Η ΓΝΩΣΗ ΤΗΣ ΣΤΟ ΣΧΟΛΕΙΟ ΚΑΙ ΠΕΡΑ ΑΠΟ ΑΥΤΟ
The Fowler & Ward x Base Cabin tiny house features a compact light-filled interior that opens up to the outdoors. Sleeping up to four people, it includes an optional deck, off-grid functionality, and even a neat mini climbing wall that provides access to a bunk bed.
Category: Tiny Houses, Outdoors
Tags: Building and Construction, Micro-House, Tiny Footprint, House, Home
It's been a big week for Content Credentials, the tech made to provide more transparency around how images were created and edited, and whether AI was involved in the process. First, Google announced that its latest lineup of Pixel phones would include the metadata on every photo they took; a first for the smartphone world. Then, Nikon announced that Z6III owners will be able to attach credentials to images they take with the camera for free.
Both moves represent big steps forward for their respective industries. While the Pixel is a tiny player in terms of smartphone market share, other companies tend to follow Google when it introduces new features. The company adding Content Credentials to its phones could push larger players like Samsung and Apple to do the same, especially as they continue to walk the line between pleasing investors and annoying customers by adding AI-powered camera features.
The Pixel 10, 10 Pro and 10 Pro Fold are the first phones to attach Content Credentials to their photos.
Image: Google
Over in the dedicated camera world, Content Credentials have largely only been available to members of the press and those who can afford a Leica. While the Nikon Z6III certainly isn't an entry-level camera, it's much more affordable than most of Leica's offerings. It's also nice to see that Nikon currently isn't charging for access to this feature, though it's possible that'll change in the future.
These changes are important because they could represent a turning point for Content Credentials. While the standard is backed by the Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA), a veritable who's who of imaging tech, its future as an important part of imaging and trust on the internet hasn't necessarily been assured.
As it stands now, an image with Content Credentials may get a special badge on some sites, and you can inspect images to see if they have them with various tools. However, very few people on the web are liable to do that, because almost no images have them. They may be useful to newshounds consuming a lot of photojournalism as proof that an image is authentic (or, at least, not faked in a very specific way), but if you only trusted images with Content Credentials, you'd end up thinking every image you saw on the Internet was fake*.
If you've seen a Content Credential badge before now, it's probably because you went looking for one.If the tech makes its way into the cameras most people are actually using, though, that could start to change. The presence or absence of Content Credentials could become a meaningful contribution to an image's trustworthiness, rather than just being a curiosity. While it certainly wouldn't be a silver bullet against mis- and disinformation and the rise of generative AI, it could wind up being a more useful tool if it's something you can come to rely on most authentically-shot images having.
While that future seems more likely now after this week, it is still a long way off. One of the issues with Content Credentials is that every link in the chain from your camera to the device it's displayed on needs to support them. If you edit them with software or upload them to a service that strips out the metadata, it won't do you or your viewers any good.
Until now, there's arguably been a chicken and egg problem with Content CredentialsBut while the ecosystem around them is still young, it's obviously growing. Recently, Fastly, a massive content delivery network, joined Cloudflare in announcing that a vital part of its image pipeline will now preserve Content Credentials, and Adobe is making strides in ensuring that most of its software works with them, too.
The weakest link may still be web browsers, as the major ones currently don't flag images that have credentials unless you install a third-party extension. Even just Chrome making it seamless to see and inspect Content Credentials could do a lot to boost consumer awareness of the tech.
That doesn't feel impossible, though. Until now, there's arguably been a chicken-and-egg problem with Content Credentials and the web; almost no one was using them, so it was hard to justify putting in the work to support them. But if Nikon and Google end up being just the tip of the iceberg, we could see a lot more demand for the tech coming soon.
* Admittedly, there are probably worse assumptions to make.
Two weeks ago, we started our new 'Question of the week' series in our forums. The series aims to get our vibrant community (that's you) thinking and talking about a range of photography-related topics. We'll be sharing a question every other Wednesday, and, at times, we'll also be sharing our favorite responses on the homepage. It's an opportunity to receive recognition for participating in these discussions and our way of highlighting our incredible community.
