Hasselblad X2D Ten Months Later: A Higher Resolution, Medium Format ILC Leica Q3, or Something Else? 

I love your perspective on gear. It’s uniquely from a slightly different slant than most. But I’m not sure I’m completely on board with your assessment of the X2D. 1. You put up a slide mentioning zone focus. The new XCD=V lenses excel at zone focusing and are IMHO, better than the Q cameras in manual focus. With these lenses I don’t see how street and travel are at all difficult. Sure the 45P isn’t an ideal street lens but the 38V certainly is. Also the X2D excels as a high end travel camera for those who like to travel with two or three lenses. And the cropping capabilities are vast. 2. You skipped over the IBIS. I have a few 24x36mm systems and the IBIS in the X2D is better than all of them. Only my OM-1 comes close. Being able to shoot tack sharp images at 100MP and 1/10th of a second is revolutionary. It also has the best EVF and rear screen quality on the market. Some have more resolution but they still aren’t better. The inbuilt storage is incredible and file transfer is ludicrously fast and easy. 3. The new lenses are, in practice, as good as the old ones. I have every available XCD lens and I’d choose the 38 over the 45P every day. Results, apart from field of view, are virtually indistinguishable. The 38 and 55 focus around twice as fast as the 45P and are completely silent AND have excellent manual focus. Also some of the old lenses focus well. SOme not so much. The zoom, 90 and 21mm are great. The others vary. The 45P isn’t one of the good ones. 4. You don’t seem to think the new glass is good enough but when I compare to my SL2 and 28, 50 and 90 APO’s or my M11 and M 50 APO Summicron it’s still a clear win to the X2D, with any of it’s lenses, new or old. The difference is not small. Some of the GFX lenses (which I also have) are as good. But not all. And the GFX100S AFC is far from perfect. It is very inconsistent. And it’s not like the SL2 has great AFC. I do agree the X2D should have had a joystick though and if they can get even basic eye AF then great. Even in AFS. I’d pay for a b&w preview in the EVF as well. 5. I just don’t see why the X2D needs to have the feature set of the R5 or A1. Those smaller sensor systems excel in flexibility. The X2D and GFX are scalpels that excel in their domain. I think with the new lenses street is one of those. A few reviews have gone on about what the X2D doesn’t have. Very few really try to find where the X2D works well. We’re so used to do it all cameras we seem to expect that’s what they all should be. But like the M11 the X2D are specialist camera. Not for every one and should be celebrated because of that. The X2D is the best travel camera I’ve ever used. Ever. The IBIS makes the shooting envelope huge. Places where a Sony will struggle without a tripod the X2D shoots with ease. 6. If you have a X2D you’ll likely know it’s not a swiss army knife and have another system for that. Just like M shooters often do. Not all systems need to be do it all. It isn’t close to perfect. We all have things we’d like to see improve. I’m just not sure it needs to compete wit an A7R5 or R5. 7. In XPan mode you get a 50MP file! Just sayin….. This can actually be used as a digital XPan replacement. For me the X2D is the Q2.5 on steroids I wanted. I like my Q3 but 26-28mm isn’t my preferred focal length. I love my M11 but sometimes my eyes get tired. My SL is incredible but a big system. Canons and Sonys are great but are like operating a computer terminal. The X2D with 55 is only somewhat larger than a Q3, has better IBIS (more useful to me than the Q3 or even R5 AF), sublime controls, menses and EVF in a camera that just makes you want to pick it up. I loved my XPan but I’m not going to shoot film. This camera is a full replacement for that. The colours are sublime. My GFX, Q’s, M’s, SL’s and Canons take 2nd place to the X2D except in special usage cases. I’ve taken it all over the world in the last 10 months and to me it’s camera heaven. The X2D is a portrait, street, travel, studio, astro daily carry camera that prints huge and is a joy to use. For sports, wildlife and pictures of your cat I can use a Canon or an SL2. Just maybe this time, you spent more energy on what it can’t do rather than all the things it can. Stay safe. Happy shooting.

