X2d 100c

[Antonio Brittenham]

NoteSince I bought, owned and reviewed the 907x CFV 50c a while back, Hasselblad sent me the 907x CFV 100c for review in December 2023 and I have used it for the last few weeks before doing my video and written review.

Seems like yesterday when I was walking through the woods snapping photographs with the then new Hasselblad 907X 50C. While it has been about three years since then, the 907x 50c became one of my all time favorite cameras, if not my all out #1 favorite digital camera ever. I loved it for the vintage look and feel, the overall quality of the camera itself and of course the 50 MP sensor that delivered true to life color and depth.

The reason I say this is because there is nothing like shooting with one of these beautiful cameras. The experience is quite unique and the best part is that the file quality is astonishing. I loved the sensor in the 50c but the one here in the 100c is extraordinary and even better. Take a look at this beautiful camera which is indeed the smallest large sensor camera available as of Jan 2024.

So yes indeed the new 907x 100c is the the update to the 907X 50c and now comes with the all new back that provides 100 megapixels of resolution along with some other useful improvements ; )

The new 907X 100C is quicker, snappier and just overall better in use than the 50c was. With that said some may feel that this body is still somewhat limited compared to the Hasselblad X2D 100C as there is no IBIS or viewfinder with the 907X series. Just the rear pull up LCD screen which works quite well unless you are in very bright sunlight.

Even with these omissions vs the X2D there will be those who prefer the 907X 100C to the X2D 100C simply because of the shooting experience. The design of the camera and the way it rests in the hands so naturally is also a huge plus for the way I like to shoot. I am one who likes different and unique. I have the heart of an artist vs a technical one. This is why the 907X series speaks to me the most. It truly does speak to my heart and that is what this camera does so well. It makes you want to use it.

The new 907x 100c kit is indeed faster and more responsive than the 907x 50c is and I am happy to report that the new face detect works and is nice to have included. Shooting a portrait with face detect on actually works like most modern day cameras, locking onto the face so you can be sure to nail the eye focus. I show you an example of this in my video review at the top of this page if you want to see it in action.

I love having the built in memory as this makes it super easy to review images when I get home from a day out of shooting. The USB C port on the side has a nifty cover that auto closes when you remove the USB cable. While this is not a weather sealed camera I do like the fact that the USB port is covered. I believe this camera would be challenging to fully weather seal due to the modular nature of it all.

I woke up, took a shower and headed out with 907x 100c in hand. I jumped in my little 2 door Jeep Wrangler for a day of adventure and photo seeking with my wife Debby. I look for shots as I drive and when I find one I pull over, get out, frame the shot with the LCD as I feel the form of the body in my hand perfectly. I adjust exposure to my liking (using the optional grip) and press the shutter. I then move on.

I am not a guy who brings a tripod with him when out, as I shoot handheld but this camera would be right at home on a tripod taking a beautiful high res landscape. This will bring the max IQ for those kind of scenes.

Sure, I can see portrait studios using this camera as it would be pretty awesome in that regard. I can see landscape shooters using this as the ultimate tool for capturing all of the detail in a scene. As I said, I see this as a life camera. One that can capture the scenes around you in life with beauty and realism. Making memories is what I use my cameras for mainly these days and this would be a Dream Camera for this purpose, for me. Overkill? Maybe but how important are YOUR memories from life?

The 907x 100c ships with the 907x body, the 100c back, the caps for all of that, one battery, one USB C cable and one plug in charger. There is also a mask to use with the older Hasselblad film cameras, for the viewfinder. Also a flash sync cable. Finally there is a camera strap included as well.

There is no physical battery charger that comes with the camera but there is one available to purchase. If I bought this beauty I would also pony up for the dual charger and an extra battery. You can get the dual charger HERE and an extra battery HERE.

One thing that can really make an image just pop and look professional is when there is sufficient dynamic range. Meaning the highlights are not blown out or harsh and the shadows actually have information and details within them. The 907x 50c and X1DII had tremendous dynamic range. So much so that you could literally underexpose by several stops and save the image (if you shot RAW). Does the 100c offer the same kind of range?

