Swedish camera manufacturer Hasselblad officially announced the X2D II 100C, a 100MP medium-format mirrorless camera that is the industry’s first to achieve end-to-end high dynamic range (HDR) shooting, and the XCD 2.8-4/35-100E standard zoom lens. Based on the previous model, the X2D 100C, the camera has undergone a wide range of improvements, including improved autofocus performance and image stabilization.
What is the Hasselblad X2D II 100C?
Enhanced expressive power with AF-C and HDR support
The X2D II 100C is the first Hasselblad camera to feature AF-C (continuous autofocus), a system that uses deep learning algorithms to detect and track moving subjects.
The Phase Detection AF (PDAF) expands to 425 focus points and works in conjunction with the LiDAR-assisted focus. A new AF assist light has also been added, improving autofocus performance in low-light conditions. This assist light also functions as a self-timer indicator.
The camera uses a 100-megapixel medium-format backside-illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, supports 16-bit color depth, and can reproduce approximately 281 trillion colors. The native ISO sensitivity can be set from 50, and the dynamic range is 15.3 stops.
High Dynamic Range
A major feature in terms of image quality is its end-to-end support for HDR (High Dynamic Range) shooting for a medium format camera. The Phocus 2018’s “HNCS HDR” technology, which applies proprietary color science, effectively suppresses overexposure even in situations with extreme contrast, producing images with rich gradations and natural colors. Captured HDR images are recorded in the camera as HDR HEIF or Ultra HDR JPEG.
These images can be instantly viewed on the 3.6-inch OLED touchscreen, which boasts a peak brightness of up to 1400 nits—75% brighter than previous models. Additionally, the dedicated app, “Phocus Mobile 2,” allows users to edit HDR images and apply HNCS HDR processing to RAW files.
5 Axis Image Stabilization
The body is equipped with a 5-axis image stabilization system that provides up to 10 stops of compensation, making it possible to take handheld long exposure shots of several seconds, which previously required a tripod.
The “Phocus Mobile 2” iOS application is compatible with Hasselblad X and V system cameras. Using this app, users can wirelessly transfer images, remotely control the camera while viewing the live view, and update firmware. The app also has a function to start the camera from an off state. Editing functions include HDR image editing and Hasselblad Natural Noise Reduction (HNNR), which uses AI technology to reduce noise in RAW files.
The camera body is approximately 7.5% lighter than the previous model. The exterior is finished in a graphite gray matte coating, and the grip surface has been redesigned for long-term shooting. Storage is equipped with a 1TB internal SSD, and a new CFexpress Type B card slot has been added.
The 3.6-inch OLED screen on the back is tiltable, allowing it to be adjusted up to 90 degrees and down to approximately 43 degrees. This mechanism allows the screen to be pulled out without interfering with the electronic viewfinder (EVF), making it easy to shoot at high and low angles. In addition, the newly added 5D joystick makes focus point selection and menu operation intuitive. There are also eight customizable buttons that can be assigned functions to suit the photographer’s preferences.
XCD 2.8-4/35-100E: A standard zoom lens with performance comparable to a prime lens
The standard zoom lens “XCD 2.8-4/35-100E,” also announced, covers a wide-angle to medium telephoto range (equivalent to 28-76mm in 35mm format). The “E” in the product name stands for “Exclusive,” indicating optical performance comparable to the company’s prime lenses. The lens construction consists of 16 elements in 13 groups, including three aspherical elements and five ED elements. It features the fastest stepping motor in the XCD lens series, enabling quiet and fast autofocus. The lens weighs 894g, and its built-in leaf shutter allows flash sync at full speed up to 1/4000 second.
Vandra camera backpack and various filters also released at the same time
Also announced are the “Vandra Camera Backpack,” which has a capacity of approximately 20 liters and can hold a camera body and two lenses, as well as 86mm diameter UV, ND8, and CPL filters that are compatible with the new lenses.