After waiting almost a quarter century for a digital answer to the user experience of my all time favourite camera, the Mamiya 6, I can say the X2D is it. It has the same form-factor, physical beauty, hand-feel, and joy of use that the Mamiya 6 did. Except with better than 4x5 IQ, IS so good it melts my brain and makes my tripod dusty, and the first digital colour I can find no fault with. Use case limited? For sure. But I disagree with your assessment of the AF and the XCD glass. In my experience, the latter is superb, even wide open, and years ahead of the rest of the line in every other way.Likewise, I've found the AF to be accurate on static subjects in a way Fuji AF has never been. Add that the 4x3 frame yields more proportionately more usable pixels in most applications than the face-palmingly idiotic 3x2 "FF" format, and this is a win if it's the sort of beast you want and can afford. Viable in the long term? Who knows. ut thank goodness they made it. Just my 2c.

It's a legacy of a camera's journey from top notch to remain in the same league it's been renowned for! The question is what you want for your needs to fulfill your kind of hunger which is the driving factor to go for medium format or other formats! It's not just the size of formats it's also the size of your capacity to fulfill anything your photographic demand call for and owning Hasselblad may for some a fancied buy which makes it a kind of satisfaction of having it more than needing it for photography and for some others who really need them, the bigger the sensor the better for the reason of photography! You need huge enlargements, say industrial photography, or advertisement, or only for the sake of art needing even bigger sensors than medium format! The issue lies in the fact that the bigger the sensor the costlier they are and the cause of its being so is that upto full frame we have achieved compelling technology to make them extremely fast and versatile in terms of IBIS and focusing! But the problem to stabilize a medium format sensor and make it equally fast focussing is still a hunt in the camera industry! We are witnessing a mercurial surge of huge megapixel and nimble focussing system working together in a few cameras and no two companies have all the versatilities in a single equipment of their full frame and lesser format cameras, not to mention the availability of abundance of lenses for mirrorless cameras and the problem gets bigger when the formats are larger! Now think about why still you don't need to buy even mirrorless ones unless you are compelled for your photographic needs! Some of us are astonished why after paying astronomical price for an X2D a slow, bulky, scanty lens option camera?! Well, it's not those factors that is retarding the X2D Hasselblad system but it's the urgency that is the driving force to buy it and use it to its fullest and as according to you, it's compelling picture production for landscape, architecture, portraits, fashion, food, and to some extent street photography is so unique of its kind! ❤❤

Jazz and NYC photos. Pure delight. For me a camera like the X2D means extra awesomeness, but if the conditions are right you are able to shoot awesomeness with minor and older equipment as well.

You get the sense that they are getting very close to producing the medium format camera with the capabilities of a Q3, but with interchangeable lenses. If they pull it off, it may ended up being the perfect camera.

Great review. For me, the Hasselblad HNCS and 102MP sensor are more than sufficient reasons to have one for my landscape photography. The amazing new IBIS is a huge bonus as well. Many thanks for sharing

Nice video. X2D is a dream camera. So effing nice in the hand. And nothing beats those tones

so far some of the best Images i`ve seen on your cannel. Great work 👏🏻

Your thumbnails are so good I wish you'd re-use them as opening frames for each video. And your stills montages and choice of music alongside is so nice I watch them in videos about systems I'd probably never ever use. Great channel - thanks.

The image from the Hasselblad is so good that I am willing to deal with the shortcomings. It is not for everyone. I completely understand the negatives you mentioned. I love your B&W photos! Ironically, Hasselblad is more known for its color.

Great video. To me the the most important element to my photography is the image quality specifically color and dynamic range and I have owned many great cameras in my lifetime including Nikons, Canons, Sonys, Fujifilms and currently own 4 Leicas including the M11 and no camera has ever delivered the image quality that I get from my Hasselblad X2D and 907x. Therefore I am very willing to overlook the shortcomings of the Hasselblads.

Even though you are a Yankee fan Hugh, I still love your perspective on photography. I own an X-1Dii and have thought long and hard about the X2D. There are numerous niceties about it, but if you use a tripod primarily as I do, I think the advantages of the X2D shrink somewhat.

Eye opening and convincing review, thanks!

I’ve got both Hasselblad X2D and Leica Q3, my perfect combo for wedding, editorial and street Photography. Nothing better than those two!!

I don’t know why, but I love the Hasselblad look & feel, craftmanship and their colors too. I’m a Leica shooter, but Hassy is always walking around. Thank you Hugh for a video review after 10 months of usage (and with some objectivity). However, this camera is still rounding my head… I can't stop it.

Thanks for your always-appreciated evaluation! I think the Q3 is a better fit for my use case...

