Every so often, a camera emerges that doesn’t just iterate on what came before—it defines a new bar for what photographers can expect from professional tools. In late August 2025, Hasselblad launched its X2D II 100C, a camera that is not just another incremental update but a decisive leap, especially for the high-end stills market. It introduces the world’s first true end-to-end HDR (High Dynamic Range) imaging system in a medium format body, adds next-level LiDAR-assisted hybrid autofocus, class-dominating 10-stop in-body stabilization, and an OLED touchscreen that’s brighter than almost any on the market. With a focus on usability, workflow, and outright image quality, it’s little wonder the X2D II 100C is already creating headlines and dividing opinions in the gear world.

Priced at $7,399, it comes in at $800 less than its predecessor and undercuts its most direct rival, the Fujifilm GFX100 II, by $100. For Hasselblad—a brand that’s always stood for uncompromising quality—this is a bold reclaiming of the medium format crown, especially for those who live and breathe photography unconcerned with video features.

True end-to-end HDR: first of its kind

What does end-to-end HDR mean?

Hasselblad stakes a major claim with the X2D II 100C: it is the world’s first medium format camera with true end-to-end HDR, letting photographers capture, view, edit, and share high dynamic range photos directly from camera to compatible devices, without external merging or bracketing. Most previous “HDR” features in digital cameras involved either merging bracketed images or simply squeezing more dynamic range out of single files at the cost of naturalness or workflow complexity. The X2D II 100C offers a genuine pipeline—from capture to display—for richly detailed scenes where the brightest highlights and darkest shadows are simultaneously retained.

With its Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution with High Dynamic Range (HNCS HDR), the X2D II 100C leverages its 100MP, 16-bit raw files and advanced color science to deliver images whose brilliance can be instantly previewed on the OLED screen, transferred as full HDR files, and seamlessly edited in Hasselblad’s own Phocus Mobile 2 or other compatible apps. The in-camera processing produces HDR images in Ultra HDR JPEG or HDR HEIF format, both of which preserve up to three additional stops worth of brightness compared to a standard JPEG, with embedded brightness information for optimal viewing on HDR-capable screens.

How good is the HDR?

The HDR on the X2D II 100C is not about flattening everything out by making shadows bright and highlights dim—a criticism often leveled at earlier HDR processing. Instead, it focuses on highlighting preservation and true-to-life tonal gradation, making scenes shot in harsh sunlight or high-contrast situations look more like what the eye perceives. Reviewers say the HDR files viewed on the 1400-nit display look more like “a window into the world” than a traditional photograph, a leap forward for medium format field and landscape photographers.

This approach relies on a proprietary gain mapping mechanism and does not use the usual HLG (Hybrid Log-Gamma) or PQ (Perceptual Quantizer) curves, instead giving a more natural roll-off in the highlights and supporting wide color gamuts (P3), not just wider tone. The workflow is further streamlined by live HDR feedback and direct editing in the companion Phocus Mobile 2 smartphone and tablet app, which can wake up the camera, initiate transfers, and process RAW HDR files on iOS.

Display revolution: 3.6-inch, 1,400-nit OLED touchscreen

Outshining its peers

The X2D II 100C’s 3.6-inch OLED touchscreen with 2.36 million dots and a whopping 1,400 nits of peak brightness is arguably the best on any dedicated camera to date. The practical effect is nothing short of dramatic. In bright midday sun, the display remains exceptionally clear; when viewing HDR files, the display accurately conveys tonal gradation, contrast, and punch—a critical feature since true HDR is no longer “hidden” until post-processing, but available instantly in the field.

The display supports full P3 color gamut at D65 industry-standard whitepoint, sidestepping the blue/yellow tints sometimes seen on rival screens and bringing a level of color accuracy usually reserved for high-end tablets and monitors. The tilting mechanism (up 90°, down 43°) has also been improved: it pulls out to clear the EVF, enabling waist-level shooting with no obstruction—a bugbear of the previous model. The screen’s usability is rounded out by a responsive touch interface, making settings, image review, and focus selection feel more like a luxury phone than a digital camera.

Viewing HDR in the real world

This level of brightness and fidelity isn’t just for show. For any professional shooting challenging light—think wedding photographers, travel shooters, or landscape specialists—the ability to check proper highlight retention and color detail right after taking a shot changes the creative process, conferring confidence and speeding up the workflow. Displays with this brightness used to be the domain of top-tier smartphones and Apple’s latest MacBook Pros; Hasselblad’s implementation takes the camera out of the “blind trust” era and into a new phase where what you see is finally what you get.