Without further ado, let's dive into our second 'Question of the week!"
This week's question: What five questions should you ask yourself when buying a new lens?Last time, we asked, "What five questions should you ask yourself when buying a new camera?" You all had some great advice to share (and still do, as comments are still coming in). But we thought one common topic warranted further discussion: lenses. After all, there's a lot to think about when buying a new lens.
So, this week, we are sticking to a familiar format: What five questions should you ask yourself when buying a new lens? Whether you're adding to an extensive collection or just starting to build out your kit, we want to know the five most important things you should consider when shopping for a new lens.
For those of us in the US, it's a holiday weekend, so we'll share our favorite responses in a post on the homepage on Tuesday; be sure to get your responses in to the forum post before then!
It began quietly, tucked away in the immune systems of a few dozen people scattered across the globe. They weren't superheroes. They didn't wear capes. But they carried something extraordinary, an invisible shield against every virus nature could throw at them. No flu. No measles. No chickenpox. Not even a sniffle.
Category: Infectious Diseases, Illnesses and conditions, Body & Mind
Tags: Virus, The Immune System, Antiviral, Inflammation
Another air record has been (unofficially) broken as a prop-driven solar/electric aircraft reached the highest altitude yet for its type. On August 12, 2025, a modified Elektra One reached 31,237 feet (9,521 m) in the skies over Switzerland.
Tags: Electric Aircraft, Aircraft, World Records
Nikon has announced firmware version 2.0 for the Z6III, adding a dedicated bird mode autofocus mode, in-camera focus limiter, focus shift shooting and more. As part of the firmware update, the camera will also open up the ability to sign photos with C2PA-compliant Content Creditals to everyone, not just pros.
V2.0 featuresIf you've read our coverage on the Nikon Z8's latest firmware, most of the features in this update will likely sound familiar. Perhaps the most exciting for Z6III owners, though, is the addition of bird mode autofocus.
While the Z6III could recognize birds as a subject, its algorithms weren't as advanced as the ones from the Z9 and Z8 when it came to picking them out against high-contrast backgrounds, or keeping up with them in flight. The updated bird detection should increase the Z6III's accuracy when it's tracking small, fast birds, or species that don't look all that similar to other birds.
The Z6III is finally getting the more advanced bird autofocus that's been available in not just the Z8 and Z9, but the Zf and Z50II as well.
Image: Nikon
The absence of bird mode autofocus on the Z6III was especially odd since cheaper, lower-performance cameras like the Nikon Zf and Z50II had it, leading to Nikon pre-announcing that it would be coming to its capable all-rounder by the end of 2025. Now, it's finally here, a fair bit ahead of the deadline.
Another update to the autofocus system is the addition of in-camera focus limiter settings, which let you add precise distance limits on how close and/or far away you want the camera to search for a subject. While some lenses have a similar feature built in, being able to set limits in software lets you use the feature with any lens, which can help make the autofocus even more precise, as it can ignore anything outside of the window you've specified.
The camera also gains the ability to shift focus while taking high-resolution multi-shot images with its pixel shift function. That allows you to get a deeper depth-of-field in your images, though the feature unfortunately doesn't work in camera; like with regular pixel shift images, you'll have to process the focus stacking using Nikon's desktop NX Studio software.
The Z6III is also getting the 'Auto Capture' featureThe Z6III is also getting the 'Auto Capture' feature from the Z8 and Z9, which lets you set up the camera to automatically take a burst of pictures when certain conditions are met. For example, you could set it to release the shutter when the camera detects something moving in a specific direction, or when something enters the scene a certain distance away. It can also be combined with bird mode, taking a burst of photos when the autofocus system recognizes a bird in your selected area of the frame.
While we've covered the headline features, there are still many other things the update brings to the Z6III; Nikon told us there were over 70 features that have been added, enhanced or upgraded with V2.0. For example, you can now use the camera as a USB webcam without the need for extra drivers or software, thanks to UVC, and it's also compatible with Nikon's NX Field software, letting pro shooters control multiple cameras at once.