I use a sony a7Riii currently for all my work. I primarily shoot wildlife and need the better AF. But I'm going to be moving to northern GA soon and want to start shooting more landscapes. Debating getting a medium format or something that forces me to take my time and truly enjoy the process of photography. Something like this Hasselblad would work wonders for that. Very tempting, but very expensive. Perhaps I'll wait for the next model to come out and get it then.

Spot on, Hugh. I enjoy my X1Dii for the format, colors (!), aesthetic, and the wonderful 45p and 90 lenses, which make up my kit (used for less than the price of the new body alone). With no significant upgrade in the speed, and irrespective of nice to have storage and articulating screen features, the x2D just isn't worth it in my use case. I can still get great forest, landscape, and moose-in-the-stream shots all day long without missing anything the x2D offers. Cheers!

I thought I was crazy to sell quite a few things for this X2D. I’ve made a lot of camera switching mistakes that cost me. I even had the gfx 50R/100s and had to sell them when 2020 happened. I definitely thought I had made a mistake with the x2D as it has a less tilting screen than the A1, no joystick and only one AF point. It was far different than the GFX. But since owning it now for several months, I think it may have been just the camera I needed.

Spectacular photographs brother Hugh ✌🏾&💜

I got my X2D early this year )also owned the X1D and X1Dii) - all great cameras although I agree with you thoughts on the X2D. I've been looking for a Tilt/Shift adapter for the X series and have not come across a good solution and was wondering if you have seen a TS that would fit the X line.

Hello, I think I like what you're saying. I have the X1D if fact I got after borrowing both if and a Fuji GFX for a day the looking at the results, then checking how them with the way I work. I choose the Hasselblad X1D. After talking to people I know at Hasselblad I chose not to upgrade to the X1D II. Than when the X2D came out I order one, after hearing that they had removed focus peeking I though what have I done. But then after seeing the camera at a trad show some mouths after ordering and seeing how Hasselblad replaced the focus peeking with a new and much improved method I was happy. It did take a number of mouths before my camera arrived. I for one am first to admit it is not the camera for all jobs. but for the ones it is, its just amazing.

Despite having watched every other X2D review out there on RU-vid, it was yours I was really waiting to watch (ever since your first video on the XD2 about 10 months ago). I've really been struggling with whether or not to upgrade from my beloved X1DII to the X2D and now... well, you just saved me a lot of money! As much as I love some of the new features in the X2D (especially IBIS, as I really do prefer shooting hand held), I REALLY do not need or want 102 MPs.

I am just starting out taking pictures. I have been using my Canon. camera finding out that it takes great pictures. Great video thanks for all you do. Landon

Love this honest review, but what I like the most is your passion for this art form. This was a great analysis of large format 😂 against full frame. That why I stick to full frame and yes I’m a common mortal that all I can afford and make sense for every day commercial photography portrait fashion and STREET Photography 😮

I just want a medium format camera with an orange shutter button! Delightful video, as always. No surprise, there.

I have recently come to realize, choosing a digital camera is fundamentally choosing film. What other aspect differentiate one camera from another is what Hugh have mentioned here like heritage, build quality, color science, IBIS, Autofocus, internal memory. The darkroom during the film days are now our computers and software. With programs like pure raw3, we really don't need high ISO performance in a camera (only several higher base ISO). RAW files are raw, ultimately just capturing the shadow and light, color we see in RAW are already processed in camera so in essence, they are not RAW anymore. As mentioned here, unless you are printing huge or cropping, need to zoom in to see things, we are at a point with excessive pixels which is already hindering our photography (mainly speed), and processing. My RD-1s is making a comeback!

Nice review, Hugh. Hasselblad was always a slow and bulky landscape/studio camera. Ernst Haas took it out for some great bullfight shots, but IMHO ‘ blads were never meant to complete with Leicas on the street. Notwithstanding, you got some lovely captures!

The X2D focuses quickly with the zoom and the images are amazing. It is a software update away from perfection: they need to release an autofocus software. The operational speed is actually pretty good. Hope you tested with the latest firmware…focusing got much better…..worth knowing in case you did not use the latest firmware. Shooting with it is a real joy. Way more so than an Xpro3 was or a loaner Q2 or SL2 (tried to like those). Focus on the Leica was frankly poor too. I shoot street. Cropping 100mp images in street is amazing….it really has to be experienced to be understood. And the menu/function. I can without any programming or customization manage iso, ss, aperture, focus auto/manual and wb. It is just the most amazingly well designed gizmo of all time. It is hard to explain that feel. And best is no one knows what it is. You shoot and no one cares. Leica’s attract attention because so many people accessorize with them ….at least post 2000.