Autofocus: LiDAR assisted, now with AF-C and subject tracking

LiDAR and hybrid PDAF: a medium format first

Perhaps nothing irked pro photographers about previous Hasselblad X cameras as much as their hit-and-miss autofocus, especially in challenging light or with moving subjects. The X2D II 100C brings a comprehensive solution. It combines 425-point phase-detect AF, contrast AF, and—for the first time in a mainstream stills camera—LiDAR distance sensors. This system, leveraging deep learning algorithms and subject recognition, delivers not just reliable single-shot focus but full continuous autofocus (AF-C) for people, animals, and vehicles in various poses.

The LiDAR sensor, borrowed from UAV/drone leader DJI (now Hasselblad’s majority owner), emits a scanning laser pattern to instantly measure subject distance, feeding data into the traditional PDAF/CDAF array. The upshot is faster, more accurate acquisition, especially in low light or when focusing on challenging or low-contrast subjects. While the AF isn’t yet a match for flagship sports cameras (and not every existing lens takes full advantage), it’s a sea change for medium format systems long hobbled by sluggish focus.

AF modes have also expanded: in addition to “Spot,” the X2D II introduces “Expand Spot,” “Wide,” and “Custom” settings. The new AF illuminator (which also serves as a self-timer lamp) helps in dim conditions. The camera now reliably tracks faces and eyes, particularly for large subjects in the frame, and reviewers report consistent eye-detection and accurate subject tracking—even outperforming rivals in lower light where other systems hunt or fail.

Where AF-C succeeds and where it doesn’t

Field reports confirm that the new AF is no longer a liability. Portrait and event shooters can confidently use the camera for people photography, and the animal and vehicle detection (while not sports-camera level) lets shooters track pets, wildlife, or moving cars in most lighting setups. Not all XCD lenses are immediately compatible—seven currently support continuous AF and require firmware updates—but the new system is much more agile and trustworthy than Hasselblad’s previous approach.

That said, compared to the blistering AF in flagship full-frame cameras or the advanced subject recognition of the Fujifilm GFX100 II, the X2D II is a competent, reliable performer rather than an action specialist. For fast sports, you’ll still want to reach for a different tool—although this is more a medium format limitation than a Hasselblad misstep.

Stabilization: 10-stop IBIS that’s in a league of its own

Industry-leading IBIS and how it really works

No specification has drawn more headlines than Hasselblad’s claim to 10 stops of image stabilization—a number unprecedented not just in medium format, but across digital camera systems of any sensor size. While rivals such as Canon’s EOS R5 II or Fujifilm’s GFX100 II offer up to 8.5 and 8 stops, respectively, Hasselblad’s new IBIS system enables sharp handheld shots with exposures of over two seconds in real-world tests.

The system compensates for pitch, yaw, roll, and X/Y shift, and—uniquely—can input GPS and compass data via Phocus Mobile 2 to account for the Earth’s rotation in long exposures. This approach means that when shooting stars or ultra-long daylight exposures, blur from planetary motion can be minimized or negated altogether—making handheld medium format night and landscape shots genuinely practical for the first time.

In testing, users achieve 90% sharpness rates at 1-second exposures with “walk-around” lenses and 30% success at 2 seconds, which is stunning for a 100MP medium format sensor. The practical advantages are manifest: landscape photo walks with no tripod, creative panning, capturing smooth water or car headlights at night—all possible in a way never before seen in this segment.

IBIS in practice: not just hype

It’s worth noting that actual results can depend on user steadiness, lens choice, and subject motion. With longer, heavier lenses, ultimate stabilization is a bit reduced. Even so, users and reviewers agree: Hasselblad’s 10-stop IBIS, measured by industry-standard CIPA tests, delivers a transformative experience. It not only empowers creative handheld shooting, but it could change what medium format is considered “good for”—from controlled, tripod-based setups to spontaneous, real-world photography.

Ergonomics and usability: custom buttons, joystick, and body refinements

Hands-on improvements that matter

Many previous Hasselblad X system shooters complained that the touch-only interface, though aesthetically stylish, fell down in the field—the inability to change AF points while looking through the viewfinder or with gloves was a major issue. The X2D II 100C addresses this decisively with the addition of a 5D joystick plus a new custom button beneath it.

The joystick offers tactile, haptic feedback, speeding up AF point selection and menu navigation. This is especially valuable for landscape and wildlife shooters, or anyone who works in gloves or wet weather—a serious usability win. The front exposure dial is now clickable for more customizability, and the total number of custom buttons increases to eight. It’s easy for advanced users to set up controls for drive mode, ISO, metering, focus mode, and more, finally putting Hasselblad’s interface on par with—for many, even ahead of—its best competitors.

Other details refine the handling further: magnetic closure doors for USB and storage, an improved, more grippy (and slightly wrinkly) texture on the redesigned handgrip, and a slightly lighter, more balanced feel (the camera is 7.5% lighter than the previous X2D 100C). The understated graphite grey finish with black logo enhances the minimalist, Scandinavian vibe the X series is known for.