Nikon Authenticity Service Image: Content Authenticity InitiativeWhile the V2.0 update brings the Z6III up-to-date with the rest of Nikon's lineup in terms of features, it also introduces something new: widespread support for C2PA Content Credentials. While Nikon has piloted support for the cryptographic metadata on the Z6III, it's only been available to pros, similar to Sony's implementation.
Now, though, even Z6III owners who don't work for press agencies will be able to use Content Credentials to verify that their photos were shot with a camera rather than generated by AI. You'll need to generate a certificate and install it to your camera via Nikon's Imaging Cloud, but the process is free (though Nikon did say that was "for now").
Nikon promised this update late last year, but it's exciting to see that it's finally here, and that it won't just be limited to a select group of users.
You can see a complete run-down of all the features included in the update on Nikon's website. You can download it for free now.
Buy now:
Buy at Amazon.comBuy at AdoramaBuy at B&H PhotoBuy at MPBPress Release:
NIKON RELEASES FIRMWARE VERSION 2.00 FOR THE NIKON Z6III FULL-FRAME MIRRORLESS CAMERASupport for a dedicated [Birds] mode for subject detection and the “Nikon Authenticity Service” that increases the credibility of images
MELVILLE, NY (August 27, 2025) – Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the release of firmware version 2.00 for its full-frame/FX-format mirrorless camera, the Nikon Z6III. This marks the first major update since the launch of the Z6III and introduces several features equivalent to those found in the flagship Nikon Z9 and Nikon Z8.
With its already incredible high-speed performance, this firmware update adds the long-awaited [Birds] mode to subject detection, offering an enhanced shooting experience for both still and videos. Plus, the Auto Capture function now enables automatic shooting under pre-configured conditions, supporting flexible shooting styles tailored to various situations.
Additionally, for the first time for a Nikon product, the Z6III supports the Nikon Authenticity Service*1 – a solution primarily aimed at media organizations and creators who require a high level of trustworthiness in their work. The service is compatible with the C2PA (Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity) standard, clearly recording provenance information from shooting through to editing to ensure greater transparency and reliability of content.
Nikon will continue to enhance its products through firmware updates that address user needs, while also fostering an environment in which all photographers and creators can engage in creative and professional activities with confidence and peace of mind.
Improved Subject Detection with Dedicated [Birds] Mode
A dedicated [Birds] mode has been added to the Z6III’s subject-detection options. When [Birds] mode is selected, the camera automatically tracks birds in flight with great precision, keeping them in focus even against complex, high-contrast backgrounds such as forests and rocky mountains. This allows photographers to concentrate on framing images, helping to meet their expectations. There is also a [Focus limiter setting] that can be assigned to a custom control to limit the shooting distance range, for more accurate focusing on the desired subject. In addition, the [JPEG fine] image quality setting can now be selected when Pre-Release Capture, which records images for up to one second before the shutter-release button is fully pressed, is used during full-frame shooting at 60 fps. This makes it possible to capture the moment a bird takes flight with superior image quality.
C2PA Compliance With Image Provenance Function
Nikon is committed to developing an image provenance function that supports confirmation of image authenticity, aiming to protect individuals and enterprises in the imaging industry from any unfavorable results caused by falsification and/or image manipulation, and to realize a society in which creative and business activities can be conducted with greater peace of mind. Z6III firmware version 2.00 includes an image provenance function that complies with the C2PA standard and is part of the Nikon Authenticity Service. By making a prior request through Nikon Imaging Cloud, users can load the digital certificate necessary for recording provenance data onto the Z6III.
The image provenance function adds metadata – such as information about the equipment used and data that makes it easy to verify whether the image has been tampered with, including a digital signature – to captured image files. This enables users to prove that a photo was taken with a Nikon camera.*2 If the image is then edited repeatedly using C2PA-compliant editing software, additional provenance information can be embedded in the image alongside the original shooting data, making it possible to prove that no misleading edits have been made.*3 In addition, image provenance data can be viewed in Nikon Imaging Cloud.
*1 There are some restrictions on shooting when the image provenance function is enabled.
