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Hasselblad Introduces X2D 100C and New Lenses
This entry was posted on November 08, 2022
Categories: New Releases
Hasselblad Introduces X2D 100C and New Lenses
It’s been a couple year since the release of the X1D ii 50c from Hasselblad and the wait hasn’t disappointed. Coming in with an overhauled new mirrorless camera and a couple new lens options. Way more than just an incremental update, Hasselblad is finally releasing a new X system mirrorless medium format camera body—the X2D 100C—that revolves around a new 100MP sensor, improved AF, IBIS, and several useful updates to the physical and operational design. This long-awaited successor to the X1D 50C II feels like a complete overhaul, yet hasn’t lost sight of the best aspects of the X1D cameras, namely the distinct Scandinavian design elements, ergonomics, and clear attention to detail.
Better EVF, Tilting LCD, and Built-In 1TB SSD
An improved sensor, faster AF, and image stabilization are needed but also very logical evolutions for this X system camera; improvements to the viewing, handling, and saving experience are pleasantly surprising additions that really put the X2D over the top. With the first gen X1D, the EVF was one of the main shortcomings; this was rectified with the X1D 50C II, but even now that 3.69m-dot finder is starting to feel a little long in the tooth, the X2D now sports a revised 5.76m-dot OLED EVF, which has a greater 1.0x magnification for clearer, sharper, and more realistic eye-level viewing.
In a surprise move, the X2D also sports a built-in 1TB SSD for onboard file storage, in addition to a single CFexpress Type B card slot. We’ve seen this configuration before with another camera brand, but it’s a new alternative to the concept of needing dual memory card slots—rather than requiring two slots for backup storage, you now have a wealth of onboard storage for fast file saving, safety backups, and for those times when you might forget or forgo using a memory card. Then, you still have the single card slot for times when you want repetitive file storage or need to share your files independent of the camera. The onboard SSD offers write speeds up to 2370MB/s, read speeds up to 2850MB/s, and can store approximately 4,600 raw files or 13,800 JPEGs. Also, it’s worth noting that Hasselblad recommends working with Sony or SanDisk CFexpress Type B cards when you need a memory card.
New XCD V Lenses
In addition to the X2D 100C camera body, Hasselblad is also releasing a trio of new XCD lenses: the XCD 38mm f/2.5 V, XCD 55mm f/2.5 V, and XCD 90mm f/2.5 V. More than just new focal lengths, these lenses are a bit of a stylistic and performance departure from the first round of XCD lenses. Indicated by the “V” in the names, these lenses are styled a bit like the V-mount lenses from the film era but are very much high-performing X system lenses with improved AF, more compact and lightweight profiles, and new control rings. The handling of the lenses has been upgraded, too, and the leaf shutter design has been retained, with all lenses supporting shutter speeds up to 1/2000-second with flash sync at all speeds.
It’s a big launch for Hasselblad, moving its mirrorless medium format system into a more contemporary, cutting-edge realm and offering a series of updates and features that make a 100MP medium format camera both portable and usable. The camera takes the best aspects of the original X system and brings them up to speed with better imaging, AF, and IBIS, and the new lenses add even more value to the system, offering faster speeds and improved AF performance. If you have any interest or questions feel free to reach out to our Professional Sales Line at 216-361-6805