Comparing the X2D II 100C to the X2D 100C: what’s actually improved?

Feature / Spec	X2D II 100C	X2D 100C
Sensor/Zones	100MP, BSI CMOS; 425 AF	100MP, BSI CMOS; 294 AF
Dynamic Range	15.3 stops	15 stops
Native ISO	50–25,600	64–25,600
HDR Workflow	End-to-end true HDR (In-Camera/Output/Display)	None/SDR only
IBIS	5-axis, up to 10 stops	5-axis, up to 7 stops
Touchscreen	3.6-inch, 1,400-nit OLED	3.6-inch, lower brightness TFT LCD
Joystick/Menu Controls	5D joystick + 8 custom buttons	None/touch-only
EVF	5.76M-dot, 1.0x	5.76M-dot, 1.0x
Built-in Storage	1TB SSD + CFexpress B	1TB SSD + CFexpress B
Body Weight (with battery)	840g	895g
Price at Launch (USD)	$7,399	$8,199
Color/Finish	Graphite grey, black logo	Black, white logo

The improvements are clear. The X2D II 100C introduces or upgrades several fundamental components: display, autofocus, IBIS, control ergonomics, and workflow integration. It also retunes the color science, delivers a slightly broader dynamic range, supports a lower base ISO, and meaningfully reduces the price for buyers entering the X system—a rare move for modern high-end cameras.

Where the X2D II 100C still matches the X2D 100C

Not every core spec is new: both cameras use the same excellent 100MP medium format sensor, offer 1TB of built-in SSD storage, provide 16-bit RAW files, have similar physical dimensions, and retain weather sealing and environmental durability. For photographers who don’t need HDR or enhanced field features, the older model remains a potent tool—but the X2D II delivers decisive real-world advances in nearly every area that matters for demanding users.

Price

At $7,399 for the body (and $4,599 for the new XCD 35-100mm f/2.8-4E standard zoom), the X2D II 100C boldly undercuts its major competitors: the Fujifilm GFX100 II ($8,299) and GFX100S II ($5,499). In a luxury medium format arena where high prices have long been seen as the entry point to world-class files, this repositioning by Hasselblad signals a recognition: features like built-in 1TB SSD, OLED HDR display, and 10-stop IBIS are now must-haves, not luxuries.

By comparison, the Canon EOS R5 II ($4,299) and Sony A7R V ($4,199) are full-frame, not medium format, but they offer blistering speed, advanced AF, and superb video. Against these, the X2D II 100C’s big sensor, leapfrogging stabilization, and class-leading HDR make it a specialist’s tool—the camera for those who shoot to print or gallery scale, or simply for those who refuse to compromise on stills quality.

Lenses and accessories

The X series lens ecosystem continues to expand, with 18 native XCD lenses and ongoing accessories development. The new XCD 35-100mm f/2.8-4E lens complements the body with a full-frame equivalent range of 28-76mm and a lightweight, optically advanced build, including a new leaf shutter for full flash sync at every speed—a unique Hasselblad hallmark.

Workflow integration: storage, connectivity, and mobile editing

1TB internal SSD, CFexpress, and mobile power

Storage bottlenecks are a non-issue for the X2D II 100C. With high-speed 1TB built-in SSD (allowing 2370MB/s write and 2850MB/s read), plus a CFexpress Type B slot for overflow or backup, even heavy shooters can capture thousands of full-res RAWs, HDR JPEGs, or HEIFs without worry. This outpaces virtually every rival system, reinforcing Hasselblad’s pro workflow focus.

Battery life, typically a weak spot for high-resolution systems, is quoted at 327 shots (CIPA), but users and reviews find higher real-world endurance. USB-C fast charging and the ability to power/transfer images rapidly via cable directly to a computer or drive, with mobile activation, keep the X2D II travel and studio-ready.

Phocus Mobile 2: untethered HDR RAW editing

The updated Phocus Mobile 2 app extends the X2D II’s reach, adding not just remote control and wireless transfer, but full HDR editing and RAW processing support, even from earlier X system cameras. On iOS (iPhone/iPad), users can process, edit, and export high-res images, including HDR, from anywhere—a huge step for on-location, travel, or client-facing photographers who need to deliver and adjust without a traditional computer setup.

Colour science: Hasselblad Natural Colour Solution with HDR (HNCS HDR)

What sets HNCS HDR apart?

Hasselblad has long championed natural, lifelike color reproduction, and the latest HNCS HDR extends this to cover the wider P3 color space. Unlike “all-purpose” or manufacturer-tweaked color modes, HNCS is single-mindedly tuned for true-to-life accuracy, delivering subtle tonal transitions, rich but not oversaturated hues, and outstanding “film-like” output. With the HDR mode active, the brilliance and differentiation in highlights and the fullness in shadow gradation become even more pronounced.

