High-end equipment can be tempting, especially when it promises unmatched image quality. But is it always worth it?
This interesting video from Mads Peter Iversen reports on his experience with the Hasselblad X2D medium format camera. One of the standout features of the X2D is its 100 megapixel sensor, which produces images with stunning detail and sharpness. Iversen compares these files to those from his Sony s7R V, a 61 megapixel full frame camera, and the difference in detail is clearly visible when zooming in. However, this level of detail comes at a price – both literally and in terms of file management. Each photo from the X2D can be over 200 megabytes in size, and once layers are added in post-processing, PSD files can quickly grow to over 2 gigabytes in size. For anyone without a top-of-the-line computer, managing and editing these huge files can become a tedious process.
Despite the high resolution and image quality, Iversen points out that a 100-megapixel sensor is not a magic bullet. While the files are incredibly detailed, the improvements over a 60-megapixel camera are marginal at normal size or from a typical viewing distance. This begs the question: do you really need 100 megapixels, or are you better off with a more manageable resolution?
Another consideration is the practicality of the X2D in the field. Medium format cameras are traditionally bulkier and heavier than full-frame systems, and the X2D is no exception. However, Iversen found that the size and weight of the X2D with its zoom lens was comparable to his a7R V and its lenses. Even so, the lack of a comprehensive zoom lens range for the X2D means that carrying multiple lenses for different focal lengths is almost inevitable, adding to the overall weight and complexity of your kit.
In terms of usability, the X2D cannot record video, which while it simplifies the menu system can be a disadvantage for photographers who also need to shoot video content. The lack of a joystick to move the focus point is another minor disadvantage, as you have to rely on the dials, which can be slower and less intuitive.
Finally, there is the question of cost. The X2D is significantly more expensive than high-end full-frame cameras, and the lenses are also more expensive. While the camera delivers on its promise of top-notch image quality, Iversen wonders whether the small improvements in sharpness and detail justify the high price, especially for photographers who don’t make large prints or who work primarily with digital formats.
The Hasselblad X2D is undoubtedly an impressive camera, but it also comes with compromises. It offers exceptional image quality and a top-notch build, but the trade-offs in file size, lens options and cost might limit its appeal to a niche group of photographers who need—or simply want—the best of the best. Watch the video above for Iversen’s full summary.
