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Hasselblad X2D vs X2DII
- Thread starter felix5616
- Start date
mristuccia
Well-known member
Improvements are mostly on continuous autofocus, a slightly lower base ISO and a slightly better IBIS.
I would say that for landscape photography it is not worth it.
Please note, however, that the list price of the Mk II is lower than that what it was originally for the Mk I.
So, if you are planning to look for a second-hand X2D Mk I, always keep in mind the list price of a new Mk II as a comparison.
You should be able to save from 2 to 3K.
I would say that for landscape photography it is not worth it.
Please note, however, that the list price of the Mk II is lower than that what it was originally for the Mk I.
So, if you are planning to look for a second-hand X2D Mk I, always keep in mind the list price of a new Mk II as a comparison.
You should be able to save from 2 to 3K.
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Probably not.
I have used the X2D since it was first introduced and for landscape work speed of autofocus is pretty much irrelevant. Mostly I used the autofocus to pick a spot and then go to manual focus and magnification to determine the accuracy and adjust if necessary. But I also used it for street photography in India, Cambodia, Amsterdam, Athens and London. Not a real problem but definitely missed some few images due to the AF but not enough to pull my hair out. Image quality between the X2D and X2D ii is, by all accounts, identical since they have the same sensor.
So why did I sell my X2D and spend money on an X2D ii? Well the IBIS is definitely a bit better. I can get pin sharp images handheld about 2 stops better than the X2D, I like the new joy stick and the additional custom buttons and the AF is significantly better - particularly with portraits the AFC (if you have one of the lenses that supports it) is really pretty good. But for landscape work? You already have focus stacking, exposure bracketing etc. which work well. So in general I don't think the upgrade is going to give you much, if anything you would consider to be a major improvement from the first X2D.
I don't regret buying the X2Dii but I have in mind a trip I am going to do in Australia where I will be making a lot of portraits. I also have a Sony A7rIV which has much better AF than the X2D ii but the quality of the files from the Hasselblad is much better. But if I was only doing landscape work I would say that you're not going to see anything that really justifies the expense. Better to buy another lens.
I have used the X2D since it was first introduced and for landscape work speed of autofocus is pretty much irrelevant. Mostly I used the autofocus to pick a spot and then go to manual focus and magnification to determine the accuracy and adjust if necessary. But I also used it for street photography in India, Cambodia, Amsterdam, Athens and London. Not a real problem but definitely missed some few images due to the AF but not enough to pull my hair out. Image quality between the X2D and X2D ii is, by all accounts, identical since they have the same sensor.
So why did I sell my X2D and spend money on an X2D ii? Well the IBIS is definitely a bit better. I can get pin sharp images handheld about 2 stops better than the X2D, I like the new joy stick and the additional custom buttons and the AF is significantly better - particularly with portraits the AFC (if you have one of the lenses that supports it) is really pretty good. But for landscape work? You already have focus stacking, exposure bracketing etc. which work well. So in general I don't think the upgrade is going to give you much, if anything you would consider to be a major improvement from the first X2D.
I don't regret buying the X2Dii but I have in mind a trip I am going to do in Australia where I will be making a lot of portraits. I also have a Sony A7rIV which has much better AF than the X2D ii but the quality of the files from the Hasselblad is much better. But if I was only doing landscape work I would say that you're not going to see anything that really justifies the expense. Better to buy another lens.
TechTalk
Well-known member
The previous generation X2D is currently being sold new in the U.S. with a $1,600 Instant Discount when purchased making the current price $6,599 ($8,199 - $1,600 Instant Discount). Below is a sample from the Pictureline website, but the same promotion is available from other dealers as well...
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It depends on how serious you are about getting the shot, landscape or otherwise.
While I did not have anything real issues in using the X2D for landscapes, I did feel the need to improve some of the operation in order to speed things up. I often work in high elevation and cold places and tend to be most interested in fast changing light and weather patterns as subject matter.
So things like the properly tilting screen, the rear custom button, joystick and now clickable front dial have made what I feel like are good sized improvements in handling. For the past two days, I have spent hours above 13,000' feet working the light and land, hands often getting fairly cold after a couple hours.
Between even better AF, amazing IBIS and better ergonomics, I simply produced more shots which matters a fair bit for me in the big picture. Your needs and mileage may vary and being able to get a EX+ X2D for $4,000-$4,500 is nothing to shake a stick at.
