-> Hier geht’s zur deutschen Original-Version dieses Artikels
I couldn’t resist any longer and finally gave up: I got myself a used Hasselblad X2D 100C on ebay :-). My previous X1D 50C is being sold to (partly) finance the new purchase…
But first things first. I was actually quite happy with my X1D 4116, which I bought around 5 years ago (also second-hand). For the work I am mostly doing I could cope with the sluggish autofocus and the weak processor; the outstanding image quality outshone everything, the design and the superb ergonomics – both physically and in terms of software – were the icing on the cake. The only thing that bothered me were periodic system crashes. Not often, but every few months. Removing and reinstalling the battery and restarting the camera always solved the problem instantly. Not really a big deal, but it doesn’t exactly inspire confidence in your tool. Once, this even happened during a (paid) job – at the worst possible moment. I was therefore constantly torn as to whether the upgrade to a (used) X1D Mark II was justifiable under these circumstances…
When the X2D 100C was introduced in the fall of 2022, I was flashed by the new features such as the image stabilization, the built-in SSD memory, the improved autofocus and the resolution of 100MP. On the other hand, I was also put off by the high price, the implications of the high resolution (would I need a new computer?) and the fact that in order to benefit from all the improvements, you should also use the new XCD-V lenses introduced with the X2D. And these have become even more expensive compared to the existing lens series (without the “V”). And besides, quite honestly, who really needs 100MP…? So it was actually clear that this was not a camera for me.
Lucky me, because I saved (a lot of) money…!
For the time being… 😉
In the two years since the X2D was introduced, a lot has happened. Firstly, X2D bodies are now available on the second-hand market and secondly, Hasselblad has introduced more lenses, including the so-called “P series” (P=Portable). These are not only smaller and lighter, but also significantly cheaper than the rest of the lens line-up. But more on that below…
It came as it had to come. It all started quite “harmlessly” by watching some YouTube reviews, continued with a few “non-binding” price searches for used lenses and X2D bodies, led to a budget plan with concrete ideas and figures and finally culminated in the purchase of a used X2D body, a used XCD 4.0/28 P and the brand new XCD 3.4/75mm P 🙂
So much for the background. In the following, I would like to tell you a little about my experiences with the X2D over the last few weeks. This will not be a usual review, in which all the technical features of the camera are listed and worked through; for that there are data sheets from Hasselblad and about a million “reviews/tests” on YouTube. Intentionally in quotation marks, because 99% of these “reviews” are directly or indirectly sponsored by Hasselblad.
Interim remark: Now I have to get something off my chest. In the last few months, every photography influencer/YouTuber with more than 10 followers seems to have been given an X2D including one or two lenses by Hasselblad. Often even to keep! In return, a positive video and one or two follow-up posts with the X2D appear and after a while the Hassi disappears without comment and the YouTuber goes back to using the equipment he/she has always worked with. What the heck is that? Dear Hasselblad team: Do you really need to be so desperately pandering? At least now it’s clear why the camera is so expensive if every second one is given away… I’m also afraid that this kind of advertising has rather negative consequences. In my case, I bought the X2D not because of, but despite the obtrusive advertising. Hasselblad shouldn’t be surprised if this bizarre strategy makes people wonder about the value of the products and the brand itself. By the way: Anyone who now thinks “Oh, FotoRistretto is just jealous because he didn’t get a camera from Hasselblad as a present” is absolutely right 😉
Well, that’s enough of my ranting
The focus of the following report will be on the useful and less useful little things about the camera as well as first impressions and results of the two lenses mentioned. I may only briefly touch on certain highly hyped features, while other “little things” that seem useful to me will be presented in detail. As always on this blog, 100% subjective 😉 . And yes, in spite of my “rant” above, I am quite positive about Hasselblad and their cameras. Otherwise I would hardly spend so much money on their products. It started back in the mid-90s of the last century, when I traded in my extensive analog Nikon equipment for a spartan, also analog 501C + 80mm standard lens. That liberating feeling from back then – moving from two bodies, multiple lenses and loads of accessories to one minimalist setup – still resonates with me today. But that’s another story…
