The first of our next series on exploring high end digital cameras. We got our hands on two of the most desirable medium format cameras in the market today. The Fujifilm GFX 100 II and the Hasselblad X2D 100C.
In this first article, I compare the two cameras side by side and look at the size. In subsequent TGIFriday articles, I will be reviewing both cameras in-depth, and will cover the operational as well as image quality aspects. I will also cover the technicalities in the upcoming work.
TGIFriday: A quick comparison between the Fujifilm GFX 100 II and the Hasselblad X2D 100C
For now, we make a side by side comparison of the two titans. Both cameras are flagship offerings from these maisons. Both offer a BackSide Illuminated (BSI) sensor with 100 megapixels of resolution on a 44x33mm sensor. In fact, both the sensor silicon are made by Sony, and are exactly the same. Think of the sensor silicon as the ébauche of a watch. Sony is by far the biggest manufacturer of imaging sensors worldwide, and most cameras use their sensors. However, each brand adds value to the sensor silicon with micro lenses and digital circuitry. This makes a big difference to the performance of these sensors. Again rather similar to the value added work in the form of finishing and complication modules being added to base movements.
The Fujifilm GFX 100 II succeeds the GFX 100 which we reviewed in detail in 2019. The GFX 100S is another lineup which is not as full featured as the GFX 100 series.
Meanwhile, the Hasselblad X2D is the co-flagship camera from the Swedish brand, a position it holds with the Hasselblad 907X/CFV 100C released recently. We have not yet reviewed the CFV 100C back, but both are 100 Mp cameras with identical sensors and electronics, and this should yield exactly the same image quality. The X2D has a more traditional unibody format, and the 907 is modular, and can be used with technical cameras like the Alpa 12 STC and the Alpa 12 Plus. The X2D is the successor to the X1D II 50C and the X1D 50C.
The GFX 100 II is a loaner from Fujifilm Singapore, and the GF 50 lens is owned by me. The Hasselblad X2D and XCD lens is the property of our friend Brighty, and is also on loan from him. Thanks to both Fujifilm Singapore and Brighty for the generous loan to use the cameras as I wished for a few weeks. The Hasselblad representative for Singapore is not responsive to our requests for a review sample which is rather disappointing.
Side by side
For this comparison, we selected lenses which are about the same focal length. For the GFX 100 II, the lens selected is the GF 50mm f/3.5 R LM WR lens. This is a 50mm lens with a maximum open aperture of f/3.5. It is a focus by wire only lens, with no physical stops at either the closest focus point or at infinity. The lens we selected for the Hasselblad is the the XCD 4/45P. This is a 45mm lens with a maximum open aperture of f/4. The lens is also focus by wire, but it features a soft stop at both the closest focus point and at infinity. This feature is useful for manual focusing.
As can be seen from the two cameras side by side, both are very close in terms of physical size. The GFX 100 II is slightly taller due to the Electronic Viewfinder, which is detachable, The X2D’s viewfinder is not removable. Both lenses are also very similar in size.
The Fujifilm GFX 100 II measures 152.4mm (with EVF, and 103.5mm without the EVF) x 117.4mm x 98.6mm, and weighs 948g. While the Hasselblad X2D 100C comes in at 148.5 × 106 × 74.5mm and clocks in at a slightly lighter 895g. The GF 50 weigh in at 350g while the XCD 45P weighs 320g. Total weights of both cameras as outfitted here is very close to each other. The GFX weighing in at 1,298g, while the X2D coming in at 1,215g. Very close roughly 80g separating the two.
On the hand, both cameras have a nice feel. Both are very well built, and are very robust. The GFX feels every bit the heavy duty professional camera and the X2D feels a bit more jewel like and artisanal. But both are weather sealed with excellent build quality and attention to detail. Despite the minimal size and weight differences, the GFX 100 II with GF50 does feel a bit larger and heavier when being held than the X2D with XCD 45P. The GFX grip is somewhat larger, and feels more ergonomic and more very comfortable even for larger hands. But as the tale of the tape shows, there is precious little in difference between these two cameras.
Concluding thoughts
In this article, I just only touched on the physical aspects of these two cameras. I will go into detail on the operations, the technical performance and the actual use in the field of both cameras. And their use with other lenses. On the Fujifilm GFX system, I have the two new tilt shift GF lenses, as well as access to a number of Hasselblad HC lenses in my own collection. I have the adapter to use these lenses. See my discussion here on adapting Hasselblad lenses to the Fuji GFX. For the X2D, I only have access to the XCD 45p as well as a rather remarkable XCD 28p lens. Curiously, as I don’t have the XH Adapter, I am not able to use my Hasselblad lenses on the X2D. More soon.
