Q2/Q3 or Hasselblad X2D? Which do you choose?

[adrianh]

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I just got my  X2D , opted for the 55V and waiting for the 28P

IMHO it is a good companion for the Q3 but not a really option. It is more then 50% heavier, costs double the price, is much bigger and is way slower.

The X2D  will probably replace my M11, the weight is very similar, the price of the body and the lenses are comparable, it is faster in good light due to AF but AF is really bad in low light, however manual focussing is  nice  with the V-Lenses. Flash is way simpler and much much cheaper due to Nikon TTL implementation.

 

 

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Edited January 1, 2024 by adrianh

[student]

2 hours ago, adrianh said:

IMHO it is a good companion for the Q3 but not a really option. It is more then 50% heavier, costs double the price, is much bigger and is way slower.

The X2D  will probably replace my M11, the weight is very similar, the price of the body and the lenses are comparable, it is faster in good light due to AF but AF is really bad in low light, however manual focussing is  nice  with the V-Lenses. Flash is way simpler and much much cheaper due to Nikon TTL implementation.

Fair comparison IMHO

[anonymoose]

I'm getting awfully close to picking up a used X1D II 50C with a 45mm lens. My Q2 is letting me down in low light and shadow detail when I expose for highlights.

I'll post a comparison here if I decide it's a good idea to spend $6k I didn't intend on spending 🤣

[Photon42]

54 minutes ago, anonymoose said:

I'm getting awfully close to picking up a used X1D II 50C with a 45mm lens. My Q2 is letting me down in low light and shadow detail when I expose for highlights.

I'll post a comparison here if I decide it's a good idea to spend $6k I didn't intend on spending 🤣

With the Hassy and the 45 you lose two stops of light gathering capability from looking at the respective maximum apertures. The sensor of the Hassy thus would need to be three stops better to see a little difference. In addition, the Q2 has image stabilisation, which the X1D2 lacks.

[Einst_Stein]

1 hour ago, anonymoose said:

I'm getting awfully close to picking up a used X1D II 50C with a 45mm lens. My Q2 is letting me down in low light and shadow detail when I expose for highlights.

I'll post a comparison here if I decide it's a good idea to spend $6k I didn't intend on spending 🤣

You might be happier with 38v.

[anonymoose]

I went to test out the X1D II 50C and took some comparison shots on it and my Q2. Playing around with them in Lightroom, even with the slower lens on the X1D, shadow recovery is at least a stop better than my Q2.

That being said, the difference in image quality isn't there and I love using my Q2 enough that the X1D isn't worth it for me. I might rent one in the future when I can take it out to shoot landscapes.

And yes, the autofocus is as bad or worse than they say. Made my Q2 feel like a Sony A1 🤣

Edited January 6, 2024 by anonymoose

[PeterGA]

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I've been patiently waiting for a good reason to sell my 50 0.95 Noctilux and the 100 megapixels from Hasselblad was a good reason to do it. As for Q3 I'm happy with the Q2 moncrome. 

 

 

 

[Photon42]

Just note the X1D's sensor was first marketed around 2014 in the CFV 50 (first gen). Of course the sensor isn't everything, but it is also not nothing ....

[Einst_Stein]

12 hours ago, PeterGA said:

I've been patiently waiting for a good reason to sell my 50 0.95 Noctilux and the 100 megapixels from Hasselblad was a good reason to do it. As for Q3 I'm happy with the Q2 moncrome. 

 

 

 

I don’t understand the logic to replace the 50mm/f0.95 with 100mP sensor. 
Did you get the f0.95 because you thought that would give you higher resolution? and then found it is not?

[S Maclean]

I'm late here, but I'm able to give an informed opinion since I have a lot of the gear in question.

First, X2D can not be compared to the Q cameras.  They are not on the same plane in any aspect.  One is a fantastic system for portability, fast use, ease of use, etc. It has a single lens, form factor, and technology that can be used by anyone, from iPhone users to professionals. The other is a medium format 100 mp first-in-class photographers tool that, although good on automatic mode, is meant to be a tool for though out, paced photography.  We bought the Q for my wife, a fantastic photographer who hates technical tinkering. I use it sparingly and love it, but I would instead use the M11 when in need, Which, on a 28 mm lens range, is very easy to use fast in hyper-focus and gives me far better choice of other, more attractive prime focal lenghs.

