Hasselblad X2D 100c Long-Term Review: How Good Is This Camera?

After several months of using the Hasselblad X2D overseas for my documentary work, I've put together a review talking about the strengths of this medium format solution and who would get the most value from this system. Enjoy!

00:00 The Intro
00:44 Image Quality
03:59 User Experience
10:04 Key Features
13:32 Future Updates
16:30 Final Thoughts
19:10 The Outro

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#Hasselblad #X2D #mediumformat

[perrysmithphotography]

Just got mine several weeks ago...Every time I shoot with this camera I find myself mesmerized by the images it produces, "Holy $#!+" is what I find myself uttering to my inner dialogue...This camera system took a while for my decision to pull the trigger and commit to buying into even though I was a Hasselblad shooter in the days of film; nevertheless, I'm beyond ecstatic with the results and completely satisfied with my choice...Gajan...your video review is spot-on!

[markusbolliger]

It's a pure luxury camera which most photographers do not really NEED. Most full frame cameras are fare more versatile and most clients will not see a difference in the result. But on the other hand I must confess: If money wouldn't be an issue for me I wouldn't hesitate. To work with such an outstanding instrument can be an almost spiritual experience.

[Trashbag-Sounds]

You are not talking to a small group of photographers. You are talking to a large group of dreamers and photography lovers.

[francislau]

Thanks for your review. I had the Leica M11 and SL2 before I bought the X2D. Wow, once I got the X2D on my hands and took some photos, I decisively sold all my Leica gears, including accessories such as filters. This camera is the best I have used. 3D pops are the key. Skin tones, which other cameras cannot get it even through Lightroom adjustments, are the most accurate. Basically, I don’t need to process too much after shooting. I recommend your readers to try it once, they will surely know what I mean. For me, Leica gears are much more inferior than this one, no matter in image quality, enjoyment and user experience. X2D is a value buy at all. Thanks.

[TheCooliodad]

I agree as this is very much my experience too (and I'm very invested in the Leica M and SL systems). The XCD is simply the best camera on the market and nothing I've tested comes close. .

[chrisduzynski]

Great review. You made a very relevant statement “for a medium format solution, this auto focus is plenty good.” The largest criticism of the majority of MF systems is the AF, compared to full frame. I shoot Sony, and there’s no comparison. Another respondent said, most clients would not notice the difference in quality. I also agree with that comment, and is the only reason I’ve not pulled the trigger on the X2D. Photographers see the diff, but with clients that are all too
satisfied with iPhone pics to promote their products, it’s an uphill battle to justify the $$. Would still LOVE the X2D because as a pro shooter, the quality difference is all too noticeable!

[tjmanou]

100% agree on all points. I think HB has to step up their marketing. They use all the cheap cheesy lines like "sharp", "bokeh" etc aiming to ppl who cant even afford to buy an iPhone. this superb camera has so much (all of that you already mentioned) it deserves better presentation. I use Leica M10R for streets to get grungy photos. but the HB is superb for clean, natural, airy 3D looking images. Absolutely love it. I use it for landscape mainly. thank you very much

[vichethm]

I was so close to switching to one. I am glad to see it's as good as I imagined. Maybe in a few years. Colours look amazing.

[Cchannelglobe]

This is the X2D review I can relate to and agree with the most and I’ve watched so many. Really glad you touched on the user experience the way you did.

I’m a day one owner and was a follower of the release rumors from nearly a year prior to that. I waited and saved for a long time in anticipation of this camera and it still surpassed my expectations. Already gone through many thousands of actuations and it blows me away every time. Truly what I dreamt cameras being capable of back when I was a child.

[jdpst]

I wish I had the budget for the X2D, however I’m still super fortunate I was able to sell my Beloved 500CM and put the proceeds towards the X1Dii and the 45p lens. WOW just wow. I also shoot with an R5c for faster subjects and when I love the image of the canon the X1Dii just has a magic about it. I’m in love with the images.

