New Review of X2D by Capture Integration

[Steve Hendrix]

Thanks Howard for re-posting my article and the kind words (from everyone).

Yes, from what I could glean, the white balance would upload to the X2D once you selected a file in Phocus. And it seemed to reliably embed the color temp from whatever the last file was that you clicked on. One of the nice things about Hasselblad, which went back even to early H series was the ability to choose a Color Temp and Tint right in camera (which few other manufacturers offered at the time, and even today not all do). This issue was first raised by John Ngai and I tried to get a clear understanding of what was happening from his explanation, but actually using it and seeing what happened in various scenarios helped with understanding.

Regarding the cable release, I can only hope that Hasselblad has the means and intention to create a USB-C based remote cable release for the X2D. I did splurge and bought a $7 USB C to 3.5mm adapter cable to see if it would adapt the remote release for the X1D series, but no luck. It was a power adapter, and this is something different.

Steve Hendrix/CI

 

[jng]

Yes, from what I could glean, the white balance would upload to the X2D once you selected a file in Phocus. And it seemed to reliably embed the color temp from whatever the last file was that you clicked on. One of the nice things about Hasselblad, which went back even to early H series was the ability to choose a Color Temp and Tint right in camera (which few other manufacturers offered at the time, and even today not all do). This issue was first raised by John Ngai and I tried to get a clear understanding of what was happening from his explanation, but actually using it and seeing what happened in various scenarios helped with understanding.

Thanks to Steve (and several head-scratching emails back and forth), we did finally figure out what was going on with the (seemingly) spuriously changing white balance settings. This all came about because I initially didn't bother purchasing a CFe card, figuring I would just import images into Phocus directly from the SSD. And like @hcubell, I would leave the camera connected to put some charge on the battery.

The moral of the story is: if there's a way to find a bug in a new device or software package, give it to John! Anyway, I appreciate Steve's very clear explanation of this "feature" as currently implemented in Phocus. Hopefully this will save others some frustration. BTW, I've never had Capture One override the white balance settings in my IQ4 while tethering, unless I specifically clicked on the "apply to next capture" setting. Just sayin'...

John

 

[Paratom]

I would like to be able to check that I do not clip relevant highlights during shooting and not only when reviewing the image. On one hand, OVF-based cameras did not have live histograms either and they worked well, on the other hand, a live histogram is one of the few advantages of EVF over OVF.

I understand. From my part, since using the SL2 and also with the x2d I have a pretty good feeling when looking through the EVF if I need a little + or - exp compensation. For example if the sky would be blown out, you see it in the viewfinder. Of course histogramm is even more accurate, but I feel these days I seldom blow highlighty. Sometimes I could have exposed +0.3 higher, and that I would maybe if I had a live view histogramm.
I wouldnt mind if the Hassy would offer this option though and I understand that some photograhpers like to work this way.

 

[hcubell]

Thanks Howard for re-posting my article and the kind words (from everyone).

Regarding the cable release, I can only hope that Hasselblad has the means and intention to create a USB-C based remote cable release for the X2D. I did splurge and bought a $7 USB C to 3.5mm adapter cable to see if it would adapt the remote release for the X1D series, but no luck. It was a power adapter, and this is something different.

Steve Hendrix/CI

The omission of a cable release for the X2D seems inexplicable, because Hasselblad went through the issue with the X1D, saw how unhappy a large number of photographers were about it, and ultimately issued a cable release as an accessory after someone “discovered “ that a cheap third party cable release could be used with an adapter that connected through the Mic port of the X1D. It’s pure conjecture, but there were rumors that the prototypes for the X2D included a video capability and had a Mic port, which would have allowed the X1D cable release to work. Fairly late in the development process, it became clear that there were overheating issues with the video that could not be solved and the video capability, including the Mic port, were eliminated.
I have asked but nobody seems to know if a cable release could be designed that would work through the USB-C port. Are there any cameras out there that use a USB-C port for a cable release?

