
"Coming Soon: A Sequel to My Dream Hasselblad Camera, According to Recent Leaks – Here Are 5 Improvements I'm Hoping For."
Paint me with emotion.
The Hasselblad X2D 100C is a dream camera, although it is not without imperfections and has the potential to be improved with a refined successor. Recently, leaks have emerged that appear to show a new version called the X2D II, suggesting it could be an evolution of the current X2D 100C.
A record from the FCC for the product identified as 'HB722' from Hasselblad, dated December 4, 2024, has sparked interest in the photography community, accompanied by an image that seemingly shows the top of the new camera. This suggests that the arrival of the new model is imminent.
The X2D 100C is a medium-format camera with 100MP, known for its minimalist design and simplified user experience. Although the current version was well-received upon its launch in 2022, it is believed that an update could bring significant improvements. Despite being admired, the X2D 100C is not considered perfect, which fuels expectations for the evolution towards an X2D II model, likely to be more of an upgrade than a revolution, though this remains speculative due to a lack of leaked specifications.
There are several aspects that could be optimized in the next iteration. The appreciation for the design of the current model is noteworthy, as it is aesthetically pleasing and ergonomically efficient. The image quality of the X2D 100C is another strength, with photographs full of detail and natural colors; however, while a higher-resolution sensor could be appealing, it is not considered a necessary change.
However, the most desired improvements focus on autofocus and speed. The addition of a precise autofocus detection mode, especially for portraits with eye recognition, would be a significant change. Although the autofocus system of the X2D 100C is one of the best from Hasselblad, it still lags behind compared to other leading mirrorless cameras on the market.
An increase in autofocus speed and, consequently, burst rate capabilities, currently limited to 3.3fps, is also anticipated. Although this is understandable given the size of the files, there are rival models that offer much higher speeds, and having the ability to take portrait photographs more quickly could be beneficial.
Improvements in weather resistance and greater battery life are aspects that could also be considered for the future X2D II, as well as the incorporation of video recording, which is absent in the current model. Given Hasselblad's excellent color science in still images, the idea of being able to record 8K video at that quality is intriguing.
In summary, expectations for a successor to the Hasselblad X2D 100C include a faster processor, more precise and faster autofocus, improved handling, and the capability for video recording. A variety of lenses would also be well received to complement the offering.