The Hasselblad images are addictive. I have the x2d and the 907x, and I cannot get enough of it. So are the M11 (and the Q, I guess), but pound for pound for cityscapes, landscapes, etc, Hasselblad wins. For portrait it depends on the style.  For studio, X2D.

I have no experience with the S3, which I suppose would be a better comparison to the X2D or with the SL2 if we forgo medium format and mp count.

And i know that MP count is not critical beyond 40 or so.  But there is no arguing that the 100mp paired with a medium format sensor make a difference.

The dynamic range, color rendering, IBIS (can take a perfect pic handhled at 1 sec with some care) on the Hassy is just not matched, definitely not by the Q

I've tested the Hasselblad for street photography (even the 907X), and it can be done, but it is heavier, slower, slow focus, and I end up getting a hit ratio of about 60% or less if I am really on the move.

With the Q, under the same circumstances, I get about 90% hit ratio, with the M11 about 80/85%.  This is taking pics on the move, fast focusing or hyperfocusing, shooting from the hip, etc. In other words, real use.  X system is challenged but not fully defeated under that scenario.

But, give me time to compose, and the X is a beast.

So...Q or X2D:  X2D ($ aside).

M system vrs X2D or 907X: Very close, just depends on form factor preference and intended use and end-user experience. Both systems will be a joy to use and give you outstanding results, with small compromises or hoops to jump over in each case.

X2D versus S3 (or Fuji) I suspect here it also depends on the end user but the IQ will be similar.  FUJI is going to beat everything if you are a fast-trigger shooter, S3 in the middle and Hassy perhaps slightly more limited on field use.

907x : a joy to use if the process is as important as the image itself.

In my expereince the joy of using the M systems manually, as well as the 907X, produces amazing results on my images....because I am just, truly, invested on each image.  X2D used manually would fall right behind those 2, but under some conditions,  the IBIS, MP count, IQ and color quality and ease of use really give an advantage.

 

But no, the Q is not part of that conversation at all.

 

 

[bags27]

4 hours ago, S Maclean said:

I'm late here, but I'm able to give an informed opinion since I have a lot of the gear in question.

First, X2D can not be compared to the Q cameras.  They are not on the same plane in any aspect.  One is a fantastic system for portability, fast use, ease of use, etc. It has a single lens, form factor, and technology that can be used by anyone, from iPhone users to professionals. The other is a medium format 100 mp first-in-class photographers tool that, although good on automatic mode, is meant to be a tool for though out, paced photography.  We bought the Q for my wife, a fantastic photographer who hates technical tinkering. I use it sparingly and love it, but I would instead use the M11 when in need, Which, on a 28 mm lens range, is very easy to use fast in hyper-focus and gives me far better choice of other, more attractive prime focal lenghs.

The Hasselblad images are addictive. I have the x2d and the 907x, and I cannot get enough of it. So are the M11 (and the Q, I guess), but pound for pound for cityscapes, landscapes, etc, Hasselblad wins. For portrait it depends on the style.  For studio, X2D.

I have no experience with the S3, which I suppose would be a better comparison to the X2D or with the SL2 if we forgo medium format and mp count.

And i know that MP count is not critical beyond 40 or so.  But there is no arguing that the 100mp paired with a medium format sensor make a difference.

The dynamic range, color rendering, IBIS (can take a perfect pic handhled at 1 sec with some care) on the Hassy is just not matched, definitely not by the Q

I've tested the Hasselblad for street photography (even the 907X), and it can be done, but it is heavier, slower, slow focus, and I end up getting a hit ratio of about 60% or less if I am really on the move.

With the Q, under the same circumstances, I get about 90% hit ratio, with the M11 about 80/85%.  This is taking pics on the move, fast focusing or hyperfocusing, shooting from the hip, etc. In other words, real use.  X system is challenged but not fully defeated under that scenario.

But, give me time to compose, and the X is a beast.

So...Q or X2D:  X2D ($ aside).

M system vrs X2D or 907X: Very close, just depends on form factor preference and intended use and end-user experience. Both systems will be a joy to use and give you outstanding results, with small compromises or hoops to jump over in each case.

X2D versus S3 (or Fuji) I suspect here it also depends on the end user but the IQ will be similar.  FUJI is going to beat everything if you are a fast-trigger shooter, S3 in the middle and Hassy perhaps slightly more limited on field use.

907x : a joy to use if the process is as important as the image itself.

