Hasselblad X2D Review Part 3 | I Answer Your Questions (Leica SL2, Phase One & GFX100S) 

I had one of the early GFX 100s (before that a 50s) and I found the several of the lenses (not the 110) wanting when compared to my Leica S2 lenses (those work also very well with the S3 but it is only 70 Mp). The 110 is fantastic, said that. I disliked the starting color of the Fuji and it was a pain to match when I was using more than one camera. I traded the Fuji for a used Phase One XF with an IQ4. For my line of work, pretty still subjects, the Phase is vastly superior. But I don’t do weddings or need image stabilization. There’s always the right tool for each job.

Bobby, terrific series. A friend has the X1D 2 and raves about it. I was going to get the Q3. After your understated comparison and his encouragement I traded in a few lenses, added the Q3 funds, and am loving the X2D plus 38! Your review is spot on from my experience! Thank-you!

Sold my fuji system....got an X2D, 35-70, 135 with 1.7x tc, and could not be happier. Spot on video. The camera is a work of art itself...magical to use. I simply enjoy it a lot more...probably about 3x more than the fuji. And I liked the fuji a lot. The H is simply amazing. And the images.....I have a lot to learn given this camera makes new levels of photography possible. PS: I put a mount on the bottom (part of an L bracket) and that takes the use....no scratchers and no worries....).

I have the Hasselblad x1d and yeah the autofocus sucks compared to other systems but honestly I wanted to be in the Hasselblad system. The color science and the lenses are amazing. I think having the best color science makes life easier and you can work around the autofocus system. Fuji autofocus isn’t great either. I have the Sony A9ii if I needed a sports like camera. Hasselblad is just about art and clean look

Great summation, thanks.

People seem to be obsessed with wanting to know which camera is best, a famous photographer once said “the one you have with you when you see the image”, I would say “the one that inspires you to go out and take photographs “. Whether you choose crop sensor, full frame or medium format the cameras are all extremely capable, all with advantages and disadvantages compared to the other. I believe you need to pick up a camera, feel how it handles with different lenses and explore the menu system to see if it it intuitive. Do this with the brands in the sensor size you want and choose the one that feels comfortable and familiar.

Thank you for these videos, very very informative and helpful

Excellent review - thank you

Nice series. My XCD 28P is being delivered tomorrow -- after 12 months I still have no idea when the XCD 90V I ordered on DAY ONE will emerge let alone get into my hands. As a studio camera the leaf shutters in the XCD lenses are a big help when wanting to shoot at fast shutter speeds and not drop into HSS - but the EYE AF in the X100s is a big help too. YES I know both the H6D and XF have a single large focus point and their own version of true focus - so point focus and compose it normal for ultra high res backs. BUT "one" is used to EYE AF in the Z8/Z9 and it is huge. Massive differences between the XF/IQ4 and X2D in weight and size -- I and many are wondering what will follow now the Xf is "very" old. Will Phase One add AF-C and eye detection & tracking? SL2 is lagging far far far behind GFX/X2D but not in price. Leica lenses "the ones worth buying" are CRAZY expensive. Yes top of my list is continuous AF followed by some form of eye detection and tracking AND it would also be great if the X2D offered lossless compressed RAW not just 3FR; frame averaging and the 2-shot in camera HDR (so the same as the IQ4), LV when tethering using Phocus (come on H); and a few more things - recent FW updaters have closed the gap on what we had with the X1Dii and what came with the X2D. NO never want a MF video camera -- I find the GFX video features useless. Just pull out a lumix or Z8/Z9. What is also needed is some kind of lens road map for the next V or P lenses. I own all the V lenses, the new 28P and a bunch of XCD and HCD glass including the HTS1.5 which is awesome on the X2D.

Totally agree with the build quality. I also made a few scratches while putting it into the bag. I think Hasselblad choose the aluminum (or duralumin) for a fine matte finish and it looks better. but I couldn't experience such scratches on any other product like Sony. :(

Just traded my 50Sll for the 907x. Which I traded for the GFX! I just didn’t feel inspired by the Fuji and really miss the experience of the Hassy. I’ll get better images out of the camera I actually want to use more! Thanks for this series. 👍

Great comparisons, thanks. The finish on my X2d feels like it's anodized rather than painted. That may make it more susceptible to micro scratches but mine is showing none of that.