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To start with, here are two things I noticed – without wanting to judge them positively or negatively: 1. The X2D body shares the same design language as the X1D, and at first glance, the differences can be hard to spot in photos; the two most noticeable differences are the color and the small display or the missing rotary knob the camera’s right shoulder. But once you have the body in front of you or even in your hand, the difference from its predecessor becomes quite apparent. Although nearly identical in width, it’s noticeably taller, bulkier, and heavier overall. I assume this is partly due to the IBIS image stabilizer and the built-in SSD hard drive, both of which naturally take up space and weight. Picking up the X1D again now, it almost feels like a toy compared to the more massive X2D… Still, the ergonomics haven’t suffered much. The grip has been slightly adjusted, and it’s no problem to hold or carry the camera around for hours. For my relatively small hands, though, the slimmer grip of the X1D felt just a bit more comfortable. For larger hands, it’s probably the other way around… 2. the lens mount is very smooth. With all my cameras, whether Hasselblad or other brands, I’m used to a slight bit of resistance when mounting the lens. With the X2D this is unusually smooth. There are a few complaints online about loose lenses. I’m not sure if that’s a real or potential issue – in my case, nothing wobbles and everything works just as it should. Just thought I’d mention it…
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In the following, the article will be divided into seven chapters:
- 1. What I like
- 2. What I don’t like
- 3. Light and shadow
- 4. Autofocus / Face tracking
- 5. Hasselblad P-Lenses
- 6. Third-party lenses
- 7. Personal conclusion
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1. WHAT I LIKE
The built-in 1TB SSD is, of course, fantastic. But if you want to play it safe, you’ll still need an additional memory card for redundancy. On the plus side, you don’t necessarily need a card reader to access the data on a CFexpress Type B card – it can also be read directly via the camera’s USB-C port.
The in-body image stabilization (IBIS) is phenomenal. The claimed 7 stops are not just marketing hype – they actually are realistic. Under optimal conditions, such as when bracing the camera or leaning against a stable surface, even longer exposures are possible. With the 4.0/28mm lens, I’ve managed to take tack-sharp handheld shots at a shutter speed of two seconds! However, getting consistently good results does require some care. “Point and shoot” isn’t the right approach here. To be on the safe side, it’s best to take several shots or check your results on the rear screen – as there will always be occasional misses. Still, this is a massive improvement in real-world usability and, in many situations, it can even replace the need for a tripod (though here’s why the tripod isn’t completely obsolete…)
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The user interface of the X2D is another highlight that really can’t be praised enough. Despite offering more features than its predecessors (except Video… 🙂 ), it has actually become even more intuitive.
With most cameras I’ve used, changing settings feels like a necessary evil – but with the X2D, it’s genuinely a pleasure. Every time I dive into the menu, I find myself smiling. 🙂
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The flip-up display wasn’t really a priority for me at first – none of my previous cameras had one – but I have to admit I’ve come to really appreciate it. It’s a bit of a shame that the screen can only tilt upward, not downward, and doesn’t rotate either – but I can live with that. On the upside, it feels very sturdy and is virtually invisible when folded flat against the body.
The ability to individually configure the viewfinder overlays (grid lines, level, exposure info, etc.) is also extremely useful in day-to-day use. With the X1D, you simply had a few preset modes you could cycle through. The X2D still offers that, but now you can choose which presets to display (and which to hide) – and even customize them to a certain extent. The addition of a mini live histogram in the viewfinder while composing or shooting is another fantastic improvement.
And last but not least: you can finally delete multiple images at once – something that should be standard, but strangely wasn’t possible on the X1D.
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2. WHAT I DON’T LIKE
No built-in GPS! That one really caught me off guard. The original X1D had an optional GPS module that attached to the hot shoe (and worked very unreliably), while the X1D Mark II featured integrated GPS as standard. So I just assumed the X2D would include it as well. Nope. And it’s not something that could be added via firmware, since the required hardware module isn’t present (I suppose…). A real shame, because manually adding GPS data in Lightroom is a tedious part of post-processing. I’ve tried the whole GPS-tracking-via-phone-and-syncing routine, but honestly, it’s just a pain.
The shutter release button’s pressure point isn’t defined enough for my taste. If you try to wake the camera from sleep mode with a light press, it often results in an accidental exposure. This issue becomes even more pronounced when wearing gloves.