Thanks a lot for this video. A very interesting point of view. I myself have a very nice Canon equipment and as an old man coming from analogue photography I always miss the old way of taking fotos. 12 pictures on a 6x6 film. Thinking about instead of shooting like with a machine gun. I want the camera to slow me down, not to make me nervous. This is why I think about buying a Hasselblad. Taking time and coming home with the best result. My Canon 1Dx2 is a wonderful tool and the prime lenses are really great. Especially the 85/1.2, the 300/2.8 and the 24-70/2.8. But I need a camera for the slow moments. And I believe the Hasselblad will bring it back. Again, thanks a lot for your review! It helps a lot.

Hugh I love this video. I've watched several times to get the nuances. The firswt time I held an X1D camera I just "got it", It is such a compelling camera. I've wanted one ever since. Now that I've given up sports photography perhaps I can sell all the Nikon equipment... Question: When you print, or have printed, images from full frame and this mini medium format what dpi do you use? How much does DPI with your cameras impact the visible detail of the images from full frame and this larger sensor size??

Excellent review. I think it is an excellent system. I held off with the XD1/XD2 and found a less expensive solution which really suits me. I bought a brand new discounted Leica S 007 which can shoot three frames a second for £ 6000.00. Then four second hand Leica S lenses for £ 2000.00 each, Leica changed the autofocus motors in them without charge. This is a system which cost me £ 14k and would have been over £ 40k brand new. I like the quick single point and recompose autofocus on the Leica S. Brilliant when shooting portraits. When I shoot dance I just focus once and continue the shoot. The best thing about the Leica S system is that it doesn't over heat and the batteries last through a 2000-3000 frame shoot (two batteries with the grip). Mirrorless cameras chew up battery life. I also use the S lenses on the SL2, they are amazing on that camera. Autofocus can be abit slow at times depending upon the lens, but I manual focus mostly anyway. I've owned the Q and Q2 and loved them. I'm considering buying the Q3 which I would agree is a sweet spot for performance and cost. The Leica S lenses are about second hand, photographers seeking lens performance should consider using them on SL2 system or a second hand S. Leica has proven to be cost effective for me, which I really appreciated as I am driven by profit in my business. I never thought I would be able to say those words about Leica!

Always great content perspective.

One very important thing that you do not mention at all about the CF100V is that it can be used on a large format system such as a Linhof Techno. That opens up a whole new slew of opportunities that the X2D cannot match. Adding in the 907X and the odd XCD lens (such as the 45 f4) makes for quite a versatile rig. I wish Hasselblad would develop the old V series cameras further and provide some new lenses. A mono CF100V would turn on a lot of photographers.......

As always, thanks for your well-considered commentary! Even while owning a Leica Q2, I lust for the X2D. The resolution and color science are most appealing, though I have never in my life printed larger than 11"x14". The AF seems like a limitation now, though I never noticed an AF problem with my Fuji GA645 point and shoot. I anticipate that my Hasselblad arc will be much like that with Leica - I will wait for the release of the X3D so I can buy a used X2D.

I had an X1D and 5 lenses. After battling with the slow speed and multiple problems I sold the lot. Now use Q2M and XH2 with 200f2 and some fast Nikon glass with adapters. Loved the large prints from X1D but lost the will to struggle with it.

Awesome video. I am happy now with my Q3 and my FPL fits in the bag too, just incase in need a longer or vintage lens :) stills only, for video I use Sony A7c :D

Hassy made their name for themselves in the film era with medium format vs. 35, but it is amazing to me that they are still sort of hung up on sensor size (I shy away from using the term medium format any longer) as a way to differentiate themselves from other manufacturers. They made a great move by partnering with DJI and sharing their color science. That really is one of their prime assets. Imagine what they could have done by releasing their own full-frame model and lens lineup 5 or 6 years ago. Or even licensing their color science to other companies as well. While I have no doubt that it's a great camera for landscape and architectural work, I am afraid this camera will remain a niche product. Which is too bad, really. For everyone in the photography community.

The series of photos shown at the beginning. You could have told me they were taken on a Sony A6000 and I'd believe you. Pixel peeping is where this $8,000 beast will make you happy.

