SL3 vs X2D (use cases)

[Smogg]

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If you have both cameras, in what situations would you prefer to use one camera or the other?

[Chris W]

I can only offer advice on the X12D, I know the X2D is an improved version.

The main downsides of the Hasselblad X system are 1) the very expensive, large lenses and 2) not being able to edit in Capture One.

The X system is a beautiful industrial design. It's reasonably portable and ergonomic with the 45p lens, which is the cheapest lens they offer, but it's also a very good lens. 

The SL system can be great for video. The Sigma lenses for L mount are outstanding, quite small and very affordable.

As a lifelong C1 user I tried for over a year to love Lightroom, but couldn't. The recent increase in monthly subscription from£10 to £22 was the last straw.

Don't ignore the X1D2. It is a superb camera. I recently took it on a three month global road trip and the images are stunning, beautiful detail and colours. Due to it being medium format and high max (50) I did have quite a few 'soft' images (camera shake), and it isn't a low light beast.

Edited January 18 by Chris W
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[Smogg]

10 minutes ago, Chris W said:

I can only offer advice on the X12D, I know the X2D is an improved version.

The main downsides of the Hasselblad X system are 1) the very expensive, large lenses and 2) not being able to edit in Capture One.

The X system is a beautiful industrial design. It's reasonably portable and ergonomic with the 45p lens, which is the cheapest lens they offer, but it's also a very good lens. 

The SL system can be great for video. The Sigma lenses for L mount are outstanding, quite small and very affordable.

As a lifelong C1 user I tried for over a year to love Lightroom, but couldn't. The recent increase in monthly subscription from£10 to £22 was the last straw.

Don't ignore the X1D2. It is a superb camera. I recently took it on a three month global road trip and the images are stunning, beautiful detail and colours. Due to it being medium format and high max (50) I did have quite a few 'soft' images (camera shake), and it isn't a low light beast.

I already have an X2D and use it extensively with the new compact lenses and sometimes with zoom 35-75. I asked the question out of curiosity, as I myself can't find a situation in the focal range up to 90mm where it would be preferable to use the SL3.

 

P.S. I am a Lightroom user

Edited January 18 by Smogg

[Spiderm]

I got my SL3 in July and then added the X2D a month ago, so I am still exploring the difference between both.

For the X2D the size and weight is preferred when paired with p lens or 38/55V and also the flash sync speed is useful in daylight.

I will reach for the SL3 when I need better autofocus or tele lens but the sync speed is limited if I am using flash.

i did once tried to compare the photos taken by both with the best lens I have for each camera -SL90 apo/ 90V (not a professional test/ comparison) and I actually don’t find the difference to be so significant..

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[jakontil]

49 minutes ago, Smogg said:

I already have an X2D and use it extensively with the new compact lenses and sometimes with zoom 35-75. I asked the question out of curiosity, as I myself can't find a situation in the focal range up to 90mm where it would be preferable to use the SL3.

 

P.S. I am a Lightroom user

I dont have the SL3 but i had the 601 back in the day.. always have my M alonside, and now the X2D and 907x 

I cant imagine the SL3 would be preferred on any kind of situation when the X2D could do, however, for M scenario, it’s easier… the street

that has been my use case… even at times i still prefer the more compact 907x over my M

and i still shoot films, and each the M films and hasselblad 503cw would be relevant to which digital i take along

[Smogg]

38 minutes ago, Spiderm said:

I will reach for the SL3 when I need better autofocus or tele lens but the sync speed is limited if I am using flash.

 

For my use, I didn't notice any advantage to the SL3's autofocus. AF-C works sometimes, but it's generally unreliable, so I had to abandon it to avoid guessing when it would come in handy. Also, switching to AF-C and back to AF-S if AF-C isn't doing well takes time due to the awkward profile change, which is distracting.

Edited January 18 by Smogg

[Smogg]

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17 minutes ago, jakontil said:

I dont have the SL3 but i had the 601 back in the day.. always have my M alonside, and now the X2D and 907x 

I cant imagine the SL3 would be preferred on any kind of situation when the X2D could do, however, for M scenario, it’s easier… the street

that has been my use case… even at times i still prefer the more compact 907x over my M

and i still shoot films, and each the M films and hasselblad 503cw would be relevant to which digital i take along

I tried the 907x but gave up because of the lack of stabilization. I didn't have enough stability in my hands.

