Hasselblad Introduces X2D II 100C with Continuous AF and HDR
Hasselblad has introduced the X2D II 100C, a new iteration of its medium format mirrorless system, featuring continuous autofocus for the first time, an end-to-end HDR workflow, and an upgraded image stabilization system. The camera is paired with a newly developed standard zoom lens, the XCD 35-100mm f/2.8-4 E.
The X2D II 100C retains a 100-megapixel 43.8 × 32.9 mm BSI CMOS sensor with 16-bit color output but introduces refinements to its processing pipeline. The native ISO now starts at 50, and dynamic range is rated at 15.3 stops, a slight improvement over its predecessor. Continuous autofocus (AF-C) is supported through a combination of an expanded 425-point phase detection autofocus array and LiDAR assistance. Subject detection, based on machine learning algorithms, recognizes people, animals, and vehicles. Moreover, an AF illuminator aids performance in low-light environments.
The camera introduces a complete HDR imaging workflow. HDR HEIF and Ultra HDR JPEG files can be generated in-camera, while RAW HDR processing is supported through Hasselblad’s Phocus software and Adobe Lightroom. The newly introduced Hasselblad Natural Color Solution HDR (HNCS HDR) system is intended to improve highlight retention and tonal gradation when viewed on HDR-capable displays.
The X2D II 100C’s five-axis in-body image stabilization system now provides up to 10 stops of compensation, compared to the seven-stop rating of the previous model. The camera continues to integrate a 1TB internal SSD and a CFexpress Type B card slot.
The user interface has been revised with the addition of a joystick for menu navigation and AF point control, bringing the total number of customizable buttons to eight. The 3.6-inch rear OLED display has been upgraded to 1,400 nits brightness, supports the P3 color gamut, and is mounted on a tilting mechanism. The 5.76-million-dot electronic viewfinder maintains 1.0× magnification and full coverage. The camera’s body has a matte graphite finish, revised grip texture, and weighs approximately 7.5 percent less than its predecessor.
Alongside the camera, the Swedish company introduced the XCD 35-100mm f/2.8-4 E lens. Covering a full-frame equivalent range of 28–76 mm, the lens consists of 16 elements in 13 groups, including three aspherical and five extra-low dispersion elements. It employs an internal focusing system driven by a stepping motor and is designed to take advantage of the X2D II’s continuous autofocus capabilities. The lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.4 m at the wide end and 0.5 m at the telephoto end. It incorporates a leaf shutter with a maximum speed of 1/4000 s and full flash synchronization. Physical dimensions include a length of 138 mm, a weight of 894 g, and an 86 mm filter thread.
The Hasselblad X2D II 100C is priced at approximately $7,399 (€7,200), while the XCD 35-100mm f/2.8-4 E lens costs around $4,599 (€4,800). Additional accessories, including 86 mm UV, ND8, and CPL filters, are available separately.
