The introduction of the Hasselblad X2D undoubtedly became one of the most talked-about cameras in the first half of 2023. However, the global lens shortage has disappointed many Hasselblad enthusiasts. Fortunately, photographer Daran was able to get his hands on the X2D, with the 38v and 55v lenses, and has been extensively using the Hasselblad X2D over the past six months. So, let's take a look at the charm of the Hasselblad X2D and the new V lenses through Daran's photographs.

作者：Daran Wu

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Introduction

In the world of photography, every captured image is a unique moment. Today, I want to share with you an elegant camera that captivates the senses - the Hasselblad X2D. As a long-time user of Hasselblad cameras and fortunate enough to have obtained the X2D with the 38V/55V lenses early on, I deeply appreciate the experience this camera brings. It's not just about the advancements in technology, but also the emotions it stirs within photographers. In this article, I will share the photos taken with the Hasselblad X2D in various countries over the past few months, as well as my personal thoughts and impressions.

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The unexpected start of a losing streak.

When the Hasselblad X2D was first announced, I was initially thinking that the Hasselblad X1D2 was just alright. The image quality was good, even though it had "only" 50 megapixels, which was still sufficient. It didn't have image stabilization, but I had been shooting without it for the past three or four years. So, I didn't really think I needed to upgrade to the X2D. However, when I visited a store and actually held the X2D in my hands, there was a sense of elegance and beauty that continuously transmitted from my hands to my mind. My eyes couldn't help but stay fixated on this camera. That's when I realized that the world of indulgence had changed, and the only thing I wanted to do was...

Just take this camera and go out on an adventure...

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Trigger

I have enjoyed photography for many years and have unintentionally accumulated quite a collection of interesting cameras and lenses. I deeply understand the decision to purchase a cherished piece of equipment.

Relying on it is not just rational analysis or data, but more of that inner emotional fragment.

Like when we were young and in love, you would cherish their beauty and overlook their imperfections, and your mind would be flooded with memories of moments shared with them. In this moment, all you can think of is having them by your side, or perhaps...

"I want to own this camera."

When faced with the Hasselblad X2D, I think I also have this kind of feeling. I know it doesn't have high-speed autofocus tracking or fast continuous shooting response. Those many useful features are missing.

However, the Hasselblad X2D fills me with anticipation, looking forward to the moment of owning it; looking forward to taking it with me on trips, and looking forward to capturing the scenery that meets my eyes through it.

To me, the Hasselblad X2D brings about a sense of "enjoyment," relishing the delight in capturing images and the satisfaction that comes with creating high-quality visuals. With Hasselblad, I particularly appreciate its devoted focus on elegant design and exceptional image quality. There are already plenty of convenient and advanced cameras out there, but with Hasselblad, it's about capturing moments with finesse.

I want a camera that can make people change.

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New Design: The Perfect Fusion of Classic and Modern

The design of the Hasselblad X2D is visually striking. While maintaining a traditional and classic appearance, it incorporates modern design elements, making it more refined and stylish overall. The body is made of premium metal material, offering excellent tactile sensation and a high-quality feel. The aesthetics of this camera not only represent an art but also showcase the personality of photographers.

Even taking a photo together with the Hasselblad X2D will be a wonderful experience.

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Improved response speed: Capturing the ever-changing landscape

Photography is about capturing fleeting moments of beauty, and the Hasselblad X2D has undoubtedly made significant progress compared to the X1DII in this regard, but don't expect it to be as fast as Japanese cameras. The startup time is approximately 1-2 seconds, and in standby mode, it can be awakened from sleep immediately for shooting, which allows me to better seize the moment when street photography.

How to enter sleep mode:
In the powered-on state, quickly press the power button once (if held down, it will shut down instead), and X2D will enter sleep mode; pressing it again quickly will return to normal power-on mode. This method is suitable for street photography or situations requiring multiple subjects, as sleep mode can significantly save battery consumption.

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Image Stabilization Technology: The Key to Stable Images

very photographer knows the importance of image stabilization technology for the quality of their photos. The introduction of image stabilization technology in the Hasselblad X2D is a significant breakthrough (for Hasselblad, anyway) that enables the camera to maintain a stable image even in low-light environments or when the shutter speed is not fast enough. This means that we can take photos in more situations without being troubled by camera shake, and you may not need to bring an extra tripod with you anymore (although a tripod can significantly enhance the quality of your work).

The anti-shake technology of Hasselblad X2D is particularly important in medium format cameras. When the pixel count reaches 100 million, even slight vibrations can be amplified and affect the photo. In addition, because the aperture value of medium format lenses is relatively small, it is rare to reach F1.4 like full-frame cameras. Therefore, the shutter speed is often slower, and the anti-shake function can bring a higher success rate for shooting.

The anti-shake effect of Hasselblad X2D is quite remarkable, and there is a high probability of completing a shot even with a shutter speed of 1/4 or even 1 second.

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Improvement in focus speed: Capturing stories through the lens

Hasselblad has never been known for fast focus speed, but the good news is that if the Hasselblad camera is in perfect focus, the accuracy is good. The new Hasselblad X2D has added phase detection for focusing and, when paired with the new V-series lenses, has increased focus speed by 50% to 100% (different lenses have different focus performance); even when using the old XCD lenses, there is still a noticeable improvement of around 30% to 50% in speed.