I praised the menu navigation and user interface earlier – and I stand by that – but I do have one major complaint: accessing the custom profiles. You can only reach them via a submenu. And even after several clicks to get there, the camera still asks whether you want to load or save the selected profile. Way too many steps! Worse still, there’s no indication of which profile is currently active. When I take the camera after a few days, I have no idea what mode it’s in. Even inside the profile menu itself, there’s no clear display of the active profile.
Who comes up with something like that?
This was much better implemented on the X1D, where the retractable top mode dial let you quickly switch between visible profiles. And why can’t we name the profiles at all, or at least assign them icons? Hopefully this part can be improved through a firmware update.
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3. LIGHT AND SHADOW
This section is about features that don’t clearly fall into the “good” or “bad” category – they’re a bit of both. 😉
Shoulder display vs. retractable top dial (X1D):
In principle, the new shoulder display is a welcome upgrade – it’s functional and visually elegant. But, as mentioned in the previous section, it comes at a cost. You do get more information and functionality, but accessing it can sometimes feel more cumbersome than with the simple, mechanical mode dial on the X1D.
Carrying lugs and quick-release system:
The new strap lugs are genuinely practical – with the right buckles you can attach or remove a strap quickly and single-handedly. The downside: it’s a proprietary Hasselblad system. Standard strap rings don’t fit, so you’ll need compatible buckles. I usually prefer a hand strap over a neck strap, and I wanted to treat myself to a fine leather strap from “DeadCameras” for the X2D. Unfortunately, they told me that the Hasselblad mount isn’t well-suited for a single-point hand strap, as it tends to twist or deform under asymmetrical load…
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Opinions vary when it comes to battery life. The batteries used in the X2D are exactly the same as in both X1D models. That’s both good and bad. The good news: if you’re upgrading from an older model, your spare batteries (I have three of them…) are still compatible. The not-so-good news: the X2D is noticeably more power-hungry than its predecessors and would honestly benefit from higher-capacity batteries.
Hasselblad claims up to 420 shots per charge. That might be accurate if you fire them off in quick succession without doing much else in between. But real life looks different: you frequently raise the camera to your eye just to frame or check a scene, you review your shots, leave it in standby to be ready for action, shoot in colder temperatures, and so on. In extreme cases, this can easily cut the quoted number in half.
My takeaway: I always check the charge level before heading out and never leave the house without at least one spare battery – unless it’s just a quick Sunday walk. Long gone are the days of the fully mechanical Nikon FM2, which needed only a tiny button cell for metering – and ran for years…
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4. AUTOFOCUS / FACE TRACKING
A point that would also fit into chapter “3. Light and shadow”. However, as it is quite a complex topic, I have given it its own chapter.
Let’s start with something basic, but often overlooked: moving the focus point. While most other camera brands use a physical joystick for this, Hasselblad does things differently – you move the focus point electronically via the rear touchscreen. When working with the LCD, you simply tap where you want to focus. When using the viewfinder, you can move the point with your thumb on the screen – a method frequently criticized by reviewers. Not by me! OK, with the X1D, the touchscreen was a bit sluggish and not ideal for this job. But that’s history. The X2D’s response is snappy and precise. I’ve assigned the upper-right quadrant as a virtual “focus touchpad” and find it just as intuitive – if not more so – than a joystick (which, by the way, is a mechanical part that can wear out). In my opinion, most reviewers who complain about this either haven’t explored the customization options or simply dislike anything that deviates from the norm.
With the switch from contrast-detect AF to phase-detect AF, the autofocus has become noticeably faster – especially with the newer lenses. This speed is critical when photographing moving subjects, because the X2D still lacks a proper tracking AF mode. That said, I sometimes find the old contrast-based AF more accurate, especially in low light.
With a recent firmware update, the X2D gained face detection. If your subject is fairly static, it works well and saves you the hassle of constantly repositioning your AF point. Even though it’s just “face” and not “eye” tracking, it usually nails the closest eye anyway. Things get more complicated with fast-moving subjects or when people move toward the camera — in those cases, the system will struggle, depending on angle and distance. And if multiple people are in the frame, you can change the focus target with a swipe on the screen… in theory. In practice, this gesture doesn’t always register — and even when it does, the camera may switch back to the original face after a few seconds.
