agrumpyoldsod Offline Upload & Sell: Off
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Not with standing the fact that the X2D shoots 101.8mp 16-bit images, which seem to average 220MB each it is much faster than I remember my X1DII: to start up, to focus (with the older XCD lenses, which are all I have), to move Af points, EVF and LCD screen are fast. etc......... AND to take and save photos. I have used it with just the SSD and with both an SSD and a CF Express Type B card (not a very very fast one) and it is quicker ---- AND the image quality is spectacular (Import RAW files and make initial adjustments (including lens corrections) in Phocus then export as a 16-bit Profoto TIF before working on the images in LR/LRC/PS. There seems to be no point exporting as DNG files, I believe one looses the Hasselblad colour science adjustments, but I don't know for sure yet).
BUT and there are buts:
-- shooting with X2D is WAY WAY slower than my Z9 -- there is a short lag between pressing the shutter button and the shutter closing and then reopening - it seems shorter on the X2D than on the X1DII.
-- shooting continuously seems much much faster -- the quoted 3.3fps is for 14-bit. I took 10 shots 16-bit raw saved to the SSD and a CF card took 5.6 seconds - so 1.8fps. I pre-focussed and did not change/subject focus between shots.
-- moving the AF point with the new small "trackpad areas on the rear LCD - is very fast and could not be easier. When shooting landscape or portrait.
-- using the AF-D (af-on) back button does seem to speed up shooting a tiny bit.
No eye/face tracking YET -- but it is coming. Hasselblad will not say when. I hope this does come soon and as a minimum works well with humans and animals.
Body is slightly larger, heavier and the grip is deeper GOOD - my RRS L-plate for the X1D-II fits the X2D but not well and it partially covers the battery. So has to be removed to change batteries. Body gets warm when recharging with one of my MAC USB-C MBP charging blocks -- but it is quicker than a lower amperage charger.
Body seems to have more weather sealing than the X1D-II -- but I will continue to use raincovers. I understand the new lenses have a rubber gasket on them to provide a better seal between the camera mount and the lens.
First 3 new style lenses 38, 55 and 90 are not ideal for me.
I will probably buy one or more next week. It depends on when my supplier gets stock and in what order.
The 90mm/2.5 V2 (71mm/2.0 35mm eq) is of most interest for headshots -- I have the 80/1.9 (63mm/1.5 35mm eq) and would probably trade it in - the 90 is the only lens that can be used at 1/4000th (all others are only rated to /2000th.
The 38/2.5 (30mm f/2 35mm eq) and 55/2.5 (43mm f/2.0 35mm eq) are not my favourite focal lengths -- currently I use the 21/4 (17mm f/3.2 35mm eq), 120/3.5 Macro (95mm f/2.8 35mm eq) and the 135/2.8+TC17 (105mm f/2.2 or 178mm f/3.5 35mm eq) most frequently.
Both the Macro and 21mm are spectacularly good.
I might swap my 30mm for the new 38mm or just sell this lens. I asked for a lens road map - they will not provide this YET. I want to wait to see if "better for me" focal lengths emerge.
Hasselblad has to update Phocus Mobile before one can control this camera with an iPhone (and presumably other devices) -- this is promised for autumn -- so soon - the X2D has lost its audio in and out sockets and therefore an external wired trigger can no longer be used.
I took some initial images yesterday and went out again -- very briefly today - I also took a Nikon PC-E 24mm tilt and shift lens and Novoflex adapter -- the results can be seen HERE
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