 

[spb]

FYI, I did a little testing. I connected the X2D to my Mac and downloaded a few files using Phocus to a folder on my Desktop. I then immediately ejected the SSD and disconnected the X2D. The AWB setting was still there on the X2D, even after powering off and on the camera. Hmmmm? However, I then followed the same download process, but instead of immediately disconnecting the X2D after the download was complete, I left it connected and went to the folder where I had downloaded the files and opened one up. I then disconnected the X2D. Now, the AWB setting had been changed to a Manual WB setting! I have usually left my X2D connected even after a download to recharge the battery, so that's why I was often seeing this inexplicable switch to MWB from AWB. The same switch to MWB happens even if you don't download files, and you skip Mass Storage and elect just to use the USB-C connection to recharge the battery, but while the camera is charging, you use Phocus to open a file.

Good to know these things and the first I heard of it was in Steve Hendrix's review article. I have never seen it as I set my X2d to copy files to CF Express card, which I then remove and put in a reader. When the battery needs charging, it goes in the beautifully made dual charger.

 

[ThdeDude]

Regarding the cable release, I can only hope that Hasselblad has the means and intention to create a USB-C based remote cable release for the X2D.

Maybe a stupid question, but it has a self-timer. For static scenery, a three-second self timer may somewhat compensate for no cable release.

 

[tcdeveau]

Maybe a stupid question, but it has a self-timer. For static scenery, a three-second self timer may somewhat compensate for no cable release.

this is how my X1D is setup - one of the buttons on the front I set to toggle self timer on/off. Haven’t found a need for the cable release but everyone has different preferences, uses, needs, etc

 

[Steve Hendrix]

Maybe a stupid question, but it has a self-timer. For static scenery, a three-second self timer may somewhat compensate for no cable release.

Yes, the self timer works fine, with an option to remain on or exit after use. But in certain situations, one needs a cable release to be able to shoot spontaneously when needed.

And an iPhone app does not replicate that capability.

Steve Hendrix/CI

 

[ThdeDude]

Yes, the self timer works fine, with an option to remain on or exit after use. But in certain situations, one needs a cable release to be able to shoot spontaneously when needed.

And an iPhone app does not replicate that capability.

Steve Hendrix/CI

Yes, in dynamic situation, depending on the situation and how well the action can be anticipated, a self-timer may not work well.

Since you mentioned iPhone, can use a bluetooth remote control for the iPhone but I noticed a tiny time lag here. Have to anticipate the action by perhaps an additional 1/10 of a second.

 

[ThdeDude]

And an iPhone app does not replicate that capability.

You mean using the Phocus Mobile app to trigger the shutter does not fully replicate a physical cable release?

 

[Jon Warwick]

Thanks Steve for writing such a useful review, it is much appreciated.

After playing with various X2D RAW files, I immediately had a similar thought to your comment that “the Hasselblad file, ….is one of the least “digital” looking files that I’ve seen”.

What’s not so clear to me is how much of a look in different camera systems is “baked in”? I have a GFX100S, and suspect I’d struggle to match the gentler tones and gentler sharpness that I see in the X2D. Have others found the same, or have you managed to match a given “look” across different digital medium format systems in post processing?

 

[TimothyHyde]

"Yes, in dynamic situation, depending on the situation and how well the action can be anticipated, a self-timer may not work well."
Well, I always used cable releases for my Hasselblad H cameras, and bought the cable release for the X1D when I first got the camera. I never unsealed the package and never used it once, nor with the X1Dii. I can't think of a single situation in my normal workflow where the self-timer wouldn't suffice. And with the X2d, I rarely use a tripod because it's so forgiving handheld.

I would like auto-ISO in manual, though.

 

[TimothyHyde]

Oh, and thank you for this terrific shakedown report, Steve. I think a lot of us were waiting for your review.

 

[Steve Hendrix]

You mean using the Phocus Mobile app to trigger the shutter does not fully replicate a physical cable release?

Yes, I've known numerous photographers for whom an iPhone paired with an app does not suffice for how they previously would use a remote release cable. Some of it is tactile perferences, some of it is timing (the point at which a camera releases based upon when you touch the shutter release button on your iPhone can differ from a physical cable release press).