Reviewers note that while rivals like Fujifilm offer extensive film simulations and creative color profiles, Hasselblad’s approach is “what you see is what you get”—an ethos that appeals particularly to studio, landscape, high-end portrait, and art photographers who value consistency and file latitude for color grading in post.

Competitor comparison: Fujifilm GFX100 II & Canon EOS R5 II

How the X2D II 100C stacks up

X2D II 100C vs GFX100 II vs Canon EOS R5 II

Feature / Spec	Hasselblad X2D II 100C	Fujifilm GFX100 II	Canon EOS R5 Mark II
Sensor	100MP, 44x33mm BSI MF	102MP, 44x33mm BSI MF	45MP, 36x24mm FF
Max Dynamic Range	15.3 stops, 16-bit	15 stops, 16-bit	~14 stops, 14-bit
ISO Range (Native)	50–25,600	80–12,800	100–51,200 (50–102,400 ext)
HDR Workflow	End-to-end, live in-camera	Video/HEIF (SDR), HLG video	HLG HEIF, no end-to-end stills workflow
Image Stabilization	5-axis, up to 10 EV	5-axis, up to 8 EV	5-axis, up to 8.5 EV
AF System	425 PDAF + LiDAR + AF-C	Hybrid PDAF 425 w/ AI	PDAF, eye/subject detect
AF-C/Subject Detect	Yes (Human/Animal/Vehicle)	Yes (Expanded list incl. trains/planes)	Yes (Expanded, sports-optimized)
Continuous Shooting	3fps	8.7fps (e-shutter)	30fps (e-shutter)
Touchscreen	3.6″, 2.36M dot, OLED, 1,400 nits	3.2″, 2.36M, LCD	3.2″, 2.1M, LCD
Storage	1TB SSD + CFexpress B	Dual UHS-II SD + CFexpress B	Dual CFexpress B/SD
Body Weight	840g (with battery)	948g	746g
Price (Body, USD)	$7,399	$8,299	$4,299
Video	None	Full 8K/4K up to 60p	8K/4K/2K Extensive

Key takeaways:

• The GFX 100 II is more versatile for hybrid shooters (stills/video), with superior AF tracking for sports, and more lens options.
• The X2D II 100C outshines with better IBIS, brighter, truer displays, simpler workflows, and the only true end-to-end HDR stills pipeline.
• The Canon R5 II offers unmatched speed and video, but as a smaller sensor, it can’t compete on pure image quality or dynamic range for stills at large print sizes.

Medium format: why X2D II 100C over full-frame?

For those pursuing large prints, fine art, commercial, landscape, or archival work, the bigger sensor’s color depth, dynamic range, and microcontrast advantages make the investment worthwhile. Full-frame cameras excel for speed, breadth, and video, but the X2D II 100C’s files simply look—and feel—different, with subtler tonal transitions, more “pop,” and “dimension” that smaller sensors, regardless of pixel count, can’t quite match.

Medium format in the HDR era

The launch of the X2D II 100C reflects a broader shift in high-end photography: modern photographers expect professional tools to solve old problems and unlock workflow efficiency, not just offer bigger files or higher specs. The arrival of mobile HDR displays, hybrid autofocus, and true pro-quality mobile editing has upended the gap between field and studio. Meanwhile, expectations for stabilization, color fidelity, and shadow/highlight detail are now set by smartphones and laptops—cameras had to catch up.

Medium format, once exclusively the domain of studio shooters, is finally portable and reactive. With street pricing remaining premium but more accessible, and innovation driven by both classic manufacturers (Hasselblad) and new shareholders (DJI), the space is—at last—moving as fast as full-frame.

Conclusion: the photographer’s dream realized

The Hasselblad X2D II 100C is more than just an expensive new toy for gearheads—it’s the realization of what digital medium format always promised but rarely delivered outside of studios. It is the first system to close the loop with true end-to-end HDR, in-field preview, and mobile editing. Its 10-stop IBIS shatters expectations for what’s possible, handheld, with a big, dense sensor. Ergonomic refinements—especially the joystick and customizable controls—reflect hard listening to real shooters, not just engineers.

The camera is not for everyone; action and video shooters, or those married to a particular lens ecosystem, may look elsewhere. But for “dedicated still image makers”—from landscape and portrait pros to demanding fine art, archival, or architectural shooters—there is now, quite simply, nothing else like it.

For anyone who wants the purest, frictionless route from seeing to capturing to sharing, with the best image quality medium format can deliver—HDR included—the Hasselblad X2D II 100C isn’t just a tool, but a passport to a new photographic era.