Hasselblad Brings 100MP, HDR, and Faster AF to Medium Format With The New X2D II 100C

Hasselblad has just unveiled the X2D II 100C, its latest medium format flagship, and alongside it a new standard zoom, the XCD 2,8–4/35–100E. This is the first 100-megapixel medium format camera with true end-to-end HDR, paired with a much-improved autofocus system and some serious stabilisation upgrades.

The new camera retains the core of its predecessor (namely, that incredible 100-megapixel medium-format BSI CMOS sensor) but adds several significant features that address user needs.

The X2D II 100C: Key Upgrades

• AF-C Continuous Autofocus: This is a big one. For the first time on a Hasselblad, you get continuous autofocus for tracking moving subjects. It’s powered by deep learning algorithms and works with an expanded Phase Detection Autofocus (PDAF) system that now has 425 zones (up from 294). It also uses LiDAR-assisted focusing and a new AF illuminator to help in low light. In short, the famously deliberate Hasselblad focus system just got a lot faster and more responsive.
• End-to-End HDR Workflow: This is being touted as an industry first for medium format. The new Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution with HDR (HNCS HDR) is designed to better handle harsh lighting, reducing overexposure and pulling more detail from highlights and shadows. The camera can process these HDR images internally as HDR HEIF or Ultra HDR JPEG files. To properly view them, the 3.6-inch rear OLED touchscreen is now 75% brighter, with a peak brightness of 1,400 nits.
• Refined Hardware: The body itself has seen some tweaks. It’s now 7.5% lighter and features a new graphite grey matte coating for better durability. The grip has been redesigned with more texture, and Hasselblad has added a 5D joystick for navigating menus and selecting focus points. The tilting screen mechanism has also been improved to stay clear of the viewfinder.
• Phocus Mobile 2: The companion app gets a major upgrade for iOS users. It allows for wireless transfer, remote camera control with live view, and even the ability to wake the camera remotely. Most importantly, you can now edit HDR images and apply Hasselblad’s AI-powered Natural Noise Reduction to RAW files on your iPad or iPhone.

Other beloved features remain, like the massive 1TB of internal SSD storage, the CFexpress Type B card slot, and the industry-leading 5-axis, 10-stop in-body image stabilisation.

The New Workhorse Zoom Lens: XCD 2,8–4/35–100E

Alongside the camera, Hasselblad introduced a new standard zoom lens that covers a very useful range. The XCD 2,8–4/35–100E offers a full-frame equivalent of 28-76mm, effectively replacing the need to carry several prime lenses.

Key specs include:

• A wide aperture of f/2.8 at the wide end (slowing to f/4 at the telephoto end).
• A design with 16 elements in 13 groups, including three aspherical and five ED elements to ensure sharpness corner-to-corner on that 100MP sensor.
• It features the fastest stepping motor in the XCD lens lineup, making it an ideal partner for the new AF-C system on the X2D II.
• It includes a leaf shutter with flash sync all the way up to 1/4000th of a second.
• Despite its range and bright aperture, it’s relatively compact at 138mm long and 894 grams.

Pricing and Availability

As expected with flagship medium format gear, this is a serious investment. The Hasselblad X2D II 100C body is available now and priced at $7,399, while the XCD 2,8–4/35–100E lens is priced at $4,599 and available to preorder now.

Hasselblad also announced a new camera backpack, the Vandra, and a set of 86mm filters (UV, ND8, CPL) for the new zoom lens.

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