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Hasselblad X2D II 100C First Impressions

When the first generation Hasselblad 100MP X2D 100C camera was released, it stunned the photographic world with its combination of a 100‑megapixel back‑side illuminated (BSI) CMOS sensor, 7‑stop IBIS and other premium features aimed at professional photographers.

Hasselblad X2D II 100C First Impressions

With the arrival of the second‑generation Hasselblad X2D II 100C, it is refreshing to see another photo‑only Hasselblad camera that stays true to the art of image‑making, especially in an era where AI imagery and video features have begun to dominate some systems.

Our Hasselblad X2D II 100C First Impressions takes a closer look at what’s new, includes a specs comparison vs the original model, and explores the brand‑new Hasselblad XCD 35‑100mm f/2.8‑4 E Lens, which launched alongside the Mark II body.

Whether you’re considering upgrading from an earlier Hasselblad camera, comparing specifications, or simply curious about what a Hasselblad medium format system looks like in 2025, join us for these first‑look impressions, starting with release date and price.

Next-gen Hasselblad X2D II 100C slung around shoulder

Hasselblad X2D II 100C Camera Price and Release Date

With a price of £6,400.00, the Hasselblad X2D II 100C offers good value compared to the outgoing model, which costs £7,369.00. It also compares favourably with flagship medium format cameras from other brands, and perhaps most surprisingly, holds its own compared to some flagship full‑frame cameras as well.

While the price is beyond the reach of many everyday enthusiasts, it will be welcome to professional photographers and advanced enthusiasts who rely on the many strengths of the Hasselblad X System, especially considering the many small touches that differentiate this from others.

These include of course the exceptional image quality and renowned colour accuracy, and the new model builds on these with upgrades to the autofocus system, and a new class‑leading image stabilisation system, which we explore next.

Close-up of the new body

What’s new in the Hasselblad X2D II 100C?

The new features in the Hasselblad X2D II 100C centre on build quality, design, and ergonomics, enhancing the overall premium ownership experience. Image quality takes another leap forward too, with photos showing exceptional detail, accurate colours, and support for the world’s first end-to-end HDR 3 workflow in a medium format camera.

Key new features, from this Hasselblad medium format camera include:

  • Updated body with a redesigned grip, graphite grey matte finish, 5D joystick, and eight customisable buttons
  • New hybrid PDAF, CDAF, and LiDAR autofocus system with 425 PDAF zones
  • Subject detection and tracking for humans, vehicles, cats, and dogs
  • Upgraded 5-axis IBIS with up to 10 stops of shake reduction
  • Lower native base ISO 50
  • End-to-end HDR 3 support with HDR HEIF and Ultra HDR JPEG
  • Lightweight 840g body (with battery)
  • Improved control and editing via the new Phocus Mobile 2 app

Handholding the new camera with AF-C mode on the LCD display

Alongside these, the X2D II 100C also offers outstanding colour accuracy through Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution with High Dynamic Range (HNCS HDR). It still has 1TB of internal SSD storage, a superb 5.76M-dot EVF, and a 3.6-inch 1400-nit OLED tilt touchscreen, which all benefit your image capture and workflow efficiency.

Usability is still a key strength of this range, with large clear icons and very responsive navigation through menus from the large, bright rear LCD touchscreen.

These sound great, but who is this camera for? Let’s take a look next.

New body and zoom lens

Who Is the X2D II 100C For?

The X2D II 100C is a Hasselblad digital camera from a lineup dating back to 2016. It is designed for photographers who need the highest levels of image quality and colour accuracy, delivered by the 100MP medium format sensor in this generation.

Users gain access to advanced colour science, improved noise processing, and HDR 3 support — a first for any medium format camera. The result is a camera you can handhold and capture virtually anything you could with a smaller sensor system, including faster-moving human and animal subjects thanks to the new AF-C mode.

With these capabilities in mind, this camera is ideal for users such as:

  • Portrait and headshot
  • Wedding and events
  • Landscape and architectural
  • Commercial and fashion
  • Fine art and art reproduction

Of course this will also appeal to enthusiasts who are looking for a premium Hasselblad ownership experience, without necessarily conforming to any specific subject. You might enjoy some travel and street photography, in which case this will be a great choice.

The hybrid autofocus system, improved ergonomics, and integration with Phocus Mobile 2, the X2D II 100C combines high-end performance with a more intuitive shooting experience, making it one of the most capable medium format cameras available today.

Camera controls from above, pure style

Hasselblad X2D 100C Vs Hasselblad X2D II 100C Specs Comparison

The Hasselblad X2D II 100C improves on the original X2D 100C with improvements to autofocus, stabilisation, workflow, image quality and HDR. The table below highlights the key differences between the two Hasselblad digital cameras, making it easier to see where the latest model has been upgraded.