My core work is tripod-mounted landscape (primarily urban landscape), and I print as large as I can. My S1R has been the best I've ever had for this use case, but sooner or later I'll step up to the next MP plateau for print size. (Burtynsky, Misrach, and Shibata are heroes.) The Fuji100S is the current contender, but after several visits to B&H something about Fuji remains offputting. What would you pick for this use case? Sounds like this might be it: image quality, beautiful build and ergonomics and menu, and the negatives of AF and speed aren't relevant to me though the small size is not particularly valuable to me. Price aside for the moment, what would you pick?

great video!

Sir, as a follower of your channel, I wish to see more portrait by this Hasselblad review. I saw and witness to that camera's predecessor in Helsinki photo & camera fair in 2019, details that it captured amazed me. This new version, no doubt must be even better! Wish to see more portraits in your review, maybe one more episode by this purpose, why not!

I'm aiming for a Fuji GFX 100s system for woodland photo after I have update my Nikon system to D850 standard . I got a 400mmF2.8 VR and 19mm PC lens left to get. I can use my old Mamiya 7 lenses and HB 503 CW lenses on the Fuji using adapters, they will be soft at the edges..

Eugene Atget walked Paris with a 10x8 plate camera sustained only by a slice of bread. Josef Sudek walked Prague with plate cameras and had only one arm. Both men lived in poor health and difficult circumstances. Their work has outlived them and is now in the pantheon of great work. If we have access to any of the cameras mentioned in this (as always) excellent review, I have the Hasselblad, rejoice for we have all we need, onward to the work or fun, we are indeed blessed 😇.

Those images are incredibly sharp. I have a Fujifilm XH2, and although I really want to buy the GFX 100s, I've decided to bide my time, hopeful that a newer iteration of the GFX would come out. Admittedly, I have thought about the Hasselblad X2D. Having said all of this, your pictures are simply quite superb. 👌 One thing is to be said: once one sees and uses a medium format camera and its resultant images, there is no going back. Once you go medium format, you can't go back. 😉

You’ve probably covered this in at least one previous installment of which I cannot seem to find. I am curious as to what the workflow consequences from the X2D's RAW files would have on my 2017 iMac (2TB SSD/64GB RAM) as compared with, say, the 50MP my Canon 5Ds produces? I know, I know, it’s time to upgrade. But still, would I be in twice as much pain by trying to edit 100MP files in Lightroom?

Eagerly awaiting review of that Phase One. Stellar job as usual, HB! . Fantastic

As for the MTF measurements, Leica says that their graphs show the lens without the sensor stack, which is actually part of the optical system. I don't know how Hasselblad approaches this issue. A meaningful comparison can probably only be made by comparing the complete optical system, including the sensor stack.

Photos reminds me a lot my grandfather Andrzej Strumiłło photo album "Manhattan" based on his pictures from early 80s.

LUV your work and style.

I just don't get the criticism of the AF performance of the X1d and now the X2D. Starting from the Nikon F1 and then the Hasselblad 500cx autofocus is a true revelation. But no photographs I made with the manual focus cameras failed - you just have to know what and when to focus. I have wandered around the world - Cambodia, India (many times), Sri Lanka, Poland, Italy, London and made street shots with the X1D and never once cursed the "slow' Af. Now I have the X2D it is a major improvement IBIS is a game changer for me. Sure if I wanted a camera to make photos of people running round a football field, or my toddlers playing or my dog - this is not the camera for that - although I would point out that Sally Mann did a pretty good job with a view camera in that genre. But to criticise it for its failure to meet those criteria misses the point. No camera can do that and match the output from the X2D. I have a Sony A7Riv - horrible menu system, took me weeks to work out how to set it up but whilst it can do better AF it simply is not omparable. Fast and continuous AF is pretty much irrelevant unless you are a sports, wedding or events photographer - in which case you really don't need a medium format camera because most of what you do is going to be on social media or A4 size. By the way I can tell at A2 print size a serious improvement over the X1D.

My M11 stopped working so I got the X2D with the 38 instead. This was very interesting.

In this day and age, the reason to buy Hassy is the color science.

This camera screams to be a portrait camera. But the lack of eye-af set’s this camera back at the leven of old school 6x6 Hassleblad’s. When that is fixed this camera will find it’s way to many studio’s for fashion and portrait photographer’s. The size of the body and evf and screen are a joy to work with. And it’s in need of a little joystick or d-pad where you can move your af-area(so does the Leica Q3!)

