Hasselblad X2D 100C Review

At Linhof Studio's request, Ian Atkinson returns for a light hearted hands on review of the Hasselblad X2D 100C with the help of his side kick Eddie and the odd Porsche or two!
Camera's features:
100MP Back-Side Illuminated CMOS Sensor
New 1.08 inch colour LCD shoulder display
Tilting rear display
1TB SSD Internal Storage (holds approx. 4600 raw uncompressed images)
Smallest Digital MF 5-axis 7-stop In Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS) 896 Phase Detection
Autofocus points on sensor.
The latest software has added a Histogram overlay in Live View, Focus Peaking in MF Assist and Focus Bracketing.
Time codes for chapters:
00:00 - Intro
01:31 - Day 2 The shoot
04:09 - Handheld stabilisation test
06:25 - Day 2 Roundup
07:01 - Day 3 Print review
08:24 - Light falloff and Colour review
10:30 - Lens review / leaf shutter
11:11 - Camera usability review
12:56 - 1 Month later (conclusion)
Credits:
Ian Atkinson www.ianatkinsonphotographer.com/
Follow us on Instagram: / linhofstudio
Visit our website: www.linhofstudio.com/

[@zoltankaparthy9095]

Eddie and I talked it over and we agree, this is an excellent machine for taking very good photos consistently. I have had mine since Halloween, such a start, and amazed by it and the images it gives me. At first I thought a lot of faces were not in focus until I zoomed in and found I could count facial hairs. Eddie and I say the X2D 100C is a masterpiece. Great review.

[@dominiclester3232]

Wow, I’ve not seen a video with such panache for a long while, bravo 🎉 Good info too, thanks!

[@aldoileanumeliber]

THIS is how every camera review should be done. Lovely stuff!

[@quirinwick9522]

Thanks a lot for this very pragmatic test! I use the X2D for my portraiture work and I am always blown away by the colors and the quality of the photos!

[@ronwolfept]

Hasselblad, Linhof, aircool Porsche... instant like!

[@heidecker]

@Ian Great review, I am also using the X1D (1st ver.) for nearly 5 years now and have decided to complement my kit with the X2D. I love the flexibility of the system and also the size since I am travelling a lot and also shooting a lot of nature and landscapes. I was using the now discontinued H-system and still using Leica's S system, but in terms of what you get for the money and what they deliver for the size is just amazing - even the 50MP sensor of mine is still great. BTW I am also doing a lot of 4x5 (mostly with Sinar, ArcaSwiss and Toyo), but only analogue, so I still find the idea of having a digital back on a view camera appealing...thanks for your work anyway! Best Michael

[@InnerLifePhotography]

along with Nikon SB-900 flash; does this x2d camera supports Nikon’s F mount lenses or not.? I’m planning to shift from Nikon to this beast research is mandatory

[@yannickstrumpler3561]

What a beautiful review! This was such a pleasure to watch and certainly makes me want to try it!

[@paulforster7]

Brilliant video. Entertaining & honest - an unusual combination! And the X2D is a truly great camera.

[@nageshwagh2476]

I have been waiting for such videos since a long time, the last video (907x on linhof) was amazing and this one too. Would like such videos more frequently. Will be waiting.

[@___Stephan_D___]

Another amazing review ! Thanks a lot

[@sparkliteto]

Another outstanding video. Thank you.

[@wisruteb]

Love the camera and the aircooled 911! Great video!

[@michelvanryswyk8560]

Thank you for your review and experience on this camera, “it’s nice, 😆!” UNDERSTATEMENT for sure! Greetings from 🇨🇦, eh!

[@thomasphillips5850]

Great video, thank you. I have used blads for years but this one puts them all to sleep. Again thanks my kind of video.

[@ki001]

Lovely review…

[@patrickmolloy6994]

I acquired the Light Adventure kit from Linhof... the X2D, XCD 4/21 and XCD 45p in a hard case with BR strap and CFExpress card. Wonderful, and such a pleasant buying experience. What a wonderful camera. I'd love one of the new V lenses, but hard to justify. Great video. Thank you

[@adrianschaub]

Hi Ian, many thanks for another great and informative video. I have the X2 since roughly six weeks now and can fully subscribe to your conclusions. Br, A

[@InnerLifePhotography]

along with Nikon SB-900 flash; does this x2d camera supports Nikon’s F mount lenses or not.? I’m planning to shift from Nikon to this beast research is mandatory

[@bernios3446]

Ha, what a great review. The system is too expensive for me to justify a purchase, but the elegance of it, plus the quality is stunning. Impeccable video production and storytelling....

[@mikelyon5595]

Relatable review" Makes more sense than an M11!

[@314LA]

These are too different cameras for different photos. They have a very similar color. The difference is in optics and in the photography technique itself.

[@norberth5513]

Such a great review, nearly "cineastic". Thanks!

[@anderskristensen8871]

Great production quality, again.