Final Thoughts on Autofocus
The truth is: as long as the X2D lacks true tracking AF, all these “tracking features” are just band-aids. Can it be added via firmware? I hope so. But realistically, it wouldn’t surprise me if Hasselblad holds that one back for an upcoming X2D Mark II or “X3D”…
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5. HASSELBLAD XCD-P LENSES
I spent quite a bit of time deliberating over which lenses to pair with the X2D. Ideally, I would have simply kept my previous ones — the XCD 3.2/90mm and the XCD 3.5/45mm from the original lens lineup. However, you can only take full advantage of certain X2D improvements (like faster autofocus) if you use the new generation of XCD-V lenses — which are not only significantly more expensive, but also hard to find second-hand, given how new the series is.
Luckily, I stumbled across two unexpected deals: The first was a used but practically brand-new XCD-P 4.0/28mm, offered at a very fair price. The previous owner had just purchased the 20–35mm zoom and no longer needed the 28mm prime. The second was the just released XCD-P 3.4/75mm, brand new and available for less than half the price of something like the XCD-V 2.5/90mm.
Overview: The Current Hasselblad XCD Lenses
For a general overview, here is a brief comparison of the different XCD lens series. All XCD lenses are fully compatible with all mirrorless Hasselblad cameras (X1D, X1D II, X2D), but newer camera features may only be partially supported on older lenses.
XCD (no suffix):
The original lenses developed for the X1D and X1D II. Recognizable by the wide rubber focus ring and sometimes conical barrel shape. These have no switches or buttons. The largest lineup so far, with 9 primes ranging from 21mm to 135mm (plus a 1.4 teleconverter).
XCD V (for Versatile):
Newly designed for the X2D, these lenses feature a clean, cylindrical „retro“ aesthetic. Optimized for phase-detection autofocus, and include extra features like a programmable function ring and M/AF switch. Currently available in: 25mm, 38mm, 55mm, and 90mm, all at f/2.5.
XCD E (for Exclusive):
Also designed for the X2D, these are positioned at the optical performance limit, per Hasselblad. Share the same build and controls as the V line. Currently only one lens: the XCD 20–35mm wide-angle zoom.
XCD P (for Portable):
Also fully 100MP-capable, these lenses are smaller, lighter, and more affordable thanks to slightly simplified construction. Ideal for travel or minimal setups. Currently available in:
XCD P 4.0/28mm
XCD P 4.0/45mm
XCD P 3.4/75mm
📅 Status as of January 2025
Naturally, one wonders where Hasselblad has cut costs to offer the P line at such (relatively) low price. There are probably two main areas that have been tweaked: Lens speed (aperture) and additional functions. The P lenses only have an initial aperture of f 4.0 (28+45mm) or f 3.4 (75mm) compared to f 2.5 of the V lenses. And they lack the lens ring for switching to manual mode and the individually programmable function ring. The construction has definitely not been spared: All metal, everything feels solid and full; even higher quality than the old lenses with the rubber coating, which felt a bit cheap and spongy over time. The optical construction is somewhat simpler than with the XDC-V series; this may be reflected in some test charts, but I can’t see any difference in the end result, i.e. the photo. The 75mm is particularly sharp. Minimal distortion and vignetting are automatically corrected in post-processing, e.g. in Lightroom, by the existing lens profile. The fact that the P series is also relatively light is a bonus. After all, “P” stands for “portable”. And the shutter of all the new lenses is significantly quieter than that of the old ones. Not all the same, but all better.
-> TIP: For all those who want the latest Hasselblad lens technology “on a budget” ;-), an absolute recommendation. Optically strong, beautifully built, and compatible with all new features — the 28/45/75mm trio forms a nicely spaced and highly practical travel set!
