Hasselblad X2D 100C Medium Format Camera

Hasselblad X2D 100C Medium Format Camera Summary

Arriving with significant improvements and upgrades, the flagship Hasselblad X2D 100C is the latest groundbreaking body to join the highly portable Hasselblad medium format X system. Despite weighing just 150g more than the X1D II 50c, the newer model packs numerous technologies and enhancements to capture extremely desirable image quality.

At its heart is a brand new 100 megapixel BSI CMOS sensor, which captures 15-stops of dynamic range and harnesses 896 on-sensor Phase Detection Autofocus points. Hasselblad also designed the world’s smallest medium format 5-axis 7-stop in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) unit, providing a clear advantage by reducing camera shake when handholding.

Capture stunning images with 16-bit colour depth using Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution (HNCS), which can be stored on the built-in ultra high-speed 1TB SSD, as well as to a single CF Express Type-B card slot.

The OLED EVF has been updated for crystal clear viewing, as has the 3.6-inch tilting rear LCD display which tilts, and you can now instantly view essential camera settings on a brand new LCD screen, which sits on the top shoulder of this powerful medium format mirrorless camera.

Firmware 1.0.5 for the Hasselblad X2D 100C released December 2022

• Improved system stability
• Fixed rare issue where the built-in SSD could not be read
• Fixed rare issue where the connection to a Mac computer using a USB cable failed
• Fixed rare issue where the camera display screen malfunctioned in some extreme conditions
• Fixed issue of reduced image quality when using the electronic shutter in some scenarios
• Supported hot plugging for the HCD 4/28 lens
• Fixed issue of abnormal exposure when using the HC 2,8/80 lens with XH Converter 0,8.
• Click to download the latest Hasselblad X2D 100C firmware today

Key Features

• 100MP back-side illuminated (BSI) CMOS Sensor with 15 stop dynamic range
• 16-bit colour depth with Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution (HNCS)
• ISO: 64 up to 25,600
• 896 Phase Detection Autofocus points (PDAF) on sensor
• 5-axis 7-stop in-body image stabilisation (IBIS) unit (also works with non-XCD lenses)
• Built-in high-speed 1TB SSD internal storage with 2370 MB/s write / 2850 MB/s read
• Single CF Express Type-B card slot
• Improved 0.5 inch OLED EVF display
• 3.6-inch tilting rear LCD display with 24 bit colour
• New 1.08-inch colour LCD display on shoulder
• Simplified and improved user interface
• Broad connectivity with dual-band 2.4/ 5 GHz Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi 6, USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port and PD 3.0 fast charging
• Tethered and wireless capture using improved PHOCUS software
• 1/2000 flash sync with wide flashgun compatibility

Hasselblad X2D 100C Medium Format Camera in More Detail

100MP back-side illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor

In the core of the Hasselblad X2D 100C is a medium format size 43.8 x 32.9mm BSI CMOS sensor, which captures 100 megapixel images measuring 11,656 x 8742 pixels. The back side illuminated sensor offers better low-light performance with reduced noise, as well as improved dynamic range. Every sensor is calibrated in Hasselblad’s factory before shipping the camera, checking for hot and dead pixels as well as equal response across the entire sensor.

Images are recorded in 16-bit colour depth for beautiful graduations, along with 15 stop dynamic range, while providing a lower base ISO range of ISO: 64 up to 25,600, thanks to improved efficiency turning light into signals.

This significant improvement not only provides the lower base ISO 64 (which was previously ISO 100), but lower noise, which equates to approximately 2-stops advantage at ISO 800, compared to the previous X System camera. You will also find when using tilt shift lenses, that it takes far greater tilt or shift to introduce any colour cast into your image.

The sensor captures true 16-bit colour depth, whereas previous generation cameras upscaled colour with digital algorithms. This allows you to create extremely natural colour even when capturing gradual graduations in a similar colour (such as blue sky) as well as with highly contrasting colours which are beside each other in the frame. For example a bright red and bright yellow subject shows extremely accurate transitions between colour.