[Spiderm]

20 minutes ago, Smogg said:

For my use, I didn't notice any advantage to the SL3's autofocus. AF-C works sometimes, but it's generally unreliable, so I had to abandon it to avoid guessing when it would come in handy. Also, switching to AF-C and back to AF-S if AF-C isn't doing well takes time due to the awkward profile change, which is distracting.

The SL3’s face/ body detection is more responsive for me when I do portraits or have my friends take photos of me when I am travelling , but that’s just my use.

re- the issue of changing focus mode, have you tried using the buttons in front next to the lens mount? I set the focus and af mode with those buttons it works fine for me.

[Smogg]

22 minutes ago, Spiderm said:

The SL3’s face/ body detection is more responsive for me when I do portraits or have my friends take photos of me when I am travelling , but that’s just my use.

re- the issue of changing focus mode, have you tried using the buttons in front next to the lens mount? I set the focus and af mode with those buttons it works fine for me.

The problem is the unreliability of face/body detect. The focus jumps between the body and the central point when the camera loses the body (and it loses it very often). And if there is more than one person, then it turns into a nightmare.

Edited January 18 by Smogg

[Spiderm]

7 minutes ago, Smogg said:

The problem is the unreliability of face/body detect. The focus jumps between the body and the central point when the camera loses the body (and it loses it very often). And if there is more than one person, then it turns into a nightmare.

Got your point, so do we not find anything that the SL3 can do better than the X2d? 😂

[Jon Warwick]

1 hour ago, Spiderm said:

I got my SL3 in July and then added the X2D a month ago, so I am still exploring the difference between both.

For the X2D the size and weight is preferred when paired with p lens or 38/55V and also the flash sync speed is useful in daylight.

I will reach for the SL3 when I need better autofocus or tele lens but the sync speed is limited if I am using flash.

i did once tried to compare the photos taken by both with the best lens I have for each camera -SL90 apo/ 90V (not a professional test/ comparison) and I actually don’t find the difference to be so significant..

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I don’t have the X2D, rather the GFX100S + GF55mm, and I side-by-side tested identical scenes (very solid tripod, self timer, f5.6) against an SL3 + SL 50 APO that I borrowed for the weekend. My conclusion was the resolution difference between the SL3 against 100mp medium format, even at 55” wide prints, was de minimal. If anything, more of the frame was in perfect focus with the SL3, perhaps because the SL prime is so good. So I agree with you, I didn’t find the difference to be so significant either despite 60 vs 100mp.

I did think that post processing and dynamic range, and noise, was better on the medium format though. And for completely static scenes, the GFX (and X2D) have multishot, but the SL3 doesn’t.

I’ve did side-by-side images off the M11 Monochrom for the same scenes against the SL3 and 100mp medium format, and IMHO reckoned the monochrom camera resolved more than all of them, but that’s an aside!

I think the main reason for the SL3 would be the ability to use M lenses with it if one also owned something like an M11M. The GFX and X2D are somewhat their own systems with less cross compatibility.

Now - if Leica ever theoretically produced a medium format EVF camera (S4?) that can use SL, S, M lenses on the same body - that would be pretty compelling for me to have one ecosystem!

Edited January 18 by Jon Warwick

[Chris W]

Yes, as the X lenses are leaf shutter, the use case for the SL3 would be adapting M lenses or other vintage lenses (I use Pentax Takumar). Also the Sigma lenses are small, sharp and extremely affordable.

[Hanno]

It’s very subjective so my use and experience may not relate to everyone.

I use the X2D with much more previsualsisation, clarity of intent and precise view of the final image, like a painting. It’s methodical, composed, and it fits with the slower use case of the X2D. As a sign I use mainly the LCD screen. Really like painting. Great for my still life, abstract and certain portraiture.  
 

With the SL3, it’s really about capturing something happening in the moment. I am immersed in it, and as a sign, I use mainly the viewfinder to keep me fully engaged in the scene. It’s like being in a light trance for me. It’s great for “action” (I don’t do wild life or sports, etc.), mouvement, something more fluid. It’s more for me about reacting, responding and relying on the unconscious when connecting with the scene / subject. Great for reportage, documentary, events, and some portraiture.

In some way, using X2D is more strategic and the SL3 more tactical, like a chess game or painting versus playing squash or tennis.

Another factor is going for the colour science of Hasselblad (so organic and natural) or Leica’s pop / colour style. They are both different and have specific rendering so that would be a consideration when choosing one.