I agree with the vast majority of that, Hugh. I had the X2D and 38mm for a while. Nice, but not worth upgrading from the X1D II and 45P…although the IBIS was spectacular. For less than the price of an X2D and the XCD 38mm and 55mm lenses (when you can get hold of them), I’ve bought a lovely used Phase One XF, IQ3 100MP digital back and a bag of Schneider Kreuznach lenses and even a waist level finder too. Image quality is stunning, handling is fun and makes me smile, the AF is spot on and I get a free biceps workout every time I use it ;-)

Cant stress enough the viewers to understand that this video goes towards street photography. Regarding portrait and fashion photography, the Hasselblad X series with the 80mm 1.9 prime lens is still as good as it gets. The same goes towards the remark of the Canon Primes, rf primes may be limited but the 85mm 1.2L DS lens is better than just about anything else out there from competition. Its a pitty however that the new Hassy V lenses are not complete and by the looks of it, the V 90mm will never be released which is a true bummer as many people are waiting on it...

I shoot exclusively with film, both 35mm and medium format, but I think I’ve finally found my digital camera. I need to invest in it, as it’s getting more difficult convincing clients to go all film. I don’t really care about autofocus, speed, and all the other bells and whistles, coming from film. The only autofocus camera I have is the Nikon F5, but I never use the AF.

The Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution is outstanding good, the central shutter has so many advantages if it comes to flash against the sun with the V series lenses up to 1/4000, the M11 has no 7 stop IBIS. The recently released GF100 II changes again everything, the new GF tilt shift lenses also.

For me: Hasselblad H6D is still my favorite camera. I have the H6d-50, the leica SL2 and the sony A7R4. But in the studio I love my H6D. Only the sound of the shutter is amazing :-) in comparison with the other ones. And yes, a H6D has no fancy possibilities, it's heavy, it's slow, but I never stop using it (until it breaks down). If I ever buy the X2D-100.... I don't know. Maybe a used X2-50 mark 2. So I can shoot medium format outside the studio. But the leica SL is amazing for shooting in daylight. (I bought the Leica SL for shooting in daylight). Btw: I'm not a professional, but just an amateur with a expensive taste :-)

I can't see myself ever getting one of the medium format-ish cameras. I wonder if it's feasible to but a real medium format sensor in a mirrorless body. Maybe PhaseOne can let their tech trickle down to us plebs someday. 😉

Irrespective of camera system, some beautiful images here… but! Framing the colour photos (near the start) with a wide white border didn’t do them justice. When I used my hands to hide as much of the ‘background’ as I could brought them to life. This on a mid to large (47” iirc) size 4K tv. Just a thought for the future?

I was all set for this camera to shift me, finally, from film to digital, then I discovered two surprises, especially given Hasselblad heritage. No square format(!) and no b&w preview. I guess these could be fixed with a software update, but for now I'll be sticking with my 503cw.

Could Hasselblad put the same processor as on the iPhone 15 Pro Max?

Why was the 21mm/4 discontinued? Terrific analysis as always!

Hi Hugh, an interesting video that I agree was 5 mins too long but absolutely spot-on. The gap between full frame and medium format in digital is almost invisible. I own an X2D and it's not up to speed in the field whatever fans say. A Nikon or dare I say even a Sony beat it hands down in aerial photography which I have specialized in for over 40 years. I have persevered with the X2D even focusing manually just to take advantage of the pixel count but the results have been disappointing. You're right, this camera is ok for architecture, landscape or studio work. I like you am an enthusiast but no medium format camera can achieve from 40,000 ft + what a Nikon or Sony DSLR can. Disappointing but fact. Keep up the good work!

Hugh, have you downloaded and experienced firmware 2.01 yet? I’m just wondering how and what has improved. Thanks.

Maybe a stupid question but I'm curious about what you mean with color science. I assume color science can make quite a difference when shooting JPG, but does it influence the quality of the RAW-files too?

When is the X2D replacement due ?

My old 500C/M has no autofocus, no 4K video, no...whatever...not even a battery. Speed....?? Well, as fast as my hands.... It works! Every Hasselblad is made to last forever. Using mine always gave me a special feeling....like I'm part of a small elite group carrying a legacy (I don't even know if this is proper English... :-) but I hope you get my point) I don't get the same feeling using all those new high tech FF camera's such as the Z9 or R8 etc.. They're just....camera's.. Recently I ordered a X1DII ....yes, it's expensive, and yes, I have to wait about 6 months....and even after using a Leica CL for a couple of years....which is really a fantastic camera by the way....I'm happy to be back at Hasselblad ! Very nice video Mr Brownstone....as usual.