[@andyvan5692]

great review, I have shot H1 (with phase one p45+ back), and H2 (ixpress CFh) and found no problem with the files, handling is great, simple interface, no complex AF menus, etc. just what you need, power/iso\asa/flash/card format, file type. thats all, how refreshing and with a leaf shutter so no problems with flash.

[@andriivaskovets5438]

Very nicely done review including music and video layout!

[@MrWiseinheart]

I really liked the shooting style of this video 👍, besides the good review.

[@Super.Quasar]

That was a nice surprise finding your video this evening. I enjoyed your review of the 907X even more as it was more complete and outdoors. Glad you like the X2D and am wondering whether your Large Format has been sold off. I take it you know the new 100mp back for the V series is coming and wonder if that's of interest to you ? Many thanks for your work here.😄

[@jimjimgl3]

Thank you for making me want something I shouldn't buy. Like you, for most of my work, I'm on a tripod. Years ago I would do my travel jobs (usually travel stories or resorts) with a Sinar p2 4x5 along with Mamiya RZ and occasionally Pentax 67. Everything since then has been a breeze. When the industry (i.e, clients) started switching to digital in 2003 I bought a Phase One back and Hasselblad body and lenses (I think like $30-$35K USD). I loved the camera except for how slow it was when shooting. Now mostly Canon R5 or Fuji GFX 100s. But this camera seems so nice and the image quality appears to be superb. I think I'll rent the X2D and give it a try!

[@AndyMillerPhotoUK]

Great vid - I luv mine to.

[@karstenpointz1669]

Curious, what camera did you shoot the interview on? The filmmaking is top notch and the image looks superb. Thanks for this entertaining and unique review, love shooting Hasselblad cameras.

[@nicholasevans1248]

Another enjoyable review. Thank you for your thoughts on this. Can I ask what tripod you are using and which 3 xcd lenses you own?

[@ianatkinson2255]

Tripod is a bit of overkill now, it's a 5 series Gitzo with Linhof geared head.30/45/65mm

[@gdv174]

Thanks for this review! I have always worked analog on Hasselblad and large 24x30 cm old wooden camera's for ambrotype portrait and stillife work. The only digital camera i have ever owned was a Nikon D70😅. At some point i really wanted a camera that could give me the quality i want but without the thousands of buttons that cover nowedays Sony's and Nikon's that really make me nervous to look at (however good these camera's are). So i bought the lightweight portrait kit from Hasselblad last week and it's been nothing short of a revelation. Mind me it's still a steep learning curve for me but the first looks on my computer screen tell me it has been a good choice. That 80 mm 1.9 is incredible. As is the 45p. Now looking for a new PC (most likely Mac). My old system simply does not perform well enough to work fluid with these big files. But i knew that in advance. It's a great camera with the quiet ergonomics that i prefer but still has a ton of features if i need them in that wonderful GUI. Ok I'll stop here... 😂

[@Xydorf]

Thank you for your honest insights and experience :-)

[@ianatkinson2255]

Thank you. I have two mac laptops 16" and a 13" Macbook air the new M2 (not that it makes much difference) is a really nice compact combo. Good luck with your work.

[@gdv174]

@@ianatkinson2255 Thanks Ian for your responce 👍 I also had my eye on a 16 inch Apple macbook Pro with a M2-Pro chip. Indeed for portability and to be able to work thetered (hope i spell that correct). And then i can always hook up a bigger 27 inch screen via thunderbolt for working comfortabely at my desk. So you kind of positively confirm my choice wich i find very helpful indeed. Kind regards Gerard de Vrueh

[@ejm922]

fab video- keep that style! and you are funny too! love it! more please!! eamonn j mccabe (photographer)

[@lewis7515]

Lol, the dog nudge!

[@AgostinoMaiello]

Nice coffee machine, what model is it? 🙂

[@letsdiscoverflorida]

1 second exposure hand held is amazing and unbelievable! I may have to get rid of my H5Dc and get this X2D instead.

[@josephyyyy]

Great review! I was wondering if you encountered any issues with tethering? And any issues with tethering and using manual focus? I’ve noticed my tethering, no matter what cables I use seems to disconnect a lot. And my focus even in manual mode changes, really strange !!

[@ianatkinson2255]

I haven't had any issues with either of those things. Only annoyance is that you can't stop the camera from being powered by the laptop on location.

[@ianatkinson2255]

Just adding to previous. I am struggling tethering with V2 of the firmware. V1 works perfectly. In discussion with Hasselblad tech at the moment.

[@josephyyyy]

@@ianatkinson2255 I dream of the day C1 supports Hass cameras.

[@Xydorf]

Cute dog :-)

[@peterdavidson3268]

Undoubtedly, it's a beautiful piece of kit but there is one unavoidable 'wow' factor this camera boasts; its price tag!

