Hasselblad X2DII vs Fuji GFX 100II - Which one to buy?

Summary

In this in-depthGenerate summary content comparison, the creator evaluates the Hasselblad X2D2 and Fujifilm GFX 100 II, two 100MP medium format cameras. The video covers system price, design, ergonomics, lenses, autofocus, IBIS, flash capabilities, and color science. Hasselblad excels in minimalist design, premium optics, flash performance, and true-to-life color, making it ideal for still photography and controlled lighting. Fujifilm offers a broader lens ecosystem, faster autofocus, video support, and flexibility for wildlife, commercial, and hybrid shooters. Ultimately, the choice depends on your priorities: Hasselblad for leaf shutter elegance and color fidelity, or Fujifilm for versatile hybrid performance and value.

Takeaways

• 📹 The Fujifilm GFX100 II is the only option for video recording, while the Hasselblad X2D2 does not support video.
• 🎯 Fujifilm offers two native tilt-shift lenses (30mm and 110mm), whereas Hasselblad has none.
• 💰 Hasselblad X2D2 body is slightly cheaper ($7,399) but lenses are significantly more expensive; Fujifilm has broader and more affordable lens options.
• 🎨 Hasselblad excels in minimalist design, tactile handling, and natural color science (HNCS), whereas Fujifilm offers robust ergonomics, tilt screen, and customizable film simulations.
• 🔍 Fujifilm provides a wider lens ecosystem with options from 20mm to 500mm, including tilt-shift and third-party lenses; Hasselblad focuses on a curated, premium XCD lens lineup up to 135mm.
• ⚡ Autofocus on Hasselblad X2D2 has improved but is not ideal for fast action; Fujifilm GFX100 II remains better for tracking and sports photography.
• 🖼️ Hasselblad's IBIS offers up to 10 stops of stabilization; Fujifilm’s stabilization is effective but slightly less advanced.
• 💡 Hasselblad is superior for strobe/flash photography with leaf shutter syncing up to 1/2000s–1/4000s; Fujifilm is limited to 1/125s without high-speed sync.
• 🌈 Color rendering differs: Hasselblad delivers natural, true-to-life colors, while Fujifilm allows highly flexible color grading and film simulations.
• 📸 Overall recommendations: Choose Hasselblad X2D2 for stills-first photographers valuing color fidelity, flash performance, and design; choose Fujifilm GFX100 II for hybrid shooters needing video, faster AF, versatile lenses, and lower costs.

Q & A

Which camera is recommended for video shooting?

The Fujifilm GFX 100 II is recommended for video shooting, as the Hasselblad X2D2 does not support video.

What are the main differences in system price between Hasselblad X2D2 and Fujifilm GFX 100 II?

The Hasselblad X2D2 body retails for $7,399, while the Fujifilm GFX 100 II body is around $8,500. Hasselblad bodies are cheaper, but Fujifilm lenses are generally less expensive, making a full Fujifilm kit potentially more affordable.

How do the cameras compare in design and handling?

Hasselblad X2D2 offers minimalist, tactile design with a joystick, custom buttons, and a clean OLED menu. Fujifilm GFX 100 II focuses on professional ergonomics and deep customization but has a cluttered menu and a tilt screen for low-angle vertical shots.

Which system offers a broader lens selection?

Fujifilm GFX 100 II has a broader lens selection, including tilt-shift lenses, zooms, and third-party options. Hasselblad X2D2 has fewer lenses, no tilt-shift, and a maximum focal length of 135mm, with limited third-party adaptability due to leaf shutter usage.

Which camera is better suited for action or sports photography?

The Fujifilm GFX 100 II is better for action and sports photography due to its faster and more reliable autofocus. Hasselblad X2D2's autofocus is improved but not ideal for fast-moving subjects.

How do the cameras perform in terms of image stabilization?

Hasselblad X2D2 has 10-stop IBIS, offering excellent handheld stability in real-world use. Fujifilm GFX 100 II also has stabilization, but the difference is subtle compared to Hasselblad in extreme conditions.

Which camera excels in flash and strobe photography?

Hasselblad X2D2 excels in flash and strobe use, thanks to leaf shutter sync up to 1/2,000–1/4,000s. Fujifilm GFX 100 II is limited to 1/125s unless using high-speed sync, reducing strobe power.

How do the two cameras differ in color science?

Hasselblad X2D2 provides natural, true-to-life colors via Hasselblad Natural Color Science (HNCS). Fujifilm GFX 100 II offers customizable profiles and film simulations for flexible color editing.

Who should consider buying the Hasselblad X2D2?

Photographers focused on stills, color accuracy, outdoor flash/strobe work, and minimalistic design should choose the Hasselblad X2D2.

Who is the ideal user for the Fujifilm GFX 100 II?

Photographers who need hybrid photo/video capability, faster autofocus, a broad and affordable lens ecosystem, and flexibility for commercial, wildlife, or wedding work should choose the Fujifilm GFX 100 II.

What is the key trade-off between Hasselblad and Fujifilm?

The key trade-off is between 'Leaf Shutter Elegance' (Hasselblad, superior flash and color rendering) and 'Hybrid Horsepower' (Fujifilm, versatility, video, and broader lens options).