If we disregard the price, the X2D is the most beautiful well-made camera on the planet, capable of producing the best image quality. I've never experienced a better EVF and display on any other camera. The two shortcomings are the AF and the lack of FW improvements. It's been almost a year since launch and we've only had 1 (relatively major) FW update which still didn't add the option to assign a name for the custom profiles, something so basic that one could wonder why was not in the camera since day 1. HB also kinda lied their customers by adding a face AF option in their launch video of the camera having everyone waiting on such, which in the end may never arrive. The new lenses are certainly extremely expensive and the 90V is yet to come, almost one year after the reveal. I understand that HB is a small company, but it seems like they are so small, they can't keep up with the rest of the industry.

As for myself I started with a compact digital, then turned towards the analogue, especially the MF. The object separation is on an other level with the 6x6 comparing the 35mm. Now I only own filmcameras (Yashica-D, Pentacon Six, and a Minolta SrT200) I love to shoot portraits. I can only dream about these MF digitals, but cannot afford one. I know I could do magic with one of these. Unfortunately the raw material gets more and more expensive, rollfilms are not scanned anymore plus my flatbed scanner is dead and service says no repair is available...

Great analysis much appreciated. You have influenced my opinion. Also. unusual question, who makes those eye glasses?

I keep wanting to find a reason to sell everything and get a medium format digital compact body with standard lens (45P for instance). I can never make it makes sense.

Regarding your AF comments, is exactly why I'm keeping and enjoying my Hasselblad X1D Mark 2. Now in 1-2 years the Leica SL3 with its significantly improved AF combined with that 60MP sensor is a different story, I predict a glut of SL2's being sold/traded. That said, in the spirit and nuance of this video I would say compare the Nikon Z7/2 OR Z8 with the 24-120S to the Leica SL2 & 24-90 all the same arguments/comparisons can be said the way you compared the Hasselblad to all the rest. The image quality of the Leica when viewing 8x12 prints to the Z7 will be ever so slightly different

The X2D is the camera of my dreams...everything I ever wanted and nothing I don't. Sadly, much like a dream, it's not easily obtained thanks to it's price. 😩

A number of clear QC issues with these cameras (hot pixels/dead pixels). Viewfinder is very slow to activate. AF speed is middling. 1/4000 max shutter speed somewhat limiting in full sun with fast glass.

I’ve had the chance to use the X1Dii with a few of the lenses for several months. As you say, the camera is a thing of beauty, inside and out, and the files are the best I’ve ever worked with. As someone who still shoots a lot of film, including medium format, the “slow going” aspect of he camera doesn’t bother me. I’ve even managed to do some “street” photography with it, although more in the Stephen Shore vein vs Garry Winogrand. My biggest issue is one of the company’s viability. The system is too slow and expensive to appeal to a large segment of the amateur photography demographic, who seem to want more and faster. And the pro segment for a camera such as this must also be relatively minor. So it leaves me to wonder, how many of these things do they sell, and is it enough to keep the company afloat? The long delay in the release of the new 90mmm makes me think that cash flow is tight (and maybe demand isn’t there). I love so much about the Hassy, but the idea of being left with no support for such an expensive system makes me hesitant. And, as you say, full frame is coming on strong, and is a relative bargain in comparison. One thing you can say about medium format film cameras is that they are fairly inexpensive to own and service. Except for the film…

I agree with pretty much everything you said, as a Q3 and X2D owner (they complement each other very well - Q3 for when I need speed, faster AF, smaller size and X2D for the rest of the time when I want more lens options). Only thing I am missing personally is tilt-shift (I tried adapting a Canon TS-E 17mm to the X2D and the results are not great). When Leica comes out with a SL3 with an updated sensor like the Q3 has, it will be killer (I didn't love the SL2 sensor).

Almost a year after release and the X2D is still missing basic features like continuous autofocus. I can't help but feel that by the time Hasselblad gets to feature parity with the full-frame competition, that competition might have likewise reached megapixel parity considering the pace of iteration in the full-frame field.

I see your quandry on this review. For this camera to be a slam dunk at its price point it needs better lenses, and quicker electronics. Might the electronics be fixed by a firmware update? Hmmm 🤔. I think you review shows us that it needs to be just a bit better with the full frame market nipping at its heels. Well done Hugh.

