@photonewspn | photographynews.co.uk
GEAR / 33
AROUND THE BEND Move the camera before it’s stopped HDR processing and you’ll get weirdly bent shots (top left). Detail and dynamic range is impressive, even in standard mode
serious photographers may not want to edit photos on an iPad. Not everyone uses Apple kit to view the photos on an HDR screen so the advantage quickly disappears. And the camera doesn’t allow these HDR modes when it is set to manual, which is frustrating. If you do set the camera to HDR, each shot takes a second or so longer than you might expect, so you’ll get a super-distorted final frame if you move the camera. It’s very odd, but at least you’ll know what you’ve done wrong. Or you can just say it’s art.
depending on use. With lots of menu digging and shot reviewing in our tests, that figure was just about right, so for a full day you’d need a spare battery or a USB-C power bank. The camera charges completely in about two hours using a 30W USB-C adapter. All about that base ISO The sensor is a known quantity, but Hasselblad’s latest processing and colour science elevate it far beyond familiar territory. The X2D II 100C continues to produce images with stunning tonal depth, true-to-life skin tones and that elusive, three- dimensional Hasselblad look. Files are 16-bit, recording over 280 trillion colours, with a base of ISO 50 and extended range of up to ISO 25,600. Detail rendition is exceptional, achieving amazing skin tones, textures and micro-contrast. The colour balance is neutral yet rich, avoiding the overly punchy saturation common in smaller formats. Dynamic range is absolutely extraordinary. While shooting high- contrast scenes, highlights retained detail while deep shadows could be lifted several stops without either colour shift or noise. The IBIS makes handheld shooting at low ISOs not just possible but genuinely practical. Raw files contain so much information that pushing and pulling them around in editing is a joy. Noise is well controlled, and just a dab of noise reduction in post works wonders. The camera creates wonderful images that ooze quality. For a gallery of stills, plus ISO comparison tests and exposure latitude tests, head to photographynews.co.uk
Verdict
The Hasselblad X2D II 100C isn’t a radical reinvention, but rather a careful evolution of a concept that was already close to perfection. It addresses the practical gaps of its predecessor while introducing features that make medium format even more usable day-to-day. Plus, the images are a thing of beauty. Features 22/25 It has C-AF with subject tracking, 1TB storage, amazing IBIS, full HDR but limited shutter speed, fps and no video Handling 22/25 It’s built to exude quality and minimalist style, but this impacts on the speed of use. Screen only tilts Performance 25/25 If there is a better-quality image than this, we’ve yet to see it. And the IBIS is shockingly effective Value for money 23/25 It’s not cheap, but it offers incredible image quality. However, lens prices are high so that further pumps up the ownership cost Overall 92/100 The X2D II 100C stands as the most complete medium format Hasselblad’s ever made for real-world use, and a landmark for the brand Pros Incredible image quality, IBIS, flash sync at all speeds Cons No video, pricey and limited range of native lenses
This is the modern world The X2D II 100C remains an
unmistakably modern Hasselblad – minimalist, purposeful and crafted to an almost obsessive standard. The new graphite-grey matte finish looks superb, and the camera’s 7.5% weight reduction makes a real difference. It feels like a luxury tool built for real work. The tactile controls and quiet shutter make it a joy to use on location. The grip has been redesigned with improved texture and contouring for comfort, while the new rear joystick is a true revelation. Along with custom buttons, this provides both faster and more intuitive control. A top-mounted 1.08-inch status LCD provides instant feedback on key settings without diving into menus, while the menu system itself remains one of the cleanest, most elegant interfaces in photography. In another boost, the 3.6-inch OLED rear screen is brighter – now 1400 nits, up 75% – and tilts 90° up and 43° down. The high-resolution 5.76m-dot EVF delivers vivid colour and excellent clarity, even when used
in harsh sunlight. In practice, the experience is immersive. This minimalist design does mean, however, that there is more menu digging required in order to change settings, so it’s not as quick as the traditional dials and deep menus of a camera like the Fujifilm. And, of course, the Fujifilm range offers video, something that the Hasselblad omits to keep the camera purely aimed at stills. It’s built to capture light and colour with unparalleled nuance, not to compete with cine hybrids. While medium format remains more about precision than speed, the X2D II 100C’s 3fps burst rate feels sufficient. The camera retains the 1TB internal SSD while adding a CFexpress Type B slot for extra storage. The USB-C port enables both fast file transfer and in-camera charging. The 3400mAh battery is officially good for around 460 shots per charge,
NO HASSEL The large sensor and bright screen, combined with amazing build quality, make the X2D II a stunner
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