I have at the moment (March 2025) owned the Hasselblad X2D for around two and a half years, and I am still very excited about this camera, and what I can achieve with it.
With 102mp resolution, image quality is second to none, functionality like the 5 axis 7 stop IBIS (In Body Image Stabilization), 16 bit color depth, great dynamic range, and build-in 1TB SSD makes this an almost perfect camera for me. Despite that I have kept the X1D mark II, as I like the sleeker design of this camera a bit more than the X2D. As the prices on the used market on the old model are low, there’s no reason to sell that one.
But there is no arguing, that the image quality of the X2D is the best I have seen in any camera. I haven’t tried the Phase One 150mp cameras, they might be a tad better. But within normal reach – despite still very expensive – the Hasselblad is the best.
Due to the inclusion of IBIS and a tiltable screen, the thichness of the camera increased slightly from the X1D/X1D mark II, and the camera body also gained a slight bit of weight. Nevertheless, it’s still an adorable camera, with superb ergonomics and a very easy to understand menu system.
The IBIS is very effective, which makes it perfect for my primary use on my many travels. Here I shoot landscapes, nature in general, cityscapes, and not the least portraits of locals. The IBIS makes it possible to use the camera hand hold and still get tack sharp images even at longer exposure times – despite the insane 102mp resolution.
My lens selection also displays my dedication to travels with focus on portability.
The 90V is the only slightly heavy lens, but I felt that I had to bring this due to my focus on getting the best for portraits and also distant mountain scenery. With this set of lenses I have almost everything I need on my travels, I only add an extension tube in order to shoot near to macro shots. I don’t quite get 1:1 macro, but it very near to. If I added the Hasselblad 120mm macro lens and kept the extension ring, I would get beyond 1:1, but the added weight would be too much to carry, and I carry my photographic equipment all day on my treks and mountain climbs.
I would also like to have an even wider lens, but again the added weight makes it unpleasant. I would probably get fewer good images, if I carried more gear, thus it’s better to keep it where it is.
After more than two years of shooting this camera, I can definitely say, that I’m still more than happy with it. I can clearly recommend it, if you a sucker for high quality images in a very stylish package. Obviously, it is not a camera for everyone, as it is no sports shooters camera. It’s for the photographer who cares for every image, and are pleased with low frame rates as long as every image is sublime.