Excellent review and certainly the best one out there. Long term Mamiya 7 and Leica M user here (30 years) and now on digital M (M10M and Q3 43 for color sprinkles). I also still use my Mamiya 7. For multiple reasons (mainly aging eyesight), I may need to move to something with high IQ and EVF/AF. On paper, the X2D is like a digital Mamiya 7 in terms of IQ and renders close my Leicas. So question for you below.
Would you use the X2D as your sole camera for long-term ethnographic documentary kind of projects (think Salgado "Workers") or would you complement it with something else?
I know your tried the M EV1. Would you rely on the EV1 as your sole camera? It is the other consideration for me (very different IQ to the X2D obviously) but I'm really concerned about having to manually focus with only focus peaking and punch in zoom, especially wide open.
I ended up parting ways with my X2D for two reasons. First, no Capture One support and it was just taking too long roundtrip the files and integrate them into my editing process. Second, it just felt a little too slow for the environments I was going to. While the system is great for portraits where I had time available, it became challenging when things would get chaotic. And dedicating a roster spot in my kit for that felt too high a cost.
The X2D is plenty capable for documentary work, but it really depends on *how* you shoot. When I think of Salgado, I just can't imagine something like this keeping up with the story.
Hey Gajan, nice work as always. I've really liked the colors of the Hasselblad shots I've seen here and with other shooters. One thing I remember was Matt Granger directly comparing this camera to the GFX 100S and it was the first time I thought another camera had better default colors than Fuji. I'd be very curious to see how the colors compare to the new Reala Ace sim on the GFX 100 II as to my eyes it looked like a closer to realistic look more in line with Hasselblad but I haven't seen a direct 1:1 comparison by anyone.
If you have the chance I'd love your observations on that.
I'd want to spend more time with them side by side but I can share some insights. If we're talking about accuracy, the X2D wins easily. It just captures a more accurate colour profile. Reala Ace has this warmth and low-contrast look to it because it's not trying to be accurate. But here's the thing, it comes down to what the photographer likes more. Some people may prefer a look vs accuracy because it brings them closer to their finish line. Hope this helps.
Sure! I was just curious. I would love to see someone come up with a Hasselblad film sim recipe for Fuji, I was really struck by the side by side and as I said it's the only time I've seen Fuji compared to another where I liked the other more.
Hi Gajan -
Excellent review and certainly the best one out there. Long term Mamiya 7 and Leica M user here (30 years) and now on digital M (M10M and Q3 43 for color sprinkles). I also still use my Mamiya 7. For multiple reasons (mainly aging eyesight), I may need to move to something with high IQ and EVF/AF. On paper, the X2D is like a digital Mamiya 7 in terms of IQ and renders close my Leicas. So question for you below.
Would you use the X2D as your sole camera for long-term ethnographic documentary kind of projects (think Salgado "Workers") or would you complement it with something else?
I know your tried the M EV1. Would you rely on the EV1 as your sole camera? It is the other consideration for me (very different IQ to the X2D obviously) but I'm really concerned about having to manually focus with only focus peaking and punch in zoom, especially wide open.
Thank you!
I ended up parting ways with my X2D for two reasons. First, no Capture One support and it was just taking too long roundtrip the files and integrate them into my editing process. Second, it just felt a little too slow for the environments I was going to. While the system is great for portraits where I had time available, it became challenging when things would get chaotic. And dedicating a roster spot in my kit for that felt too high a cost.
The X2D is plenty capable for documentary work, but it really depends on *how* you shoot. When I think of Salgado, I just can't imagine something like this keeping up with the story.
Hope this helps ✌🏾
Great review! You’ve just made me feel even better about the purchase I made yesterday! Looking forward to getting my hands on this beast!
Thanks Mike! You're in for a lot of fun. Enjoy the journey.
Thanks man, looking forward to the journey for sure. BTW, would welcome any feedback on my new site... https://soul-instinct-desire.com
Now that I am so happy with the Q3 & Z9 the Hasselblad comes out. Ahh well. Thanks Gajan
Fantastic review Gajan. I know what I’d be buying if I won the contest
Thanks for reading, Mike.
Hey Gajan, nice work as always. I've really liked the colors of the Hasselblad shots I've seen here and with other shooters. One thing I remember was Matt Granger directly comparing this camera to the GFX 100S and it was the first time I thought another camera had better default colors than Fuji. I'd be very curious to see how the colors compare to the new Reala Ace sim on the GFX 100 II as to my eyes it looked like a closer to realistic look more in line with Hasselblad but I haven't seen a direct 1:1 comparison by anyone.
If you have the chance I'd love your observations on that.
I'd want to spend more time with them side by side but I can share some insights. If we're talking about accuracy, the X2D wins easily. It just captures a more accurate colour profile. Reala Ace has this warmth and low-contrast look to it because it's not trying to be accurate. But here's the thing, it comes down to what the photographer likes more. Some people may prefer a look vs accuracy because it brings them closer to their finish line. Hope this helps.
Sure! I was just curious. I would love to see someone come up with a Hasselblad film sim recipe for Fuji, I was really struck by the side by side and as I said it's the only time I've seen Fuji compared to another where I liked the other more.
Thanks for the insight!