Great video! Btw: the X1DII is coming down in price dramatically. I paid 3300,- Euro a couple months ago for a used one in excelent condition and it's even less now. Since the main thing of the Hasselblad system to me is the leafshutter lenses, I would advise to get that body and get one or two nice lenses with it. I bet the current 90mm will drop quite a bit in value when (if ever? ... Hasselblad? ... I'm looking at you! 🧐....) the new one comes out. So, X1DII with a 45mm for cheap now and then wait for the used 90s to hit the market seems like a viable strat to get into the system for a very fair price.

I had an X1D, X1Dii and now an X2D. I was always envious of the Fuji zoom lenses and purchased a used GFX-100S and 32-64, 45-100 and 100-200. I took out the Fuji kit about 6 times, and never felt comfortable using it. I mostly shoot on a tripod and I missed having all the controls on the rear screen, especially when the tripod is fully extended. I hated shooting the GFX-100S handheld, it feels bulky and uncomfortable. After 6 months I realized the grass wasn’t greener on the other side of the fence, and was able to resell the Fuji gear for close to what I paid. That isn’t to say that the Fuji isn’t a good camera, it is amazing, but it is a question of personal preference and the X2D still inspires me to go out and shoot and puts a smile on my face every time I pick it up.

Thank you Bobby! Very interesting as always. As for me Leica q3 & SL2-s are more comfortable to use instead X system.

Hello Bobby, I think I have had my X2D just a bit longer than you, now coming from my X1D big jump. I did have the Fuji for a day when trying to choose system, as I did like the Fuji and the cost were close. The three thinking that the X system that made me choice the Hasselblad X System first was it ease of use (I thought the Fuji would win but NO), second Like you say the colour since was just nice on the Hasselblad, and third and biggest as I am in my studio more than out side flash sync. One thing that I did find with the X2D was the lack of focus peeking. When I saw this after ordering the camera I was so worried I almost cancel the order, But boy I am happy that I did't as the new system in the X2D is such a delight to use, both on location, in the studio or any where. As someone who is not as steady the IBIS in this X2D is just stunning. Yes the are a number of things they could do with software update, and I would like to see in the next version of the camera. The Hasselblad systems have never been quick cameras to use from the film 500 series to the H6 so if you need a camera to shoot every day scene or running kids or sports event there are other systems the will do thought better. I use both Nikons Z8 and Z9 for so of my images. But when I need or just want the best image that I can, then I use the X2D. Keep well, keep safe and thak you Bobby PS just adding about the paint on your X2D you did say in was a pre-production camera. My X2D has been in and out of my bags and I have to say one know over my trypod and there are still no mark on the camera.

Bobby, this series was right on time. Of course it created a dilemma for me, but hey, I thoroughly enjoyed it. But now I'm left with an insane decision to make and I'd appreciate you sharing your thoughts. I am and have been a diehard Leica enthusiast for several years now after shifting from the GFX system. Size matters and the GFX was just to big and cumbersome. I now own the M3, M7, M11, SL2-S, & the Q3. Plus three Noctilux lenses (two 50's & the 75), and the 50 APO. Minus the film bodies, I can sell this entire kit and move to the Hasselblad X2D and all three V lenses with change to spare. The Color Science is very exciting to me. The reduced kit and manageable weight is exciting to me. But what is of equal importance and very rewarding for me personally is the ability to shoot wide open on sunny days without the need of an ND filter on either the M11 or the SL2-S. And the tech in the Q3 will certainly be matched or exceeded in the soon to be released SL3. Bobby, I'm currently find myself at a fork in the road. Left keeps me on Leica Lane. Right puts me on Hasselblad Highway. Alright my friend, which way? Stay Safe and Be Blessed! Doc Chaps

Why isn’t there more love going to the 907x?! It looks so unique, but between that, the X2D, The Leica Q3 and the Leica SL2 there’s such so much room to play!