Phase detection added is one of the major reasons why I would like to purchase the Hasselblad X2D (the other one being anti-shake feature). Will there be a face detection feature in the future? The manufacturer has not said no, so maybe we just need to give them some time to develop it.

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Another new feature of the V lenses is that the function ring can be pushed forward to switch between manual and autofocus (similar to the Leica series). This is very useful and provides flexibility during the shooting process. In addition, there is a second customizable function ring on the lens body.

However, the new V lenses do exhibit noticeable vignetting, especially at f/2.5. In some cases, this can add to the atmosphere of the photo. If you are someone who pursues image quality, you can improve the vignetting issue by stopping down the aperture or using lens correction in post-processing software such as Lightroom or Phocus.

I think the new Hasselblad lenses are designed to make sacrifices in optics in order to be more lightweight and have a large aperture. If we want to make real physical improvements, the size and weight of the lenses would likely increase significantly.

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Although I am someone who likes standard focal lengths, sometimes I also want to have a wider range of expressions, and the 38V is my go-to choice. I often bring this lens when I am walking my two black dogs. Its equivalent 30mm field of view is just right for capturing scenes of me interacting with the dogs. Moreover, being a wide-angle lens, its focusing speed is faster. The depth of field may not be as obvious as that of the 55V, but by getting closer and opening up the aperture to f/2.5, the wide-angle bokeh effect becomes more pronounced. And of course, by stopping down the aperture a bit, the overall image quality is improved.

If you are a landscape or travel photographer, this lens may be more suitable for capturing wider scenes. The vignetting issue is still similar to that of the 55V, but it is not a problem as long as you know how to correct it.

In landscape photography, a wide-angle lens can help showcase different elements of the scenery and convey a sense of vastness in the image.

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Capturing the beauty of moments in time.

During my travels, the X2D has become my best companion. Its lightweight design allows me to carry it easily, and its improved camera response and focusing speed allow me to capture many surprising moments during my journey. I also feel more relaxed and comfortable, and what used to be a difficult task in the past now seems like a piece of cake.

Medium format also has a unique ability to capture details, and the lenses can present extraordinary capturing capabilities, making the moment when the shutter is pressed feel profound and touching.

When I work with the Hasselblad X2D, I can appreciate the benefits of using a high-quality system, such as its anti-shake feature and extremely high image resolution. I can be confident that the quality of the photos is excellent. However, I don't use the Hasselblad X2D to capture all types of images. Instead of taking random photos, I prefer to use the Hasselblad camera to capture impactful images for my clients under the best lighting and conditions.

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A slight imperfection in an otherwise beautiful product.

If I have to point out something that is not good about the Hasselblad X2D, the first thing that comes to mind is its surface treatment. It is too easy to get scratched and leave marks, even though the grip feels great. No matter how careful I am, it's inevitable that the camera will get scratched if it is used frequently. Applying a protective coating or using a protective case can reduce this issue. However, the original appearance of the camera is so beautiful that I don't mind normal signs of wear and tear. After all, they are marks of my experiences with this camera.

To be honest, compared to the previous generation X1DII, the battery life of the X2D has increased slightly, and it doesn't get too hot too quickly. However, by today's camera standards, the battery life is still not sufficient, so I recommend bringing two batteries for safety. It's still okay to shoot for a day of travel with two batteries.

In addition, I strongly recommend not using third-party battery chargers, as they may damage the batteries. Reducing the frequency of charging the camera battery can also extend the lifespan of the camera's circuit board.

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My Thoughts

With the introduction of the V lenses, Hasselblad has incorporated new technologies into the XCD lenses, resulting in smaller and lighter lenses with faster focusing, quieter operation, and larger apertures. This represents Hasselblad's willingness to listen and improve. In my past experiences, I have definitely needed these types of lenses, as size and weight are major reasons why I hesitate to bring my camera on trips. I remember when I went to Korea with my family in early 2023, I brought the XCD 80mm f/1.9 and XCD 45mm f/3.5, but the XCD 80mm f/1.9 was quite heavy, making me reluctant to take it out of my backpack. As a result, I only took less than 30 photos during the entire five-day trip. This experience made me realize that my working mode and travel mode are completely different. While I am willing to carry the heavy XCD 80mm f/1.9 for wedding and pre-wedding shoots, it is a different story for travel.

What I'm looking forward to is the facial recognition feature that Hasselblad will hopefully support in the future. This is why I want to fully switch to X2D and V lenses. The hardware is already equipped, and now it's just a matter of waiting for the manufacturer to open up this feature.

Overall, the Hasselblad X2D is an excellent medium format camera that allows me to freely express my photography ideas, creativity, and joy in travel, life, and work. As someone who loves photography deeply, I sincerely love the Hasselblad X2D, a camera that changes people.

延伸連結

Hasselblad X2D-100c 初測
哈蘇迷一定要擁有的王者之鏡 | Hasselblad XCD 80mm F1.9

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