen, enabling faster switching of focus point selection and more intuitive navigation through the menu. Additionally, there are two new custom buttons that allow for more personalized tactile control.
  
  
• A single USB-C 3.1 Gen2 port enables rapid data transfer from the camera and supports in-camera battery charging.
  
  
• The included 3400mAh lithium-ion battery is rated for approximately 466 shots per charge and requires about 2 hours to fully charge via USB using a 30W USB-C charger.
  
  
• The internal 1TB SSD can accommodate over 50,000 HEIF files, alleviating concerns about running out of card space and even allowing for the omission of a memory card; the internal drive provides write speeds of up to 2370 MB/s and read speeds of up to 2850 MB/s. Alternatively, there is a single CFexpress Type B slot available for more flexible and portable file storage.
  
  

Phocus Mobile 2

Facilitating the HDR workflow of the X2D II, Phocus Mobile 2 enables users to transfer and edit images on an iPhone or iPad. Additionally, it allows for waking the camera and starting the wireless transfer of files at a speed of 40 MB/s without the need to remove the camera from a bag or manually power it on.

The editing features accommodate raw HDR files and allow for exposure adjustments, noise reduction through Hasselblad Natural Noise Reduction (HNNR), and the application of HNCS effects for precise color tuning.