The Implemented exposure range is 68 mins to 1/2000th lens shutter and 68mins to 1/6000th Electronic shutter. Colour casts are reduced or eliminated when using camera movements, while QE wavelengths offer higher sensitivity, ensuring the best possible imaging results, regardless of shooting situation.

Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution (HNCS)

Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution (HNCS) was developed to meet the demands of professional photographers who need accurate colours, which are recorded in their full, natural glory without the need to change or adjust any settings. 16-bit colour definition delivers smoother tonal transitions and a more analogue, film-like quality straight out of camera, aided by a wide range of Hasselblad medium format XCD lenses. Colour can be recorded in-camera using either Hasselblad RGB, which is already larger than Profofo, or L*RGB. This gives an even wider colour gamut to preserve natural colour graduations and precise colour. Whichever you use images show extremely natural and accurate colour throughout the spectrum, without any need for colour editing, saturation or other methods of controlling colour.

Faster focusing with 896 on sensor Phase Detection Autofocus Points (PDAF)

The BSI sensor features 896 Phase Detection Autofocus points (PDAF) on sensor, which are grouped into 294 Zones. This provides wide coverage and supports both single shot AF and assisted MF. Where pixels are non-PDAF, AF operation is assisted through contrast detection (CDAF PDAF assist).

PDAF pixels have split receiving areas in order to determine which way to drive the lens, without having to hunt backwards and forwards. The system also enables MF to display accurately which way to turn for focus, resulting in highly accurate and quicker focus capabilities than previously possible.

New 5-axis 7-stop in-body image stabilisation

Hasselblad developed the world’s smallest digital MF 5-axis 7-stop In-Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS) unit, which works with XCD and non-XCD lenses. This operates in vertical, horizontal, yaw, roll and pitch, delivering significant stabilisation enhancements when handholding the camera.

Fast and reliable built-in high volume storage

In order to quickly and securely store high volumes of data which are recorded by the 100 megapixel sensor, the Hasselblad X2D 100C Medium Format Camera includes 1TB SSD internal storage. This reads and writes at blisteringly fast speeds of 2850 MB/s read and 2370 MB/s write for significantly faster workflows. You can store approximately 4600 uncompressed raw images onto the internal SSD, as well as employing an optional CF Express Type-B memory card in the single card slot. A 128GB card such as the Sandisk CF Express Extreme Pro 128GB will store approximately 512 uncompressed raw images, with 1700MB/s read and 1200MB/s write speed. The X2D 100C camera has an 8GB buffer, when shooting in continuous drive using internal SSD at 3.3fps you can shoot without stopping until the internal memory is completely full!

Enhanced user experience

Entirely new electronics includes new chips, which make the camera much quicker in every respect, from processing and start-up to focusing and image recording. The main mode dial has been removed in favour of a new display. This shows power even when the camera is powered off. When powered on the top screen shows info for the settings you are in. This allows you to change settings such as ISO, white balance and other settings with the dials. This reduces the number of times you need to activate the rear LCD screen, for a quicker workflow as well as reduced power consumption.

The new 24-bit colour 0.5 inch OLED EVF display is entirely new with 5.76 million dots and is also larger than its predecessor. This provides 1x magnification and 100% view, which appears physically larger than previous gens. It is also better corrected with sharp corners and low distortion. An electronic diopter correction adjusts the physical diopter position to cater for your specific eyelet, far more easily than when using a diopter wheel. Controls and swiping on the simplified menus are quicker than previously, with a more intuitive layout.

The same 3.6 inch rear LCD display found in the X1D II provides 1024 x 768 (2.36MP) resolution in 24 bit colour, and also tilts between 0-70 degrees with click stops at 40º and 70º.

Hasselblad has also added a new 1.08 inch colour LCD display onto the top shoulder panel of the X2D 100C, which provides quick reference for shooting parameters, remaining frames and battery level.