Last reason for going SL3 is the specific M-lenses which I love, all the Noctilux lenses, the Summilux 75mm, the Thambar, etc. 
 

In term of edits, I start with Phocus on any X2D file and do minimum edits before exporting as PSD (which I prefer to TIFF exports, based on some unscientific and personal tests. I do not mind the 2G limit per file in PSD). While the file becomes pixel-based, it still works well for further edits. The key for me is that I can export out of Phocus and keep Hasselblad’s colour space / HNCS whether I import into Ps or C1 (based on edits required). Capture One has so much more flexibility in term of file management and edits versus Phocus obviously, and when editing the PSD file into C1, I can still open it back and forth with Ps while keeping it all in C1.

I find though that I do minimum edits on X2D files, mainly Phocus + Ps being mostly the need with light touches. It’s a minimalist approach right to the end with Hasselblad! Maybe it’s because much more has been thought and organised well before even taking the picture. Also the file quality of X2D is such as is, whether in term of grading, nuances in transitions, natural and organic feel etc that very often I don’t feel much else is required. I tend to edit much more on Leica files, enhancing and maximising the viewer’s attention. On a SL3 file, I find myself going through more versatility, creativity and playing options, going in different directions, while with the X2D files, I tend to keep them as close as the original output.
 

Nothing rational in there, just me!

Edited January 18 by Hanno

[tom0511]

I have used both systems longterm. last year I sold all my X2d gear and told myself that my SL3 is more flexible and nearly as good IQ so it makes no sense to keep both. But I missed the x2d and some weeks ago bought a x2d+20-35+75mm lenses.

My use case:

SL3 as a flexible all-round camera, at home, daily life and travel.

The SL3 can do (some) C-AF, it offer long lens use (90280, 70200 or 500/5.6 Sigma).

The X2d for me forces me to take a little more time, I love the colors, no matter if landscape or portraits. Not much if any post processing needed. I also really like the 20.35xcd. It's not bigger than the 16-35SL, and offers faster f-stop. I also do like the 75mm xcd focal length being a little longer than the normal 50mm FF lens. (also always like the 70 S lens)

I enjoy the photographic process as well as the results with the x2d very much. 

If a little more speed and flexibility is needed I use the SL3 though.

Certainly luxury to own both.

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[SrMi]

I have both and am always torn between choosing which system to take when traveling.

I prefer SL3's AF, but I am often fine using manual focus with X2D. However, I miss highlight clipping and LPC in X2D. L-mount zooms are more practical (smaller, lighter, better range). I also enjoy X2D's higher resolution, even though I do not print large. The new V series Hasselblad primes are excellent and relatively light and small.

I would not use either for wildlife shooting, but I stopped doing that anyway.

[enoxiste]

I am sorry to interrupt the main question, how do you compare v series lenses (25,38,55,90) with apo sl lenses about IQ? As i know, apo sl lenses are perfect sharp corner to corner even at f2, do v series as well? How do they match?

Happy to hear your experiences on that as well  

[KateStarr]

12 hours ago, Spiderm said:

I got my SL3 in July and then added the X2D a month ago, so I am still exploring the difference between both.

For the X2D the size and weight is preferred when paired with p lens or 38/55V and also the flash sync speed is useful in daylight.

I will reach for the SL3 when I need better autofocus or tele lens but the sync speed is limited if I am using flash.

i did once tried to compare the photos taken by both with the best lens I have for each camera -SL90 apo/ 90V (not a professional test/ comparison) and I actually don’t find the difference to be so significant..

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

@Spiderm Which camera took which photo?

[Spiderm]

5 hours ago, KateStarr said:

@Spiderm Which camera took which photo?

The first one is X2d and he second is SL3

[o2mpx]

Have a SL2 plus the Leica zooms 16-35/24-90, picked up a X1D then X2D while waiting for the SL3. Didn’t consider the new V lenses but built out with the 21/35-75/90/135 then added the 28p and 45p while selling the Leica zooms, and decided not to get the SL3. Kept the SL2 to use with M lenses. 

The 100mp supported cropping very well, amazing colors, and since landscapes are the main subject matter, not having SOTA autofocusing isn’t a concern. When out with the X2D, haven’t thought about wanting a SL3 instead. 

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[Leica Filmmatic]

Both produce gorgeous images, I use the SL3 for when I need a larger lens selection and better AF.  The blad is the ultimate image making machine and in studio it’s amazing but the SL3 is super close.  As an all a rounder non fast moving subject camera the SL3 is a beautiful proposition.