[TeteRecinos]

Excellent video per usual. The constant improvement of the X2D fills me with hope for Hasselblad. I thought the S4 (if it ever comes out) was almost guaranteed to take the x2d's place as the high-end rival to the GFX but now I'm not so sure. Competition in this camera segment will be fantastic for all of us.

[WALTimages]

Great and informative vid! 💯👊
I’ll be in the market for a medium format camera in 2024/2025 for my fine Art photography work.
Hasselblad x2d has been on my radar for a while now but with the current rumors that Leica is working to release their medium format camera (SL?) possibly in 2025 has me excited for this. Especially when I’m planning to invest so much into a new camera. 📷

[zoltankaparthy]

Yes, you are right. This is a very good solution to the "take a picture problem." It is the camera I have dreamed of for years as I worked my way through other brands. One error in your review, the LCD screen swings up another notch to nearly horizontal, to the best position as very few folks will be looking down from exactly above the camera. Flip it up to stop #2. ;o) I love the IQ, lenses, color and the wonderful using of this camera.

A tip of the hat for your graciously showing your street subjects how they photographed. That's class, Gajan, that's class.

Cheers

[Nedumgottil]

Great job Gajan, this is a very well spoken and enthusiastic review.

[BadazzShovelhead]

The mistake I made was oh I want a Hasselblad medium format and didn't do full due diligence. Found local store and got the body, both zoom lenses and a couple V lenses. I am not a pro I shoot for my own enjoyment when I travel for work. Too my new gear to London with me last week and got pretty disappointed pretty quickly with lack of lenses to suit my purpose. So I went to London Camera Exchange and picked up a GFX and some lenses. Enjoyed it thoroughly. I got home and quickly went and picked up a 500mm an 250 mm GFX lens. I am fortunate enough to be able to spend whatever on cameras to entertain myself during work trips to interesting places. I like the body and menu of the Hasselblad but the lenses I want are often not available. I may find myself in Africa and want to get some wild life shots. I may be in London, Paris, Den Haag etc and want a walk around set. So far the X2D is lacking in lens choice.

[michaelr]

Great review. I love the straight forward, edited for time and useful information very helpful. Thanks!

[chrisloomis]

Gajan: this is where I want to go, to do my dedicated imaging for stills, I have Sony A7s2 right now, my A7r2 is not operating well, and my Medium Format camera's are Rollei Wide E model 55mm F4, and Rollei D 75mm 3.5 ... the Rollei Wide takes scintillating images, still learning her, she isa true gem ... but for digital, the X-100 Hasselblad is amazing.
Yes adding 2 organic, filmic presets into the system would be killer too. You cannot replace the glow, the verve of Film ...and the DISTAGON 55mm F4, that is an incredible Zeiss lens. Good video, top - notch Gajan 💪🏻

[BrunoChalifour]

After using an X2D for almost a year, I confirm your 3 points. It's become my favorite camera (I love the added stabilisation, the color rendition, and the dynamic range). The design and user experience are excellent (I love the ease of the menu and shortcuts).
Two thumbs up for a BW profile (+Y and Or filter effect).

[charleswardphotographytv]

One of the very best reviews I have seen. Subscribed with thanks.

[steveg]

Great review! Funny how people are reacting to the cost of this Medium Format camera. The old Hasselblad was what $47k? I saw a head-to-head with that $47k Hasselblad and the X2D came out on top for 25% OF THE COST. Imagine the new type of work you can jump into!! And the new Phase One is $67k? Does everyone forget that the Nikon D3X circa 2008 was launched at $7999.99!!

This is the deal of the century for what this is. And you didn’t even talk about the control of light you can get with a sync speed of 1/4000. I’d say try that on a Sony, but you cannot until the Alpha 9iii ($6, 000 and no memory cards + only CF-A) comes out and I’ve already seen head-to-head and the X2D came out ahead by a large margin!!