So maybe you have decided to jump into medium format digital. Maybe you decided to go with Hasselblad for their simplicity, out of camera color and heritage/history. Which one do you go for? Both are, without question, stunning cameras that use the same sensor and bring the same quality of file.

I will say that I think most shooters who love a good DSLR feel will be happier with the X2D 100c as it has a traditional feel, IBIS and an EVF which are all not part of the 907x. The X2D 100c is also a looker, and feels amazing in the hand.

When I am out with a 907x and there are people around me I always get asked what the heck I am shooting with. Most think it is an old film camera and others have no idea what it is. When I have been out with an X1d or X2D I have never been approached, even though that body is equally as beautiful, though bulkier

For me I would choose the 907x body as I simply love anything UNIQUE. The 907x 100c is unique in looks, feel, use and quality. With that said, I would not complain about the X2D 100c. Both are stunning cameras, just a bit different when using them.

Also, for things such as street shooting I would say the X2D would be a better choice. I can not see myself street shooting with a 907X but it can be done. The EVF would be very useful in street scenarios.

This is pretty cool as it can be done in camera quickly and easily though I admit, I will probably never use this feature as I can crop the RAW file to my hearts content. This is one plus of having 100MP on tap, cropping power.

I do not have an old 500 series film Hasselblad to try the 100c on so I will leave that to others to explore those options. I do not use flash (though the 907X ships with a flash sync cable) and I do not own a studio or do pro work anymore. I am just a guy who has loved making memories in all aspects of my life for as long as I can remember. I have been writing on these pages for 16 years now and while I have slowed down the content (by design) I still love and have never tired of taking photos. Especially when I get to take then with a camera like the 907X 100c.

This is not a perfect camera, nor will it be the camera for everybody but it sure is one hell of a beautiful piece of gear. What the 907x does for me is make me want to take it out and shoot it, even when I have no goals in mind. I can not say the same for most cameras these days. I love my Nikon Z9 and use it 98% of the time for video as it is my main video maker these days. As a photo camera though it does not give me the same warm and fuzzies as the 907X 100c does nor can it compete in IQ or color. I love it for images as well but if I was choosing between the two to take with me for the day, I would almost always choose the 907x 100c.

There will always be cons with ANY camera. There is no camera made that will be perfect for everyone. The 907x 100c has one con that I can think of. Out of the box there is no exposure lock function or button (that I can find) but we can unlock this feature by adding the 907x grip that has programmable buttons in addition to a shutter button.

Having to buy the grip for this feature seems weird but the grip does offer up four buttons, a joystick and that extra shutter button. I feel Hasselblad could have added an extra button or two somewhere for the body as myself and others I know prefer to shoot the 907x without the grip. With the grip it is a different feel but both are a joy to shoot. The grip did grow on me after a couple of weeks of use.

The grip is a $700 addition to the cost of the camera. I have had both here for weeks and I shot half the time with the grip and half without. I prefer without the grip for comfort and usability but the grip is also nice and allows me to carry the camera by the grip. The programmable buttons are also great to have as well.

This is a well made camera and the image quality is just as you would expect. Absolutely stunning and yes, you get that medium format feel from these and the 16 bit color and Dynamic Range is amazing. This sensor is remarkable. If I had the funds I would buy this camera along with the 38 f/2.5 V lens without hesitation. I will miss it when it goes back to Hasselblad but maybe one day, maybe.

Leaf shutter is in the lens, so it sounds different with each lens. Same as it always has been in that regard. Adding a shutter would make this camera be something different, and larger. Pros and cons to both I guess.

Nah, the 100c is an upgrade in most areas. Focus speed, face tracking/detect and the sensor is even better than the 50c. It has no drawbacks that I found in regards to image quality or usability, besides the usual (it being a slow camera, not an action camera). This is the finest camera I have ever shot with.

The Orion 100c is the reliable welding tool that every metalsmith should have. Save time doing simple and complicated work such as seam joints, filling porosity, adding metal, attaching different size pieces, or any other application you may encounter. Increase efficiency with this easy to use system!

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