These are the two best Hasselblad cameras on the market right now, featuring the company's latest 100MP sensor and phase detect autofocus technology. However, while both share the same core architecture, they are very different in their operation and intention.
So, which is the right Hasselblad camera for you? Here are the key differences…
Mirrorless vs modularity
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The modular 907X & CFV 100C is a more versatile Hasselblad camera (Image credit: James Artaius)
Okay, that's a slightly misleading header since these Hasselblad cameras are both mirrorless. However, the X2D takes the form of a conventional (albeit unconventionally beautiful) mirrorless camera body while the 907X & CFV 100C is a traditional modular Hasselblad camera.
So, if you're looking for a traditional SLR-style viewfinder camera with a right-hand grip, dual exposure dials, lots of control buttons and a rear screen, the X2D is the one for you.
If you want a modular box camera featuring a detachable digital back, however, then the 907X & CFV 100C is the way to go. The digital back (the CFV 100C part) can be attached to legacy Hasselblad V System cameras, such as the iconic 500C, as well as field and technical cameras, to breathe new life into timeless equipment.
Image stabilization
The X2D 100C is the only 100MP Hasselblad camera with image stabilization (Image credit: Future)
If you want a Hasselblad camera with in-body image stabilization (IBIS), there is only one option.
We've established that the X2D 100C takes the form of a modern mirrorless camera, designed primarily for handheld shooting. As such it possesses a formidable IBIS system, delivering an incredible 7 stops of shake compensation.
The 907X & CFV 100C, however, is a box camera designed for tripod use. It can be used handheld, and is actually quite comfortable to hold – particularly with the optional 907X Control Grip.
But there is zero margin for error when it comes to camera shake. When you're shooting at 100MP, even minor movements can be seen clear as day – and on top of that, you risk the rolling shutter (Jell-O) effect.
Viewfinder
The X2D has a stunning electronic viewfinder (Image credit: James Artaius)
Again, only one of these Hasselblad cameras has an integrated finder. As a mirrorless camera, the X2D features a stunning 0.5-inch OLED electronic viewfinder with 5.76 million dots of resolution. This offers a "WYSIWYG" live view of your scene, showing your exposure changes as you make them, so what you see in the EVF is exactly what you get in your photograph.
The modular 907X & CFV 100C only has a a tilting rear screen – albeit a gorgeous, 3.2-inch, 2.36 million-dot tilting one that mimics a classic top-down finder. The optional 907X Optical Viewfinder, reminiscent of the Hasselblad SWC viewfinder, can be mounted (featuring field of view and markings for XCD 21, 30 and 45mm lenses, with a center cross for an autofocus point), but does not offer the WYSIWYG benefits of the EVF.
Price
The rear screen on the 907X & CFV 100C tilts to 45° and 90°, offering a classic top-down finder experience (Image credit: James Artaius)
The price difference between these Hasselblad cameras changes dramatically depending on your location.
In the USA, both cameras carry the same price of $8,199.
In the UK, however, the X2D is more expensive at £7,369, compared to the £6,729 to the 907X & 100C.
In Australia, though, it's the other way around, as the 907X & CFV 100C is more expensive at AU$12,869 while the X2D is priced at AU$12,470.
Of note, I would strongly advise against importing a camera from another country to save money – or even buying one if you're on vacation in another region. Your camera's warranty is tied to its country of origin, so if you buy one from overseas and something goes wrong you will not be able to get it fixed in your home area. Savings can be tempting, but it's false economy if something goes wrong!
Hasselblad cameras are, in my opinion, the most beautiful in the industry (Image credit: James Artaius)
The editor of Digital Camera World, James has 21 years experience as a journalist and started working in the photographic industry in 2014 (as an assistant to Damian McGillicuddy, who succeeded David Bailey as Principal Photographer for Olympus). In this time he shot for clients like Aston Martin Racing, Elinchrom and L'Oréal, in addition to shooting campaigns and product testing for Olympus, and providing training for professionals. This has led him to being a go-to expert for camera and lens reviews, photo and lighting tutorials, as well as industry news, rumors and analysis for publications like Digital Camera Magazine, PhotoPlus: The Canon Magazine, N-Photo: The Nikon Magazine, Digital Photographer and Professional Imagemaker, as well as hosting workshops and talks at The Photography Show. He also serves as a judge for the Red Bull Illume Photo Contest. An Olympus and Canon shooter, he has a wealth of knowledge on cameras of all makes – and a fondness for vintage lenses and instant cameras.