In my expereince the joy of using the M systems manually, as well as the 907X, produces amazing results on my images....because I am just, truly, invested on each image.  X2D used manually would fall right behind those 2, but under some conditions,  the IBIS, MP count, IQ and color quality and ease of use really give an advantage.

 

But no, the Q is not part of that conversation at all.

 

 

I find it amazing (in no way implying incredulity or dispute) that you could rank the 907x system that highly, given that it lacks IBIS. I say that as someone who owns it (with the 50c): the only digital camera I use--for international travel, as I otherwise shoot only film. I agree that the 907x offers a wonderful shooting experience (I otherwise mainly use a film Blad, and when focusing  always move the 907x in the wrong direction, so reminiscent it is of the film version). So, absolutely, agree: a joy to use. My shooting buddy has the X2D (I convinced him to buy it) and I've used it. Very nice, but not the 907x. My Q went a long time ago; no regrets. I almost bought a M11P instead of the 907x and glad I didn't, though all respect to its images. 

 

[S Maclean]

7 hours ago, bags27 said:

I find it amazing (in no way implying incredulity or dispute) that you could rank the 907x system that highly, given that it lacks IBIS. I say that as someone who owns it (with the 50c): the only digital camera I use--for international travel, as I otherwise shoot only film. I agree that the 907x offers a wonderful shooting experience (I otherwise mainly use a film Blad, and when focusing  always move the 907x in the wrong direction, so reminiscent it is of the film version). So, absolutely, agree: a joy to use. My shooting buddy has the X2D (I convinced him to buy it) and I've used it. Very nice, but not the 907x. My Q went a long time ago; no regrets. I almost bought a M11P instead of the 907x and glad I didn't, though all respect to its images. 

 

For me it's about its intended use.  Don't get me wrong, I would not complain and would love for it to have the Same ibis as the x2d, which is incredible, but once you get used to it you just have to do work around it. As you would on a film camera.

I have the x2d so I take that when I know I don't want to deal with the lack of Ibis or viewfinder. But I have been very pleasantly surprised the couple of times I've taken the 907x for a walk through a city. It yields well, specially on wider lenses; 38, 28 and sometimes 55. And specially on shots where DOF is not critical amd can be stopped down a bit.

To have both, plus the m11, is an incredibly unnecessary luxury that I have chosen to take, and I don't regret it.  I am not a dentist, but that doesn't mean I can't live like one.

[Viv]

I am still getting used to my newly-acquired X2D, but I am very impressed by the images, which usually need little or no post-processing. The tactile experience is also most pleasing.

However, I will keep my Q2, which is a great travel camera and my CL for snapshot shooting. I am undecided whether or not to keep the M11. I don't use it a lot.

Incidentally, I sold a Fuji system to finance the X2D.

[Smogg]

19 minutes ago, Viv said:

I am still getting used to my newly-acquired X2D, but I am very impressed by the images, which usually need little or no post-processing. The tactile experience is also most pleasing.

However, I will keep my Q2, which is a great travel camera and my CL for snapshot shooting. I am undecided whether or not to keep the M11. I don't use it a lot.

Incidentally, I sold a Fuji system to finance the X2D.

Usually people who sell Leica M later regret it. The experience of shooting with a Leica M is incomparable. Don't rush to sell this camera, let it sit on the shelf for a while and it will find its way to your heart again, I'm sure

[Viv]

7 minutes ago, Smogg said:

Usually people who sell Leica M later regret it. The experience of shooting with a Leica M is incomparable. Don't rush to sell this camera, let it sit on the shelf for a while and it will find its way to your heart again, I'm sure

I agree with you. I am not in any rush.

[S Maclean]

9 hours ago, Smogg said:

Usually people who sell Leica M later regret it. The experience of shooting with a Leica M is incomparable. Don't rush to sell this camera, let it sit on the shelf for a while and it will find its way to your heart again, I'm sure

Also agree.

I sometimes have some guilt-related issues with equipment and think about letting go of the M11.  However, when I take it, I fall in love all over again.  The most tempting thing for me was to switch to an SL2 because my eyesight is not as good as it used to be, but then I got the X2D and that bridged that need.

Also, the M system is just magic.  I 100% on Hassy IQ and how incredibly appealing those images are, but there is a lot in terms of character, optics and experience that is trully unique to Leica.

