Undoubtedly, the Hasselblad X2D 100C Earth Explorer Limited Edition camera body and XCD 3,2-4,5/20-35E lens are a versatile combo that covers a broad range of photographic genres and subject matters. In addition, this combination brings a sense of freedom and openness that can’t be ignored. A Tundra Brown exterior, the “Earth Explorer” label. Indeed, the ultra-wide-angle focal lengths, a metal lens body, and many other subtle details. Altogether, it whispers that Hasselblad aims for the hearts of the adventurer. Chiefly the brave explorer and traveler who embraces the world. The combo is the beginning of a journey that includes challenging quests. The camera’s production is limited to 1,000 units worldwide.
Key Features of the Hasselblad X2D 100C Earth Explorer Limited Edition Camera Body and XCD 3,2-4,5/20-35E lens Combo
- Mirrorless medium format camera
- 100MP BSI CMOS sensor
- 5-axis 7-stop in-body image stabilization (IBIS)
- Built-in 1TB SSD
- 64 – 25600 ISO range
- OLED, 5.76-million-dot electronic viewfinder
- Ultra-wide angle zoom lens
- 16-27mm 35mm equivalent focal length range
- Maximum aperture f/3.2 at 16mm, f/4.5 at 27mm
- Minimum focusing distance 32cm
- 16 elements in 12 groups
- Total weight 1700g (895g camera body + 805g lens)
What’s New About the Hasselblad X2D 100C Earth Explorer Limited Edition Camera Body and XCD 3,2-4,5/20-35E Lens Combo
Hasselblad has accustomed us to high-quality standards and attention to detail. However, this camera–lens combo takes things in a new direction. It creates a ritual that connects the photographer and the gear to a deeper level. It starts with a unique design and continues with a bespoke start-up screen. After that, Hasselblad immerses the photographer in vast scenery wider than the human eye can perceive.
The impressive 100MP resolution produces exquisite prints and gives all the space you need for post-processing. Add an outstanding shutter speed range and flash synchronization, built-in image stabilization, and a broad dynamic range, and the harshest of conditions will hardly be an excuse for poor photographs.
Camera Design
The Hasselblad X2D 100C Earth Explorer Limited Edition camera body is inspired by Nordic tundra landscapes. It’s made of machined aluminum and has a Tundra Brown exterior with a laser-engraved “Earth Explorer” label and a unique Serial number on the side. This mirrorless medium-format camera packs powerful functionalities in a compact, portable body, ideal for long journeys.
To complete the design, the lens has a timeless, metallic appeal. Markedly, a subtle “H” logo engraved here and there; a nameplate with the “V” insignia; and an overall ergonomic feel. Clearly, Hasselblad invested a lot of time and energy into delivering the best experience for their customers and bringing beauty forward in the design.
High-Quality Images in Any Conditions
The camera operates at temperatures between -10° and 45° C (14° and 113° F) and up to 85% humidity, so you are OK in both cold and hot weather. But what’s more astonishing is its capacity to perform in low light conditions. The camera features a wide dynamic range. It captures images in ISO 64 – 25600. Also, 5-axis 7-stop built-in image stabilization makes it so there is little chance of camera shake and blur.
Moreover, the XCD 3,2-4,5/20-35E lens has an updated integral central shutter with an astonishing speed range from 68 minutes to 1/2000th second. It also features a wide maximum aperture at both ends of the focal length spectrum. A 1/4″ tripod socket is also helpful for long exposures.
Adjustable Focal Length
Being a zoom lens, the XCD 3,2-4,5/20-35E lens covers a range of wide-angle focal lengths. The 20mm (16mm, 35mm equivalent focal length) is the widest in the Hasselblad X System, providing a 108° angle of view. There is no better focal length for landscapes, cityscapes, and scenic views. At the other end of the range, the 35mm (27mm, 35mm equivalent focal length) is closer to the human-eye perspective and perfect for street shots, interiors, environmental portraiture, and travel photos.
With an optical structure of 16 elements in 12 groups (including 3 aspherical elements), the lens effectively reduces aberrations and produces edge-to-edge clarity and color accuracy.
Fast Leaf Shutter
Although the lens is compact, its built-in leaf shutter supports flash synchronization at all shutter speeds and a flash sync speed of up to 1/2000s. Furthermore, the leaf shutter has a special design to reduce vibrations and produce high-quality shots. Whether you use the flash to freeze a moving subject or complement natural light, this zoom lens grants you complete creative freedom.
Huge Internal Storage
A Hasselblad 3FR RAW file requires, on average, 206MB of storage space. This is not surprising because it is a 100MP image file containing all the details you need for editing, enlarging, and printing your photos. To deal with this large storage space requirement, the camera features a built-in 1TB SSD and an additional CFexpress Type B card slot that supports a card with a maximum storage capacity of 512GB. You can take over 7,300 shots before reaching the maximum combined internal and external storage space capacity.
Who Should Buy This Camera-Lens Combo?
The mirrorless medium format camera and ultra-wide-angle zoom lens benefit photographers who prefer a wide angle of view, require versatility and adaptability to unpredictable conditions, and love to travel. In addition, the camera’s high resolution is recommended for photographers who enlarge, print, or heavily post-process their shots.
The unique design of the Hasselblad X2D 100C Earth Explorer Limited Edition camera body suits nature lovers, explorers, and adventure enthusiasts. It’s more of a companion than a piece of equipment, which makes it a perfect match for wholehearted people capturing the wonders of the world.
Comparable Hasselblad Camera-Lens Combo
Compared with the standard version, the limited-edition camera scores the same in terms of technical aspects. They share the same sensor, internal storage space, image stabilization, and color management system. What’s different is the feeling, the story behind the exquisite design, the ritual of a start-up screen, and the complicity of a limited series.
The lens is a long-awaited addition to the X System lens series. Until now, the series included only prime lenses and one zoom lens with a focal length range of 35-75mm (28-58 mm, 35mm equivalent). Photographers looking for a wide angle of view were limited to less versatile prime lenses.
Final Thoughts
The new Hasselblad X2D 100C Earth Explorer Limited Edition camera body and XCD 3,2-4,5/20-35E lens combo opens the door to wide-angle photography. It transforms this medium format camera into a portable photo setup and invites photographers to create inspiring workflows. Details are essential for a creative environment and an optimal artistic experience. But don’t overlook the impressive technical specifications of this new combo. Image quality is perfected to a T to deliver amazing in-camera photos and endless post-processing opportunities. Freedom of expression is the ultimate benefit of these products.
Feature photo by Emanuele Di Mare