Hugh...would mind to make a comparison between X2D and X1D II also...a triangle comparison with GFX 100s

Any ideas for shooting a documentary film?😊

As a shooter of (true) 645, 6x6 and 6x7 cameras, the first time I got to shoot MF digital is was quite frankly a bit dissapointed with DOF. But you know, that's just one side of the equation. I just want solid manual focussing lenses though...

Spot on Hugh.... though I'm still tempted. This was the review I had been waiting for because our preferences generally are quite similar. Quick questions - when you compared files of people SOOC did you prefer the X2D enough to leave the files alone; b. Q3 close enough for you, or more work?; on the new f/2.5 lenses, with manual focus clutch engaged, did you find manual focus quick (close to M lens on SL), or hard to do quickly because of lag / variable response? I don't need 100MP (actually if it was 50MP I'd prefer it), but if the manual focus can be moved quickly AND precisely, then X2D design and colour science might keep it a frontrunner. Thanks for this review - it was the one I was waiting for. It's much appreciated.

I have a question for you. Can you compare the Hasselblad X2D to a medium format film photograph?

Isn’t it time to have 908x 100c digital back?

nice presentation , alot to take in

Overall nice video Hugh, but I disagree on MTF chart comparison. On paper, although there is falloff of IQ close to edges of the frame, new V lenses perform better in comparison to previous XCD lenses.

I too want Hasselblad to do well and succeed. Even with all its faults, it is so, so… covetable! I only ever shot with them at college/university long before digital. They were too expensive then and still are today. My perfect camera would be a mix of Hass and Fuji with some Sony/Canon focussing thrown in. And affordable. Call me mad, but what I’d love more than anything is a 4/3 full frame system. One that maybe Hass, Fuji and others that aren’t Nikon/Sony/Canon all subscribe to. I know, I know, mad….

I would watch Hugh’s videos for just the jams and the frames. Sweet music choices. How does the X2D compare with the GFX100?

in the video it is obvious that the af is worse than almost all its competition, but how would it stack up against the lica Mseries ? as some of its lense are designed with MF in mind and the x2d can be seen as a higher resolution M series camera with aditional AF

Great video and I love the camera but why does every dude reviewing Hasselblad insist on wearing a black t shirt ?

Excellent summation of the X2D, Hugh. It is simultaneously the most frustrating and enchanting camera I've ever owned. The frustration is mainly down to the autofocus - how anyone can make a phase detection system that is so slow and inconsistent, mystifies me. But the ergonomics, built quality and colour science are absolutely sublime. I pulled out my GFX 50S the other day and it just felt so clunky and massive by comparison. That said, the price / performance balance of the Fuji GF lenses totally trounce the Hasselblad's lenses. And I will say that there is still something about the images from both systems that I find more appealing than that from FF digital cameras.

The most serious defects are: No video filming function; no JPG exporting to Android phone directly.

Thanks as always Hugh for your reviews. Detailed, real world, insightful, topped with exquisite delivery. It seems unlikely that ‘work of industrial art’ design and construction are sufficient compensation for such stifled performance. A company of such heritage has abandoned its historic products with no future support or maintenance … which might otherwise facilitate a refuge for the existing hard core pro user base, until further iterations of the X2D. Oops, big mistake, huge.

My X2D is awesome in many respects, yet it is strangely incomplete. For example, I cannot understand why the latest firmware update has still not added face or eye detect autofocus; I am sure it will come but why is it taking so long? Also, when it comes to resolution, software like Topaz Gigapixel and Photo AI are so extraordinarily good at upscaling shots that I have to wonder what use cases there now are that require 100mp or more, because I find it next to impossible to tell the difference between a high native resolution X2D shot and a Topaz Photo AI upscaled much lower resolution shot. I don't think megapixels alone are a compelling reason anymore to invest in digital medium format.

I love my X2D

your videos are always a soothing trip, have you studied as hypnotist?

I want to be excited about digital “Medium Format” cameras, but this and the GFX line are really more like crop sensor MF. I just got a used SL2, and with the 180mp multi-shot and amazing lenses, it’s gonna take a lot more from MF to impress me.

Can one zone focus the H2D? Also, would you comment on whether or not its color science can be replicated.. This requires considerable futzing , but only once. As an aside, I think Sony employs a second software chip to handle writing to memory. I hope Hasselblad considers this. It is unfortunate they’re a camera company, whereas Sony is a software designer and developer. In my opinion that’s why they dominate the autofocus market. Great review, thanks. Did I miss a review of Sony’s new 70-200 f4?