 

Hasselblad X2D II 100C (new)

Hasselblad X2D 100C

Sensor Type

100MP BSI CMOS

100MP BSI CMOS

Sensor Dimensions

43.8 x 32.9mm

43.8 x 32.9mm

Image Resolution

11,656 x 8,742px

11,656 x 8,742px

Pixel Size

3.76µm

3.76µm

Colour Depth

16-bit

16-bit

Dynamic Range

Up to 15.3 stops

Up to 15 stops

ISO Range

ISO 50-25,600 (native ISO 50)

ISO 64-25,600 (native ISO 64)

HDR Processing

End-to-end HDR 3 in-camera

HDR workflow via post-processing

File Formats

  • 3FR RAW (14/16-bit)
  • JPEG
  • HEIF
  • HDR HEIF
  • Ultra HDR JPEG
  • 3FR RAW (14/16-bit)
  • JPEG
  • HEIF

Autofocus System

PDAF, CDAF and LiDAR

PDAF

AF Points

425 zones

294 zones

Focus Modes

AF-S, AF-C with subject detection

AF-S

Subject Detection

Humans, vehicles, cats, dogs

N/A

AF Illuminator

Yes

N/A

Image Stabilisation (5-axis IBIS)

up to 10 stops

up to 7 stops

Continuous Shooting

Up to 3fps with AF/AE

Up to 3fps with AF/AE

Shutter Speeds

68 min - 1/4000s mechanical, up to 1/6000s electronic

68 min - 1/4000s mechanical, up to 1/6000s electronic

Flash Sync

All shutter speeds (mechanical only)

All shutter speeds (mechanical only)

Electronic Viewfinder

5.76M-dot micro-OLED, 1.0x magnification

5.76M-dot OLED, 1.0x magnification

Rear Display

3.6” OLED tilt touchscreen, HDR, 1400 nits, P3 colour

3.6” OLED tilt touchscreen, SDR, lower brightness

Top Display

1.08” TFT full-colour

1.08” TFT full-colour

Internal Storage

1TB SSD (~50,000 HEIF images)

1TB SSD (~46,000 HEIF images)

Memory Card Slot

CFexpress Type B (up to 512GB supported)

CFexpress Type B (up to 512GB supported)

Average File Sizes

  • RAW 206MB
  • JPEG 32MB
  • HDR JPEG 40MB
  • HEIF 20MB
  • HDR HEIF 28MB
  • RAW 206MB
  • JPEG 32MB
  • HEIF 20MB

Connectivity

USB-C 3.1 Gen2 (10Gbps), Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

USB-C 3.1, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth

Workflow Integration

Phocus Mobile 2, HDR RAW editing, remote wake-up, wireless transfer

Phocus Mobile, standard RAW editing, wireless transfer

Battery Type

Rechargeable Li-ion 3400mAh

Rechargeable Li-ion 3400mAh

Battery Life (CIPA)

Approx. 327 shots, 466 shots optimised

Approx. 420 shots

A camera of this calibre relies heavily on Hasselblad lenses to resolve 100MP detail and Hasselblad has released a new zoom to accompany the body, which we investigate next.

Camera with the new lens for landscapes

New Hasselblad XCD 35-100mm f/2.8-4 E Lens with 3x zoom range

To complement the launch of the body, Hasselblad launched the XCD 35-100mm f/2.8-4 E, which is a versatile 3x zoom that matches the camera’s resolving power and autofocus capabilities. The zoom spans a 28-78mm full-frame equivalent range, which is perfect for photographers who want the convenience of a zoom, along with a portable design and of course superb optical quality.

The optical design delivers edge-to-edge sharpness and natural colour rendering, with a fast f/2.8 aperture at the wide end, while f/4 at the long end keeps the lens relatively compact for this class.

Autofocus is smooth and reliable thanks to the X2D II’s hybrid PDAF, CDAF, and LiDAR AF system, with easy handheld shooting due to the incredible 10-stop IBIS stabilisation system.

This addition expands the medium format XCD lens range with a highly capable zoom for photographers who capture all sorts of everyday subjects. The lens has a large 86mm filter thread, and Hasselblad released an 86mm UV Filter, 86mm CPL Filter, and 86mm ND8 Filter for launch.

Walking with the new Hasselblad X2D II 100C in hand

The next-gen. Hasselblad X2D II 100C refines the X System with upgrades to image quality, handling, and workflow. Its 100MP medium format sensor is still very impressive and now delivers true HDR 3 processing, with a new hybrid autofocus system that adds LiDAR and more precise subject tracking.

With 10-stop IBIS stabilisation, improved ergonomics, and integration with Phocus Mobile 2, the X2D II 100C is just the ticket for professional photographers who want a camera, which further differentiates them, and their craft.

Reserve your Hasselblad X2D II 100C Medium Format Camera and XCD 35-100mm f/2.8-4 E Lens today, and experience this powerful new model first hand.

You can also get a free instant trade-in quote to sell us your existing equipment and upgrade to the latest medium format digital camera.

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By Nick Dautlich on 26/08/2025

Nick Dautlich

Nick Dautlich

Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer

Nick Dautlich is the Senior Content Writer and Product Reviewer at Park Cameras, with over 15 years of photography experience. A Sony Imaging Professional and expert reviewer, Nick has worked with major brands such as Canon, Sony and Nikon. His work is also featured on Vanguard World UK’s website, Capture Landscapes, and Shutter Evolve. Nick’s photography includes National Trust projects and magazine covers and he is passionate about landscapes and storytelling. Nick also enjoys hiking and teaching his children about nature. Learn more on his profile page.

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