Hasselblad launches new 100MP flagship camera plus 3 updated lenses

Hasselblad has unveiled its brand new flagship camera the X2D 100C. With the camera release comes three completely new lenses that will join the XCD family: the XCD 2,5/38V, XCD 2,5/55V, and the XCD 2,5/90V. The camera is the third medium-format mirrorless camera that the company has produced and follows the success of the 50MP X1D-50c and X1D II 50C.

The X2D 100C houses a 100-megapixel back-side illuminated CMOS sensor, delivering up to 15 stops of dynamic range with a 16-bit colour depth. In a dark grey tone body of machined aluminium, this is a seriously sexy camera.

The camera also comes with 7-stop in-camera image stabilisation (IBIS), which will allow photographers to shoot handheld in a much wider variety of conditions. According to Hasselblad, the company has independently developed its own IBIS for the X2D 100C in order to meet the stringent requirements for stabilising a 100MP sensor.

The X2D offers a native ISO ranging from 64 to 25,600, along with a new processor and updated autofocus system. The autofocus speed is 60% faster than the previous X1D II. The sensor includes phase-detect autofocus points that cover about 97% of the image sensor.

Another great feature is the in-built storage capabilities of the camera. The X2D 100C includes 1TB of internal SSD storage, and a CFexpress Type B slot.

“When developing the X2D 100C, our goal was the same as always, just as Victor Hasselblad himself made decades ago: build a better camera,” said Bronius Rudnickas, Hasselblad Marketing Manager. “This commitment drives us to explore the possibility to improve its performance from all aspects.”

Faster, more compact lenses

The launch of the XCD 2,5/38V, XCD 2,5/55V, and XCD 2,5/90V bring the total lens line-up to 13. Each new lens features an upgraded focusing module. Its stepping motor enables faster and more accurate autofocus, and the optimized leaf shutter is more compact, providing flash sync at all speeds.

The trio of lenses includes updated focus rings, plus a focus clutch, and a customizable control ring that can adjust aperture, exposure compensation, ISO, or shutter speed. Photographers can now conveniently switch to Full-time MF using the lens by simply pulling and pushing the focus ring to change between AF and MF, and check focus and DOF readings in MF mode.

Per Nordlund, Hasselblad Lead Optical Designer commented, “The ambitious development goals we set for these lenses proved to be quite the challenge. We looked toward faster focusing, better operational features, and the highest possible optical performance in a more compact shape. The end result has been well worth the effort – everything falls into place, making the user experience straightforward and natural.”

If you’re feeling spendy you can preorder the X2D 100C camera body for $8,199. The lenses range from $3,699 to $4,299. They are expected to be available from September 15th 2022.