Hasselblad release new X series model, the X2D
Finally, and after years of waiting, Hasselblad releases an updated camera body, the X2D!
Personally, I was hoping for the update, or should I say replacement, to their flagship body the H6D-100; but that was not to be! Somehow, they first went with the X series to give a major update to.
So, what’s so special about the X2D? Several key features and improvements, that, for a Medium Format (MF) body, make it all the more intriguing. A key couple of words here are “Medium Format”, as none of these new features would be amazing for a Full Frame 135 camera; but couple these with the superior image quality from MF and they make for an amazing killer combination!
And what are these features that gives, and makes, this X2 a killer combination?
Sensor, Back-side illuminated CMOS, which yields far superior high ISO noise handling
In-Body Image Stabilisation (IBIS), giving up to 7 stops of stabilisation, a feature that wasn’t available on any previous Hasselblad
ISO, base ISO is now 64; while this was available in some prior bodies, it is a welcome feature to have here
Tilt rear screen, only the 907 had such a screen, and made a huge difference for low-level photography (waist-level, or near ground level)
Built-in 1TD SSD, none of the prior Hasselblad had any form of built-in storage, this practically negates the need for memory cards, although there is a slot for CFexpress cards, which can be used as a Back-Up for redundancy
Phase Detection Auto Focus (PDAF), makes for much faster, more accurate and smoother autofocus; another totally new feature, which is to be updated soon with the inclusion of “eye detection” too
Shutter speed of up to 1/4000 of a second! Existing models go up to 1/2000 of a second, while my H5 bodies can only achieve 1/800! This is an amazing development especially for my landscape, and outdoors Beauty & Fashion work, as it allows me to have better control over the ambient light. Although this feature is only available with new lenses, and not with the existing line-up
There are other features that advance this X2 over its predecessors:
15 stop dynamic range, at 16 bits colour depth
100 mega pixels
While both these features are a step up to any of the bodies I have, these have been available and as standard on the H6D-100, which is now just over 6 years old; hence this isn’t much of a new feature from Hasselblad. However, coupled with the long list of additions, as mentioned above, and it’s now a game changer!
Does this mean I am going to “upgrade” to this … that’s for another post, so stay tuned
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