While I did not have anything real issues in using the X2D for landscapes, I did feel the need to improve some of the operation in order to speed things up. I often work in high elevation and cold places and tend to be most interested in fast changing light and weather patterns as subject matter.
So things like the properly tilting screen, the rear custom button, joystick and now clickable front dial have made what I feel like are good sized improvements in handling. For the past two days, I have spent hours above 13,000' feet working the light and land, hands often getting fairly cold after a couple hours.
Between even better AF, amazing IBIS and better ergonomics, I simply produced more shots which matters a fair bit for me in the big picture. Your needs and mileage may vary and being able to get a EX+ X2D for $4,000-$4,500 is nothing to shake a stick at.
mristuccia
Well-known member
Yes, but I meant its original listed price, which could make the advantage of acquiring a second-hand X2D Mk I vs a new Mk II less interesting. My recommendation is having the price of a new X2D II always in mind as a reference when searching for a second-hand Mk I.
However, it's good to know that buying a new X2D Mk I nowadays is also an option for saving a little money.
Precision
Active member
My 2 cents, I have tested both (via rental). I sent the X2D back to the rental house and patted myself on the bat for not pulling the trigger on that camera- it was not appreciably better for me than the CFV100 that I already own. Autofocus was slow and not terribly precise (like the CFV100) . My shooting style Generally does not require IBIS…aut the EVF was not as useful in the studio as I expected. Basically, I percieved The advantage of keeping $7000 to be more to my benefit than adding a mirrorless, fixed sensor camera.
i just recently tested the X2Dii and my experience with the autofocus with it does have me considering purchasing one - my experience is that it’s a vast improvement. Not a lot faster but MUCH more accurate. It’s a good tool. sooner or later I will probably have one in the case for non studio stuff.
i just recently tested the X2Dii and my experience with the autofocus with it does have me considering purchasing one - my experience is that it’s a vast improvement. Not a lot faster but MUCH more accurate. It’s a good tool. sooner or later I will probably have one in the case for non studio stuff.
There is a reasonable doubt whether it is worth updating from Mark I to Mark II, but when starting new, I would definitely get the Mark II. A couple of Mark II advantages:
- faster (shorter blackout, UI)
- better AF.
- better IBIS.
- tighter lens mount.
- better LCD (brightness and tilting mechanism).
- joystick to move the focus point.
- Auto-ISO in M mode
- Better card and USB plug doors.
- Wired remote
Nonetheless, the Mark I is still a great camera and could be your choice if you find one for significantly less than the Mark II.
- faster (shorter blackout, UI)
- better AF.
- better IBIS.
- tighter lens mount.
- better LCD (brightness and tilting mechanism).
- joystick to move the focus point.
- Auto-ISO in M mode
- Better card and USB plug doors.
- Wired remote
Nonetheless, the Mark I is still a great camera and could be your choice if you find one for significantly less than the Mark II.
iczek
Well-known member
IMHO, for landscape photography there is nothing that would justify extra money.
As Marco mentioned, the prices of the previous model on the secondary market are plummeting. You can get the X2D model in ‘like new’ condition with a warranty for an absurdly low price compared to the retail price: around 4000 USD or less.
The only thing that comes to my mind regarding the improvements in Mark II for landscape, is
- a tilting LCD screen that isn’t blocked by the viewfinder
(Halleluja Hasselblad!)
As Marco mentioned, the prices of the previous model on the secondary market are plummeting. You can get the X2D model in ‘like new’ condition with a warranty for an absurdly low price compared to the retail price: around 4000 USD or less.
The only thing that comes to my mind regarding the improvements in Mark II for landscape, is
- a tilting LCD screen that isn’t blocked by the viewfinder
(Halleluja Hasselblad!)
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Ahmed Hindawi
New member
It is a small improvement but I really appreciated it: The Hasselblad X2D II redesigned the rear screen mechanism so that, when tilted horizontally, it’s no longer obstructed by the viewfinder. This makes the screen much more usable and nicer when you look at it from above.
It also tilts downward now.
Photon42
Well-known member
I have used the X2D for travel, portraits and a bit of street and landscape since it came out in 2022. If I wanted to enter the MF game again, I would go for a used X2D Mark I. It is a really good camera and feels right in hand. Regarding the lenses: if you don't have any, try getting the newer V lenses. They are smaller and lighter, have often closer minimal focus distance and will be working with AFC on the newer body.
(A little off-topic: Personally, I don't feel the urge of updating and I even think the Lidar sensor is somewhat odd technology, I may even have been chosen to keep using the present hardware platform)