Hasselblad X2D vs X2Dii - A practical perspective
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.
Instead of telling you how these will change your life, I would rather be practical and answer the most common questions that people tend to have when buying presets.
What are presets?
They are editing settings that are saved in a file and can be applied to any image.
Why do people buy presets?
Sometimes because they like the work of the photographer and want that style for their own photos. Mostly because they would like to see how other people edit and learn by reverse engineering the presets. Other times it’s just to support their favourite photographers, thank you!
What’s the overall style of these presets?
- Filmic
- Minimal
- Soft
- Bright
What are these presets suitable for?
Street & Travel Photography
Some Nature (with further editing)
Some Portraits (with extensive editing)
What do these presets look like?
These presets 100% reflect my current editing style. Please see examples of work below.
Do these presets get updated?
Yes, as my style changes, these presets will also be updated. Any time a new update is available, you will get a free update via email. Of course you also keep all the old presets in case you prefer the older looks. Only presets purchased from 2025 onwards will receive the updates.
What file types are these presets for?
- All RAW files
- JPEGs & TIFFs (not recommended)
What camera brands are these presets for?
These were designed around Fujifilm, Sony, and Leica sensors. With that said, they will work with all camera brands. While there might be subtle colour changes due to individual camera colour science, the overall feel of the preset will carry over.
Will these work with JPEG files?
Yes, but you will need to reduce the intensity and make further edits. I strongly recommend editing RAW files.
Are these one click edits?
95% No. You would need to do some basic adjustments as each image is different. These adjustments can include exposure, colour balance etc. In 5% of cases you can just apply and leave it alone.
Do I need to know how to edit?
You need to have a basic understanding of adjusting exposure, highlights, shadows, etc. A more comprehensive editing skillset will let you get the most out of them.
How many presets are included?
15 in the main pack and 20 in the extras pack
Why two packs?
The main pack is what I use for 99% of my edits. The extras pack is random test presets, one-off looks, and looks I don’t use often.
What software do I need?
These presets will work with any of the following:
- Photoshop (adobe camera raw)
- Lightroom Classic
- Lightroom Desktop
- Lightroom Mobile
Will these presets work with free versions of the above software?
You need to research and double check before buying. These presets were designed for the full paid versions.
Will these presets work with very old versions of the above software?
You need to research and double check before buying. These presets were designed on and for the latest software.
What file type do I get?
XMP
What else do I get?
- Comprehensive PDF guide
- Short video of me editing using these presets
Can I modify these and turn them into my own?
Yes! In fact I encourage you to modify them and play around. Use these to help you get your own style.
I have more questions…. What do I do?
Make a cup of tea and drop me an email on hello@snapsbyfox.com
Please note that due to the nature of digital products, refunds are generally not accepted. However, if you experience any issues, feel free to contact me and I’ll review your situation individually. You are welcome to use this product for personal or commercial projects, but you may not copy, distribute, or resell the files in their original or modified form.
Finally I want to say a massive thank you for supporting me. Buying these presets is the most direct way you can support my work thus allowing me to make more videos / photos / tutorials for you.
Thank you for your support!