When you’re in the market for a new camera, it’s understandable to want a unique aesthetic in the camera’s appearance itself. It obviously won’t show up on film, but a little extra character on your housing can enhance the picture-taking experience. While Swedish brand Hasselblad doesn’t get too over-the-top with its latest special edition of the X2D 100C mirrorless unit, it does unveil some inspiration that many photographers will want to take into their own hands.
Based on a Modern Classic
Two years ago, Hasselblad came out with its X2D 100C, a revamp of its flagship mirrorless camera. And ever since, it’s been a favorite of professional photographers and serious enthusiasts alike. Boasting a 100MP medium format illuminated 43.8 x 32.9mm BSI CMOS sensor, resulting in unsaturated quality no matter how far you zoom in, the unit also benefits from body image stabilization and phase detection autofocusing to ensure a near-perfect shot every time. Not to mention, its 1TB storage precluded any need for an extra memory card for a while.
Nordic Inspiration
The new Earth Explorer edition has all these same features but swaps in a new camera body in Tundra Brown. Developed using the Hasselblad Natural Color Solution, which the camera uses itself, the color was inspired by the Nordic surroundings of Hasselblad’s home nation of Sweden, evoking both the “grey-green vegetation and deep brown of the soil.”
Aside from the unique housing, the camera’s Earth Explorer startup screen will be exclusive to this edition. With its edition number engraved on the side of the camera’s body, the Earth Explorer variant is limited to just 1,000 units. There’s also an exclusive strap to match the Tundra Brown camera, “made from eco-friendly recycled plastics woven together with a high-tech, skin-friendly fabric for comfort.” The outer side is hand-embroidered with the Hasselblad script, while the inside features the Earth Explorer font.
Other Features
Returning to the Earth Explorer edition is the vibrant 3.6” LCD touchscreen with a 2.36 million-dot resolution. There’s also 15-stop dynamic range and a 16-bit color depth for unbelievably lively photos. Lastly, the X2D-100C has an ISO range of 64-25,600 for high-quality footage in low-light scenarios.
Spec Sheet
Type: Mirrorless
Image Sensor: 43.8 x 32.9mm BSI CMOS
Megapixels: 100
Dynamic Range: 15 stop
Memory: 1TB
Display: 3.6” LCD
Limited Edition?: Yes, 1,000
Pricing & Availability
Limited to just 1,000 pieces, the X2D 100C Earth Explorer edition won’t come cheap. Priced at $13,999, the Hasselblad camera is available at retailers such as B&H.
Recap
Hasselblad X2D 100C Earth Explorer Edition
Hasselblad equips its flagship X2D 100C mirrorless camera with some Nordic inspiration for this new Earth Explorer edition.
