In this blog I will compare the Hasselblad X2D against the new X2Dii. I’ve owned the original X2D for a year and used it extensively for street and travel photography. I’ve owned the current X2Dii for just over a month. This isn’t a review of each system, instead I will be comparing the two with a practical real world use case approach. Finally, I won’t cover every single difference, only the most meaningful changes.

Body

The exterior of the X2Dii now has a nice dark matte finish. In my opinion it makes it stand out less, and looks cool. How it will stand up to scratches, time will tell. The X2Dii also has a superior rubber grip that feels more comfortable. The IBIS system is now even better, allowing you to use longer shutter speeds handheld. Finally, the X2Dii is a little lighter than the original. Everything else remains pretty much the same.

Buttons & UI

There are two new buttons on the back. One is a joystick that can also be used as a button by pressing it, and the other is a normal function button sitting just below the joystick. The joystick is nice to use and is a huge aid when it comes to operating the camera. Having two extra customisable buttons is a big bonus. The rest of the button layout remains unchanged.

The UI remains unchanged with the same minimal approach as before. While this is mostly good, I do wish they allowed for more customisation of the camera. Many of the custom buttons are locked to their specific tasks, which forces you to work around the camera rather than set it up exactly to your liking.

Screen & EVF

The screen is the same high quality panel as before, however now it can move much more freely and achieve viewing angles that were previously impossible. It’s also brighter. The EVF and the top down display remain the same.

AF System

There isn’t much left in common between the two AF systems. The X2Dii uses a LiDAR assisted system that gives continuous autofocus, subject detection, tracking, nearly double the focus points, and a tenfold increase in speed and accuracy. The two systems feel a decade apart.

Sensor, Image Quality & Resolution

Nothing has changed here and you are getting the same incredible image as before. The image was always outstanding, and I can’t see how they would have improved upon it. Where I have seen a small change is in the general performance of the camera. The X2Dii seems faster, more responsive, and snappier compared to the predecessor. Everything just works as you’d expect. Finally, you still get the generous 1TB internal drive to store your photos.

Is the X2Dii a worthwhile upgrade?

If you are buying your first Hasselblad, then I think going straight for the X2Dii is a smart move primarily due to its lower starting price compared to the X2D. This is especially applicable if you want a brand new camera.

If you already have an X2D and are unsure about whether to upgrade, I would say that you only need to make one decision. Will you be relying on autofocus, and will you be shooting in more dynamic environments? If you only shoot landscapes on a tripod, then the new AF system won’t be of much use. If you shoot street photography or travel, the new AF coupled with the joystick is a colossal quality of life improvement.

Who should get the original X2D?

If 95% of your photography takes place in a studio, on a tripod, in manual focus, or you only shoot still life, then the original X2D might be a better financial purchase, especially if you find a good used one at a low price. You’re buying the Hasselblad for the sensor and the image, and this remains exactly the same.