Hasselblad, on the x system, produces incredibly powerful and perfect files, but that is not photography on and by itself. M system is grittier, less technical, and more action-based in character.  The wealth of optics (Leica, CV and others) and the incredible stealth portability of the system that allows you to walk around very casually, less as a photographer and more as a participant.  And still, arguably, the files themselves are technically as good, especially with some of more technical lenses

So, to me, it's more about mood...How i feel on a specific day and what type of experience I want to have shooting, than it is about the value of a single image over another.

On my last two trips back to NYC I took the M11 on one, with the steel rim 35, 50 summi and 21 SE, and on the other the X system with 28p, 55v and 38v.  The images with the Leica ended up being more emotional, more personal, 100% reflective of how I see this city that I love so much and had to leave for work, and it's people. The images witht he X system are visually more impressive.  Cinematic, oily. Both have value...probably both styles can be taken with both cameras, It is just what the cameras bring out of me.  Also adding some Paris Leica shots that are a little less gritty than the NYC ones.

Hasselblad:

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Leica in NY:

Leica in Paris and Madrid, mostly 21 SE and CV 75

 

 

 

Edited May 12, 2024 by S Maclean

[Smogg]

10 minutes ago, S Maclean said:

Also agree.

I sometimes have some guilt-related issues with equipment and think about letting go of the M11.  However, when I take it, I fall in love all over again.  The most tempting thing for me was to switch to an SL2 because my eyesight is not as good as it used to be, but then I got the X2D and that bridged that need.

Also, the M system is just magic.  I 100% on Hassy IQ and how incredibly appealing those images are, but there is a lot in terms of character, optics and experience that is trully unique to Leica.

Hasselblad, on the x system, produces incredibly powerful and perfect files, but that is not photography on and by itself. M system is grittier, less technical, and more action-based in character.  The wealth of optics (Leica, CV and others) and the incredible stealth portability of the system that allows you to walk around very casually, less as a photographer and more as a participant.  And still, arguably, the files themselves are technically as good, especially with some of more technical lenses

So, to me, it's more about mood...How i feel on a specific day and what type of experience I want to have shooting, than it is about the value of a single image over another.

On my last two trips back to NYC I took the M11 on one, with the steel rim 35, 50 summi and 21 SE, and on the other the X system with 28p, 55v and 38v.  The images with the Leica ended up being more emotional, more personal, 100% reflective of how I see this city that I love so much and had to leave for work, and it's people. The images witht he X system are visually more impressive.  Cinematic, oily. Both have value...probably both styles can be taken with both cameras, It is just what the cameras bring out of me.  Also adding some Paris Leica shots that are a little less gritty than the NYC ones.

Hasselblad:

Welcome, dear visitor! As registered member you'd see an image here…

Simply register for free here – We are always happy to welcome new members!

 

Leica in NY:

 

Laieca in Paris, mostly 21 SE and CV 75

Wonderful shots!!! I agree with your description of the differences between m11 and X2D. Each of these cameras has its own strengths. Every time I think for a long time which camera should I take for my next walk: M11 or X2D. I always take both cameras on vacation. I use Leica Q3 for walking with my family.

[bags27]

I agree that the M11 is capable of producing more filmic photos than HB. I was rooting hard against the M11, because I despised its vulgar rollout. But I had to admit that some (not all: I honestly don't know how one tames that camera, just as I never tamed the 35 Lux FLE consistently) are really stunning. If I were looking for a digital camera that produced, to my eye, the very most pleasing aesthetics, it would be the M11 (I don't regret having sold my M10, but I do admire the M11). But shooting mainly film and using mainly a Blad for that, the 907x is just such a joy.

But yes, of all digital cameras currently in production (which excludes the S and Sigma Foveons), the M11 produces the most pleasing photos, to my eye.

[Viv]

On 6/8/2023 at 5:31 AM, ropo54 said:

So, which way would you go? Q2/Q3 or Hasselblad X2D?

The Q shoots faster, but the X2D is greatly improved;

The Q is a fixed lens, while the X2D affords may options?

X2D is 100mpx medium format image.  Better dynamic range brings larger files.  

Both have image stabilization.

The X2D is slightly more expensive, particularly when factoring in several lenses

Landscape shooting?  Street shooting?  Portrait shooting?  Moving objects vs states objects?

If you could have one or the other, which would you choose? Pick your winner.

 

I chose both.

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Hallo,

Look here: Leica Q

[student]

7 hours ago, Viv said:

I chose both.

Sensible; greatly facilitates a continuous real-time comparison

And do you now have a preference after experiencing both?