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My Initial Impressions: Hasselblad X2D 100c

Writer's picture: JeffJeff

The Hasselblad X2D 100c and XCD 3,4/75p lens have finally arrived! While I’ve had amazing unboxing experiences in the past—notably with the Leica SL2—this one surpassed even those. The craftsmanship of both the camera and lens is breathtaking. Here is my initial thoughts about X2D 100c. I will post separately on 75P later. However, cameras are made for shooting, not just admiring, so I wasted no time putting them to the test both outdoors and in my studio.



My favorite place to test image quality. The weather was not perfect though
My favorite place to test image quality. The weather was not perfect though

Crop from above image
Crop from above image


Before diving into a full review, here are my initial impressions. Every camera has its strengths and weaknesses, and the X2D is no exception. That said, this camera comes remarkably close to what I’ve been searching for.


Things I Like Most


  1. High Sync Speed with the Leaf Shutter

    The high sync speed is an absolute game-changer for both studio and outdoor shooting. Compared to the traditional 1/125s, it’s a liberating feature.


  1. Outstanding Color Science

Hasselblad’s color profiles require minimal adjustments, producing stunning results straight out of the camera.


  1. Convenient Internal Storage

The 1TB internal SSD with a 2370MB/s read speed is incredibly convenient, eliminating the hassle of swapping cards mid-shoot. I wish all cameras comes with this feature.


  1. Comfortable Grip and Beautiful Design

The camera isn’t just elegant; it’s also extremely comfortable to hold. The grip is second to none.


  1. Exceptional Image Quality

As expected, the X2D delivers outstanding detail and image quality. While I’m not surprised, having used the GFX 100s, it’s still impressive. However, my computer is now struggling to process these massive files and is crying out for additional storage.


  1. Improved Autofocus Speed

Thanks to the 294 PDAF zones across the 100MP sensor, the autofocus speed is excellent for a medium-format camera.


  1. 7-Stop IBIS

The in-body stabilization is a fantastic addition, especially for medium-format photography. Along with the lighter body, this extends the camera usages to many situations.


  1. High-Quality OLED Viewfinder and LCD Screen

The 5.76-million-dot OLED viewfinder feels like looking through a window, while the 3.6” LCD screen feels like holding an iPad.


  1. Pixel Shift (Multi-Shot)

I’ve downloaded the latest firmware, which includes pixel shift functionality (or multi-shot, as Hasselblad calls it). I’ve seen demos, and it looks promising. I’ll test it soon.


  1. ISO 64

The lowest ISO setting of 64 is a great option for achieving maximum dynamic range.


  1. Intuitive Menu Design

The menu design is excellent, possibly the best, even better than Leica’s SL2/SL3 menu. It’s easy to navigate, and the number of buttons and wheels on the camera feels just right—not too many, not too few.



Things I Don’t Like Much


  1. No Focus Joystick

The lack of a focus joystick means you’re reliant on the touchscreen, which requires taking your eyes off the EVF. This is especially inconvenient in cold weather. A design flaw, in my opinion.


  1. Capture One Incompatibility

Due to historical reasons, Capture One doesn’t support Hasselblad. As a C1 user, I might need to switch back to Lightroom due to the cumbersome workflow of using Phocus and C1 (converting to TIFF). Hasselblad should collaborate with Capture One to resolve this.


  1. Confusing Exposure Simulation Menu

The exposure simulation menu is unintuitive. It took me a while to figure out how to turn the simulation off. This might just a personal thing.


  1. No Mini Phone Jack for Remote Release

Unlike the X1D, the X2D lacks a mini phone jack for remote release—a baffling omission. Hopefully, Hasselblad releases a USB-C-compatible remote accessory. In the meantime, I’ve found a workaround: using the Phocus mobile app on my iPhone to wirelessly trigger the camera.


  1. No Flash Sync Cable Socket

The X2D lacks a flash sync cable socket, so a wireless trigger is necessary. Not a big deal since nowadays, the most photographers are using wireless triggers. 


  1. No Auto-ISO in Manual Mode

The lack of Auto-ISO in manual mode is disappointing. I just started using the Auto ISO on my Sony cameras recently and it works well on the most situations.


  1. No Eye Detection Yet

I hope a future firmware update adds eye detection for more precise focusing during portrait sessions. It does include face detection now.



With no color adjustment in Phocus
With no color adjustment in Phocus

With the help of high sync speed, I can capture the constantly moving kids
With the help of high sync speed, I can capture the constantly moving kids


purposly tested with high sync speed using Elinchrom strobes
purposly tested with high sync speed using Elinchrom strobes

Final Thoughts


While no camera is perfect, the Hasselblad X2D 100c comes incredibly close to meeting my needs. I’ll continue to explore its features and share a more in-depth review in the coming weeks. Some of the initial impressions may change once I have a better understanding the system. For now, the X2D has left a strong first impression, and I’m excited to see what creative possibilities it unlocks. Stay tuned!

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