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6. THIRD PARTY LENSES
While I’ll likely sell my two original Hasselblad XCD lenses (3.2/90mm and 3.4/45mm), there’s one I’ll be keeping for special occasions: the TTArtisan 1.25/90mm. A fully manual, character-rich lens that doesn’t match the precision or convenience of native glass — but offers a unique look that I enjoy experimenting with. That said, using third-party lenses on a 100MP medium format camera isn’t plug-and-play perfection. Without a mechanical shutter, you have to rely on the electronic shutter, which has a few pitfalls. But the X2D offers two surprisingly useful tools that dramatically improve the experience: 100% view on-demand and crop modes…
On the X1D, the 100% zoom function lived among the tiny rear screen buttons — tricky to find blindly, and essentially unusable with gloves. On the X2D, this has changed completely: you now press the rear control dial for an instant 100% view — in both the EVF and rear LCD. This tiny shift is a major ergonomic upgrade, especially when focusing manually. With third-party lenses (like my TTArtisan), this lets you quickly nail critical focus without diving into menus or guessing. It’s quick, intuitive, and feels like it should have always been this way.
The X2D allows for in-camera crop simulation, including common formats like 3:2, 16:9, and the panoramic X-Pan 65:24. While these crop modes don’t reduce the RAW file size (you still get the full 100MP), they provide framing guides directly in the viewfinder. I rarely use this feature for creative composition, since I prefer to crop in post with total freedom — sometimes to “wild” aspect ratios that suit the image, not the norm. But there’s one major exception: third-party lenses with a 35mm image circle. These lenses simply don’t cover the full medium format sensor, and strong vignetting or corner falloff becomes an issue. Enter the 36:24 (3:2) crop mode: it restricts the live view to the central part of the sensor — the physical size of a full-frame sensor — and effectively eliminates unwanted vignetting before you shoot. This is more than just a “visual helper.” When using the TTArtisan 1.25/90mm, cropping to 24×36 restores its native 90mm field of view. Left uncropped on the full MF sensor, it acts more like a 70mm. But with the crop mode active, it once again behaves like a “true” 90mm lens. Of course, you could just crop afterward in Lightroom — but seeing the final framing live makes shooting much more intentional. This alone makes third-party lens use not just viable, but enjoyable.
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7. PERSONAL CONCLUSION
Any conclusion about the X2D can only be personal and subjective, because this camera doesn’t aim to be for everyone — it serves a clearly defined niche. That said, I can confirm with conviction: I’m absolutely delighted. Just like with the X1D, simply picking it up brings a smile to my face. And compared to its predecessors, the X2D delivers real, tangible improvements — ones that show up in daily use, not just on spec sheets. Yes, I’ve listed my criticisms. But honestly, they get lost in the sea of refinements and enhancements.
And about that often-asked question: “Do you really need 100 megapixels?” No. Most users – myself included – don’t need it. In fact, I probably would have preferred a 50MP sensor if it meant the same camera in all other respects. But the unexpected joy of 100MP has won me over – there is no turning back. The cropping flexibility is tremendous, and while it’s clearly unnecessary to count individual eyelash hairs on a full-body portrait of my grandson… it’s also ridiculously fun.
Of course, the price is a hurdle. But it’s one I find understandable. It’s a classic case of the Pareto principle: the last 20% of performance often costs 80% more. That might be an exaggeration — but not by much. The same applies in the 35mm world: a Canon EOS R1 or Sony Alpha 1 II costs over CHF 6,000 just for the body and is, in many cases, only marginally better than a mid-range model half the price.
And yes, I completely understand those who say the Fujifilm GFX100 II offers similar or even better performance in some areas, especially in terms of lens pricing and system versatility. That’s valid. But those marginal gains – or differences – are perceived differently by different photographers. And that’s the key: for me, the X2D delivers something unique. It’s not just a camera. It’s a creative instrument that continues to surprise, challenge, and delight me. And that’s worth something, even if it can’t be quantified in megapixels or price tags.
To cut a long story short: Anyone who gets sweaty hands at the sight of the X2D knows what I’m talking about and doesn’t need any rational arguments for buying it. If you don’t, you’ll be happier with a Fuji GFX 100 or a Sony/Nikon/Canon/Pentax…
If you have any comments (including controversial ones… 😉 ), suggestions or questions, please feel free to write them in the comments section down below.
Thank you for sticking with me to the end!
-> Translation from German with DeepL PPC and Chat GPT
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