You absolutely nailed the differences between this x2d, the gfx100(s) and the sl2, but you forgot one: the leaf shutter in the Hasselblad allowing for fast sync speeds. I’m a fashion and beauty photographer based in Switzerland. For my studio work I’ve just switched to the x2d (coming from the h6d100). This x2d is so much smaller, lighter and easier to handle. The modularity of the h6d has some advantages too, but truth to be told , I rarely used them. Every once in a while, I rent the iQ4 for very critical work. Nothing compares to an iQ4 with its Schneider-Kreuzach lenses, but the cost of a system is close to insane. Even for certified pre-owned. For run-and-gun type of work (mostly outdoors) I use the SL2 and SL2-S. These are my fav cameras. Fantastic image quality, superb lenses and extremely well-build. However, for pure IQ the h2d is of course better. Nevertheless, the files out of the SL2 are very easy to manage, just like the x2d. I’ve also used the gfx50s and gfx100 (and the mkII and s-version) on loan for a while. These are definitely good cameras, but like you said, the color science of Hasselblad is much better. Esp. skintones in the gfx are problematic (important to me). Our editors claim that raf files need at least twice the time to clean up, compared to 3fr files and even then they can’t hold up. The gfx is more an alternative to an a7r5, r5 or z7 as a general do-it-all system. Indeed the earlier Fuji lenses (23, 32-64, 110 and 120) are the best. The newer lenses are more ‘all over the place’. As I said before, there’s one major benefit to the x2d: the central leaf shutter in every lens that allows for sync speeds up to 1/2000th. With the new 90mm even up to 1/4000th, which probably also causes the delay to get the new shutter right. With all curtain shutter systems you’re stuck with a mediocre HSS alternative. The Leica s3 solves that nicely with its dual shutter support. Another great system by the way, often forgotten, with stellar lenses. Esp. pre-owned it’s an alternative. There’s by the way also one drawback to the x2d: it lacks support in Capture One (like all Hasselblads). You’re stuck with either Phocus or Lightroom, which both are not my favourite… choices, choices…

Think you can do a color quality comparison between the X2D vs Phase One CCD 80 Megapixel sensors? I chose to purchase the Phase One XF/IQ280 CCD digital back for the CCD color rendition. I believe CCD still had superior image quality when compared to CMOS sensors. I was able to get an entire kit of The XF body, digital back, 4 leaf shutter lenses (55mm & 150mm blue ring, 80mm &110mm silver ring), both regular & waist level viewfinders for $15k. The camera body and digital back with 1 lens used to cost about $55-60k

A new Fuji GFX is coming.....wait until mid september to find out !

Great video and honest review thanks !!!!! If the hasselblad had an integrated shutter I would buy it since I use a lot of adapted glass on my GFX100S, The fuji is great but the tassel has better color science and is a beauty.

What are your thoughts on the X2D for shooting luxury homes for real estate?

One advantage of Fuji GFX system is you can mount Canon EF, Leica M mount and other brands of lenses. More fun to play with. Not sure if the X2D can do that.

16 bit is more f-stop of dynamic color that mean making more super shadimg color on pixel compare the lower number bit.

Hmmmm. I have both the GFX100S and the X2D. The AF speed difference isn't really noticable, depending on the lens. The XCD-V lenses generally feel as fast as the GFX lenses. It's just that all the GFX lenses are close in AF speed and the HB glass AF speed varies. As more XCD-V lenses are released the difference will dissapear. And while the GFX does have AFC, I don't trust it. It's not that reliable. I DO want some kind of face or eye detect in the X2D, even in single shot. This would go some way to overcoming the silly decision to not have a joystick, this time round. For me the GFX is for when I need zooms and the X2D is for when I shoot primes. If the X2D had another zoom or two I'd not need the GFX. Mind you in two weeks we will see the new GFX and things may change yet again.

