Let’s be honest. In a world where our phones snap 100MP photos and AI generates images from a text prompt, buying a dedicated camera feels almost… rebellious. But what if I told you I just dropped a life-changing amount of money on a box that only takes pictures? No video. No live streaming. Just pure, unadulterated photography.
Meet the Hasselblad X2D II 100C. It’s not an upgrade. It’s an awakening.
I almost didn’t comprehend this story. Months ago, I was in New York, credit card in hand at the legendary B&H store, ready to buy its predecessor. After my card got declined six times (turns out banks have “daily limits” for a reason), I walked out empty-handed and defeated. That frustration? A blessing in disguise. It led me straight to the just-announced Mark II. The universe, it seems, has a sense of poetic timing for gear nerds.
Unboxing this thing is an event. The heft of the box, the thick, braided USB-C cable that feels like it could tow a car, and the minimalist strap that simply says “Hasselblad.” It’s quiet, serious, and promises no compromises. You’re not just buying a tool; you’re being handed a legacy, handmade in Sweden
Quick Review: A Medium-Format Monster Built for the Real World
The Hasselblad X2D II 100C is a professional-grade medium-format camera designed for photographers who want absolute image quality without being tied to a studio tripod. Traditionally, Hasselblad cameras were known for slow autofocus and controlled environments. This model changes that narrative completely.
With a 100-megapixel medium-format sensor, 16-bit color depth, and a brand-new LiDAR-based autofocus system, the X2D II is designed for travel, landscapes, portraits, and real-world shooting—without sacrificing the legendary Hasselblad look.
Hasselblad X2D II 100C key specifications
100MP medium-format sensor with extreme cropping freedom
16-bit color depth for unmatched color flexibility
New LiDAR + PDAF autofocus for fast, accurate focusing
5-axis IBIS delivering up to 10 stops of stabilization
Massive 1TB internal SSD built directly into the camera
Handmade metal body with premium grip texture
Tiltable 3.6-inch HDR display with 1400 nits brightness
Leaf-shutter lens enabling flash sync at all shutter speeds
Designed for handheld shooting, not just studio work
Pure photography experience with zero video compromises
Professional Design & Build Quality
The first thing you notice when holding the X2D II 100C is that it doesn’t feel mass-produced. This camera is handmade in Sweden, and that attention to detail shows immediately.
The metal body feels dense, solid, and reassuringly expensive. The grip has a premium texture that locks into your hand, making long shooting sessions comfortable despite the camera’s weight.
The iconic orange shutter button with the Hasselblad logo is still here, and it remains one of the most satisfying shutter buttons you’ll ever press. Controls are thoughtfully placed, with dual dials for aperture and shutter speed, plus a five-way joystick that makes navigation intuitive and quick.
The 3.6-inch tiltable rear display is not only bright at 1400 nits but also HDR-capable, making image review outdoors genuinely reliable.
Sensor, Autofocus & Stabilization: Where the Magic Happens
At the heart of the Hasselblad X2D II 100C lies a 100MP medium-format sensor, and this is where the camera separates itself from everything else. This isn’t marketing megapixels. This is real, sensor-backed resolution that allows you to crop aggressively without losing image integrity.
Dynamic range stretches up to 15.3 stops, pulling detail from highlights and shadows with ease. Combined with 16-bit color, the files offer a color palette that feels almost limitless in post-processing.
Autofocus is where this generation makes its biggest leap. Older Hasselblads relied heavily on contrast detection, which made them slow and tripod-dependent. The X2D II introduces Phase Detection Autofocus paired with a LiDAR system, dramatically improving focus speed and accuracy.
Add to that 5-axis In-Body Image Stabilization with up to 10 stops, and suddenly handheld photography becomes realistic—even at 2 to 4 seconds of exposure without a tripod. That alone changes how a medium-format camera can be used.
Storage That Changes Your Workflow
One of the most surprising features is the 1TB internal SSD built directly into the camera. This is almost unheard of in the camera world.
You still get a CFexpress Type B card slot, but having that much internal storage means fewer interruptions, faster workflows, and peace of mind during long shoots. For professionals, this isn’t just convenient—it’s liberating.
The New 35–100mm Lens Experience
Paired with the X2D II is the new XCD 3.5–4.5/35–100 lens, which translates roughly to 28–80 mm in full-frame terms. It’s an incredibly versatile focal range, ideal for travel, portraits, and everyday photography.
The lens features a leaf shutter, allowing flash sync at all shutter speeds. For studio and creative flash work, this opens up possibilities that focal-plane shutters simply can’t match.
Thoughtful Design Touches That Matter
Hasselblad has paid attention to the small things—details that photographers actually appreciate.
Customizable buttons near the lens and on the rear allow you to tailor the camera exactly to your shooting style. The viewfinder eye sensor intelligently turns off the rear display when you raise the camera, saving battery and keeping distractions away.
The two-stage battery release mechanism is brilliantly designed. The battery pops out slightly but remains secure, preventing accidental drops. It’s a small touch, but it speaks volumes about the design philosophy.
On top, a monochrome status display shows essential information like exposure settings and precise battery percentage at a glance.
Unboxing Experience & Accessories
Even the unboxing feels premium. Inside the box, you’ll find a thick, braided USB-C cable with Hasselblad branding that feels built to last. The included camera strap is minimal and elegant, simply stating “Hasselblad.”
There’s also a dedicated charger with a Type-C output and a stack of serious reading material—manuals and certificates that reinforce the idea that this camera is an instrument, not a gadget.
From Studio Tool to Travel Companion
One of the most important shifts with the Hasselblad X2D II 100C is how it’s meant to be used. This is no longer a camera that demands a tripod for every shot. Faster autofocus, strong stabilization, and improved ergonomics make it suitable for active shooting.
Despite being a medium-format camera, it’s relatively compact compared to traditional systems. It still feels substantial and heavy, but in a reassuring, professional way.
this becomes a go-to travel camera, something that would have been unthinkable with older Hasselblad models.
Pricing & Investment Perspective
The camera body is priced at $7,399, while the 35–100mm lens costs $4,599. Once you factor in extra batteries and local taxes, the full setup lands somewhere between $14,000 and $15,000.
This is not a casual purchase. It’s an investment for photographers who know exactly what they want and why they want it.
A Personal Backstory That Makes It Special
There’s a story behind this purchase that makes it even more meaningful. Gaurav recalls trying to buy the previous version at the B&H store in New York, only to have his credit card declined six times due to daily transaction limits.
What felt like bad luck at the time turned out to be a blessing. Shortly after, he discovered that the Mark II was about to launch, making the wait absolutely worth it.
The Bottom Line: Who Is This For?
Let’s talk numbers, because we have to. The camera body is $7,399**. The **35-100mm lens is $4,599. With extra batteries and taxes, you’re looking at a total investment nudging $14,000-15,000.
This is not for everyone. It’s not supposed to be.
It’s for the photographer who sees the world in layers of light and color and who is frustrated by the limits of what they can capture. It’s for the creator who values the process as much as the result—the satisfying click of the dial, the heft in the hand, and the patience required to make a single frame count. In an age of infinite, disposable digital shots, the Hasselblad X2D II 100C makes every single click feel precious, intentional, and profound.
It’s a statement. A statement that in the pursuit of the perfect image, some tools aren’t just equipment; they’re partners. And this, right here, is one of the greatest partners you could ever ask for.
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