[@NetvoTV]

If I'm a hobbyist mainly and prefer iOS but want natural looking photo, should I get iPhone 14 Yellow because I love yellow colour, or Xperia 1 V or wait for iPhone 15, should I get Leica Q3 or a Hasselblad X2D with 38mm F2.5 or Sony A7C / C ii with 20 - 70mm F4 too? Which combination make more sense? For me I think all these camera brands looks natural, but Sony has a hint of cool, Leica has a hint of warm and Hasselblad is the closed to real life but can't shoot video. Phone is like a tool and since I prefer iOS, iPhone seem make more sense but phone will be carry more often than camera which mean I might take more iPhone photos but it has the orange tone but seem off, should I get an iPhone as tool and the Xperia 1 V as camera and entertainment or get iPhone plus one of the camera?

[@nikostsitsos2767]

We feel disappointed and cheated since the company is stopping the H system that we paid so dearly for. The company offers very few more years of technical support. All the professionals are selling the H system and buying the Fuji system which offers cheaper but reliable support and new bodies respectively Hasselblad's H system and the new Miroless. Why doesn't Hasselblad understand the competition? So many professionals have invested in the H system and she's scrapping it? It provides accurate support for a few years while other companies with similar systems still provide support for their older systems. Let's at least make a new miroless system in the dimensions of the H system so we can use the H lenses in the future and extend the technical support for the H system to 15 years. End this disappointment to those who make such an expensive investment in it. Otherwise we will feel cheated and abandoned by the company.

[@stuartwalker121]

I'll by your H system as long as it accepts a film back and allows me to shoot TMY-2 400 or Tri-X

[@anderskristensen8871]

You´ll need the H1 or the H2 versions, I believe. Versions from H3 and on are not accepting filmbacks. But I might be wrong? @@stuartwalker121

[@nelsonclub7722]

As a Pro for 45yrs + I have always been a Hass aficionado and whilst I love the little 907x - never leave home without it - and the X2D is almost as good as the H6D100c - does anyone in the wide wide world of sports know when the 90mm 2.5 is going to be available? - I have been waiting for 8-9 months now?

[@RamonVaqueroImage]

Last news is it's shipping in September.

[@nelsonclub7722]

@@RamonVaqueroImage thanks - although to be fair - they said the exact same thing in August last year when I bought the other two new lenses!!!!!

[@RamonVaqueroImage]

@@nelsonclub7722 maybe they meant September 23 last year :D

[@hennievangalen3488]

After this review even more on the fence choosing between Q3 and X2D...

[@inter-linked]

Well, not buying a Q3 will be the first intelligent decision. Seriously. Why would anyone buy a fixed lens Q3? Better buying a seond hand M10. I’m no Hassy fan (M/SL/SL2) but I’d take it over a Q.

[@ianatkinson2255]

I have an SL2 and an M10R and I would seriously consider only having the x2d if I only needed one camera. If you are only ever going to shoot on a 28mm then its not such an easy question.

[@GKhanKutar]

Great video. Beautiful camera. Still no eye detect and face detect. It is a shame. And no joystick. Other than that it is great

[@trondhelgehie6771]

There is no 90mm 2.5! Sadly! they can’t get it to work properly… Maybe next year!? So Hasselblad should not have it in their lineup!

[@raytheonbuna1021]

More sadly, there's no Capture One support.....

[@dirkcornelis5708]

Less sadly there is an 80mm 1.9 that is superbly sharp wide open.

[@raytheonbuna1021]

Oh Dirk... Always looking at the bright side! 🙂@@dirkcornelis5708

[@friendofarca6550]

bla, bla bla..., having used hasselblad H for years as advertising photographer the x is without a doubt a terrific camera but not for professional applications whatever this guy says. the gfx while feeling cheap in comparison does not only offer a wide range of phantastic lenses for all kind of applications but is also very well designed for professional usage with really helpful features. it has even a live histogram !

[@timothyhyde4565]

I know a lot of pros who use this camera, including me. I owned just about every H model over the years, but this beats them all in so many way.

[@seanl3121]

X2D with recent firmware now has live histogram. Also, blinkies on image review.

[@friendofarca6550]

@@seanl3121 ..but just luminance not RGB, the fuji implementation is still much better as far as I see. as I can have a large RGB histogram turned on and of with custom settings.

[@friendofarca6550]

@@timothyhyde4565 sure, but we have different needs and the x2 does not allow the customisation the fuji offers, a major reason why I bought into the gfx system . shooting people is for sure fine with both but just compare how much better you can work with focus bracketing with the gfx and I can use it on my actus too without limitations ....

[@MartinGollery]

Having a maximum flash sync speed of 125th of a second is what keeps the Fuji in the amateur category

[@slothsarecool]

Funds the CCP though 🥲, shame Hasselblad sold out

[@Households1234]

This is not a review but endless boring shots of the reviewer!

[@InnerLifePhotography]

Obviously he just have to show off to get viewership in world. Marketing strategy