Does MF have ( 3D look ) ? And how its look vs FF ? If you please show as more photo ( how its separate the background vs FF ) and more portrait ( specially full body Portraits ) please 🌹 Thank you for sharing a great video 👍🏼

When will there be a replacement for this ? I’m thinking to pick up the X2D 100C but it has been released since 2022.

i dont know... the ergnomics with the x2d looks rough being all touch screen based... and the native lens are way too limited for me to even think of switching. the 1TB storage is such a disrupter feature though. Should be standard in all high end cameras in the future imo. Great review as always Bobby, i'm going to stick with the GFX system.

By the way, if money wasn't an issue and you want to document life and use it for some personal work and enjoy photography experience, should I get: 1) Hasselblad X2D with single 28mm F4 lens and maybe a 90mm F2.5 in future ... 2) Sony A7CR / A7Cii with single 20-70mm F4 lens ... 3) Leica Q3 ... ... + Sony Xperia 1 V and iPhone 15 as pocketable phone Or should I get 2 of them like A7CR for videos and X2D/Q3 for photos, which one should i get first then?? For me, Hasselblad is neutral color with a hint of Scandinavian haze, Leica is warmer, Sony is neutral with a bit of cool hint and I prefer Hasselblad color What do you use for personal use? If you use X2D which only take photos, how do you record videos in your trips and daily use?

Funny talking about the differences in lenses when Fuji makes all the lenses including the Hasselblad lenses. I suppose the differences are by design, with both customers of Fuji Lenses, Fuji and Hassleblad, having different requirements for the lens team, maybe there is another steps for QA also passing onto a third party?

Can we use Lightroom/Capture One to edit X2D raw files and yet retain the Hasselblad true colours?

leica sl3 ftw

can you put few words on the two problems 1- pixels dad or on all the time 2-lens mount

Hi Bobby, I have been following you for many years. Thank you for your great videos! I own a Nikon Z9 and several great Nikon Z lenses. I am thinking of buying a second body which could be a medium format camera to benefit from a high resolution sensor for landscape photography or even for portraiture. Of course, I am hesitating between the Hasselblad X2D and the Fuji GFX 100 II. In your videos, you seem to prefer the Hasselblad X2D if the photographer looks for the best image quality possible. Has your opinion changed since the release of the Fuji GFX 100 II ? In my case, since I have a Z9, I think that I do not need automatically the medium format camera which has the best autofocus or which can make videos. What about the Hasselblad lenses? Considering its high price (more than 4,000 euros in France), is the Hasselblad XCD 38mm f/2.5 really worth it? Thanks.

Bobby, has firmware 2.01 made a difference?

If the internal 1TB SSD goes bad will Hasselblad replace it? Under warranty they will but what if it goes bad in 2 years? It would make me more comfortable if they offered to replace that for a fee. I ask because Apple does not replace their internal SSD in their Macintosh computers (unless it’s under warranty of course). If your SSD goes bad in the Mac you cannot replace it. I’m hoping Hasselblad will replace theirs if by chance the SSD dies. They generally last a long time but not always.

Hasselblad X2D can not be your main camera. Even with future continuous autofocus, it will still be slow and miss the target. Not comparable with GFX. It can be your second body /alternative camera for a professional. GFX will kill everything except the build quality and beauty design. Both cameras have beautiful colours. I can not say one is better than the other since film simulations are very helpful to trick and get editorial and cinematic results.

The Leica SL2 looks too old fashioned now compared with the X2D - HB wins on the design front.

You know, you can find a million excuses not to do something but only one reason to take the plunge. Do your passion! Look, life is short. Sell some gear and get yourself an X2D. What are you waiting for?

With all due respect, anyone claiming better Hasselblad colors or "color science" likely does not fully understand the complete process of digital photography. The sensor and camera are only 2 of the 3 critical elements. The third is the raw import software. I presume that Lightroom was used to import raw images from both cameras. The fact is, one cannot compare "raw" vs "raw" without involving the raw converter. As any Fuji user would agree who has used both importers, Capture One gives more vibrant raw colors than Lightroom. That would be the only fair comparison to the Hasselblad.