Steve Hendrix/CI

 

[ThdeDude]

... known numerous photographers for whom an iPhone paired with an app does not suffice for how they previously would use a remote release cable.

Yes, as I wrote previously, I noticed a tiny time lag when triggering an iPhone exposure using a bluetooth remote. Had to anticipate the action what felt perhaps a quarter of a second.

But the last time I used a bluetooth remote was more than two years ago. Current iPhones and bluetooth remote may have a shorter or no noticeable time lag.

 

[GrahamWelland]

I am going to have to ignore this thread because X2D GAS is so strong, and I don't need ANY more cameras, especially high resolution given that I have GFX100s and IQ4-150 MFDB already. I so want one but ...

Hey @Steve Hendrix - maybe we should chat about some Leica M trades?

 

[hcubell]

Yes, the self timer works fine, with an option to remain on or exit after use. But in certain situations, one needs a cable release to be able to shoot spontaneously when needed.

And an iPhone app does not replicate that capability.

Steve Hendrix/CI

I also purchased a Hasselblad remote cable release when it was offered and it never left my backpack. The self timer has worked well for me. However, I agree with Steve that it is less than ideal in those situations where there is a "decisive moment" when you want to release the shutter. Waves at the shore, a lull in the wind rustling leaves, a facial expression, etc. The shutter release with Phocus Mobile and the iPhone seems every bit as quick to me as a cable release would be. However, you can't have your eyes on both the subject and the orange "button" on the iPhone at the same time, so there would be some delay between the time that you decide you want to release the shutter and when you press the orange button. I also haven't tested the WIFI connection outdoors yet to see how quickly you can make the connection between the camera and the iPhone. One good thing about using the iPhone is that you would not have to keep the USB-C door open in inclement weather to use a cable release. I shoot a lot in windy conditions with rain and snow. While it does not look like the area around the USB-C port would be susceptible to water penetrating into the camera body, I am not sure.

 

[MGrayson]

I think that IBIS changes the calculation somewhat. If anything longer than 1/500 sec has to be tripod mounted, then precise timing and a remote release may well be mandatory. But once the exposure gets to, say, 1 second then (in most cases) split second release timing is less vital. IBIS narrows that gap considerably. If the exposure at the decisive moment is shorter than 1/10 second, then hand-held *may* be sufficient and a remote release unnecessary. I'm making a vague probabilistic statement, and I'm sure many situations demand the traditional setup, e.g., a motion blurred picture of someone walking (street, beach,...) at a particular spot - but fewer than before IBIS.

Just thinking out loud...

 

[jng]

I think that IBIS changes the calculation somewhat. If anything longer than 1/500 sec has to be tripod mounted, then precise timing and a remote release may well be mandatory. But once the exposure gets to, say, 1 second then (in most cases) split second release timing is less vital. IBIS narrows that gap considerably. If the exposure at the decisive moment is shorter than 1/10 second, then hand-held *may* be sufficient and a remote release unnecessary. I'm making a vague probabilistic statement, and I'm sure many situations demand the traditional setup, e.g., a motion blurred picture of someone walking (street, beach,...) at a particular spot - but fewer than before IBIS.

Just thinking out loud...

Matt,

Interesting point re: IBIS. To follow you down this little rabbit hole, I wonder to what extent IBIS can mask any vibration caused by a press of the shutter release button when the camera is mounted on a tripod. I suppose this will depend on (1) stability of the tripod/head, (2) focal length, (3) distance to subject, and (4) the gentleness of the button press itself. Perhaps some experimentation is in order. Have you renewed Soup's modeling contract?

John

 

[MGrayson]

Matt,

Interesting point re: IBIS. To follow you down this little rabbit hole, I wonder to what extent IBIS can mask any vibration caused by a press of the shutter release button when the camera is mounted on a tripod. I suppose this will depend on (1) stability of the tripod/head, (2) focal length, (3) distance to subject, and (4) the gentleness of the button press itself. Perhaps some experimentation is in order. Have you renewed Soup's modeling contract?

John

John,

Soup is renegotiating his contract. I'll keep trying.

Matt