High-speed connectivity

Shoot and share instantly with dual-band 2.4/ 5 GHz Wi-Fi, with Wi-Fi 6 connection available. The camera body also includes a USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port, which supports up to 10Gbps transmission rates. The body supports versatile and quick PD 3.0 fast charging, with third-party PD 3.0 chargers supported to a 30w maximum, allowing you to charge a completely depleted battery 30 minutes quicker than previously in-camera. WiFi 6 gives you twice the transfer speeds when using a phone or tablet. When shooting in the studio tethered the battery will be charging whilst plugged into USB, ensuring you will have power for longer when disconnecting.

Tethered and wireless capture

When using Phocus Desktop and Phocus Mobile 2, tethered shooting via USB connection is significantly faster and High Speed Wireless Raw capture is possible when connecting to Phocus 3.7.x and Phocus Mobile via Wi-Fi 6. This provides a seamless and quick workflow with a range of shooting solutions according to individual situations and locations.

Phocus desktop is available for Mac and PC for processing RAW. For Lightroom and Photoshop Camera RAW opens Hasselblad RAW files with 35mm and 58mm lens profiles due imminently from Adobe in their next release, and the 90mm coming soon.

Phocus desktop works with tethering although live view functionality will be added in firmware when next release of PHOCUS towards the end of 2022 or early 2023. PHOCUS mobile 2 is also imminent on the App store.

When the camera is tethered you’ll be asked whether to choose mass storage (mounted to computer as a hard drive) or you can skip. This option allows you to tether the camera (without live view). This allows for remote control and charging etc.

Hasselblad firmware updates

A firmware update is coming soon for the X2D 100C, which will add continuous autofocusing and tracking AF, which is currently single shot. Hasselblad will also be adding face tracking and many features which were added to the X1D II. Similarly a remote trigger is in the works and will be available soon. There are no plans to add multi shot modes or video recording. This is a 100 megapixel stills-only camera which is designed to excel at photography.

X2D 100C Compatible Flash Units

Hasselblad has tested TTL functionality with a number of flashguns, which include;

• Profoto A1 / B1 / B2
• Nikon SB-300, SB-500, SB-700, SB-900 and SB-910

Please note that flash group control is not supported.

Growing ultra-high resolution lens selection

Joining the release of the Hasselblad X2D 100C is a selection of three new XCD lenses, spanning wide angle, through standard to short telephoto length. The new V lenses are smaller and lighter with far smaller shutter units and overall improved performance across the board. The lenses are also fully phase detection compatible, whereas existing lenses are contrast detect only. The shutter blades are faster with lower movement and capable of approximately 3.5 million exposures from each lens.

The old gear box and drive shaft design is replaced with a linear focus motor. This is 3x faster and also more accurate, but also immediately available to the camera even after switching off. For example if the lens if focused to 60mm from the subject, it will be at this focal length when the camera is switched back on. The 90mm lens (equivalent to 71mm in full-frame) also reaches 1/4000 shutter speed for extremely bright conditions. The more compact design of the new lenses raised some challenges with the optical design, which was updated to ensure light reaches every pixel on the high resolution sensor with highly controlled chromatic aberrations. Extra low dispersion glass has been used more extensively as well as aspherical elements to stop dispersion. These combine for well controlled corner aberration, minimal corner distortion and high corner sharpness.

The additional control ring and focus ring are engraved metal with a push pull mechanism, with a distance scale. Pull it back and AF is activated. The control ring can be set according to your needs between four functions. When these new V lenses are used with previous generation cameras the control ring and push pull functionality is available when updating camera firmware to the latest version. Focus lock is also slightly quicker.

• XCD 38V f/2.5 Lens
• XCD 55V f/2.5 Lens
• XCD 90V f/2.5 Lens

Discover more about the Hasselblad X2D 100C and new XCD Lenses in our blog post here, which highlights key developments in more detail.

What’s in the box

• Hasselblad X2D 100C Body
• 30W USB-C charger
• Shoulder strap
• Battery cap
• USB cable
• Battery
• Front Body Cap
• Flash Hotshoe Cover
• Camera Strap

Hasselblad X2D 100C Medium Format Camera Specifications