*2 Provenance information is not embedded in images that are edited in-camera.
Auto Capture Function Expands Shooting Possibilities in Any A Variety Of Situations
Firmware version 2.00 adds the Auto Capture function, which enables automatic shooting with pre-configured conditions. This allows users to specify the subject type, direction of movement, and shooting distance range*4 to capture previously difficult scenes, such as those that require shooting in places or positions where photographers would disturb their subject. The function is also equipped with a scheduling feature that allows the user to specify the day and time to initiate Auto Capture in advance, reducing battery consumption between camera setup and the start of shooting. In combination with a USB-to-Ethernet adapter*5, it enables high-speed data transfer even to remote destinations, meeting the high demands of professional environments.
Expanded Functions and Improvements to Operability
Nikon Z6III owners can visit the website here to learn more about the new firmware. Nikon will continue to enhance its products through firmware updates that address user needs, while also fostering an environment in which all photographers and creators can engage in creative and professional activities with confidence and peace of mind.
*1 To use the service, registration with Nikon Imaging Cloud and an application for the use of a digital certificate are required. Also, it may not be available in some countries or regions.
*2 There are some restrictions on shooting when the image provenance function is enabled.
*3 Provenance information is not embedded in images that are edited in-camera.
*4 The [Advanced: Distance] feature can be used when a NIKKOR Z lens is attached. It may not function with other lenses.
*5 Commercially available USB-to-Ethernet adapter with a USB Type-C connector is required. Please refer to the user manual for a list of USB-LAN adapters that have been confirmed to work correctly.
A new generation of “theranostic” nanoparticles has been shown to both detect and reduce plaques in the arteries. Nanoparticles absorbed by immune cells in the arteries, where they work to lower inflammation and draw out harmful cholesterol, offer an entirely new way of not just diagnosing but fighting heart disease without drugs.
Category: Heart Disease, Illnesses and conditions, Body & Mind
Tags: south-australian-health-and-medical-research-institute, Cardiovascular disease, Heart attack, Heart Disease, Strokes, Nanoparticles, Diagnostic tools, Cholesterol, Inflammation
Want an induction stove that plugs into a standard 120-V power socket? After a gradual rollout this spring, the Copper Charlie is now available across the US.
Category: Around The Home, Lifestyle
Tags: Cooking, Kitchen, Appliances, Stoves, Induction
ESA is working on a new system with the unfortunate acronym of Collision Risk Estimation and Automated Mitigation (CREAM) that is designed to automate the labor-intensive process of monitoring, assessing, and responding to possible space debris.
Tags: ESA, Space Junk
In order for robots to operate safely around humans, they need to see that people are approaching and they need to know when they make physical contact with those people. A new system allows them to do both, using cameras located inside their arms.
Category: Robotics, Technology
Tags: Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Sensory, Tactile, Touch-technology
Earlier this year Laowa introduced the 8-15mm F2.8, a fisheye zoom lens for a variety of full-frame mounts. Now, it's bringing the lens to medium format mounts, introducing a version of it for Fujifilm's GFX mount and Hasselblad's XCD.
The lens is a unique offering for creative shots. When it was first announced, the company pitched it as an option that would allow users to select between a circular image with black edges at the wide end, and a diagonal fisheye image that fills the entire rectangle of the image when zoomed to 15mm. It also offers a fast F2.8 aperture for low-light use.
Left: the GFX mount version of the lens at 8mm, shot using a Fujifilm GFX 50R. Right: the lens at 15mm.However, it's a bit of a different story with the new medium format versions. While the mounts may fit on cameras with larger sensors, the optics are still designed for full-frame. As a result, it will not fully cover the image circle of the medium-format cameras. even when at 15mm. At 8mm, there is a lot of space around the circular fisheye image. At 15mm, where the full-frame versions fill the frame, the medium format versions will still have black corners.
Laowa says that the new mount versions are still compact and lightweight. Both versions weigh roughly 650g (1.4 lbs). The FFX model is 101.2mm (3.98") long, while the XCD version is 96.36mm (3.79") long.
The Laowa 8-15mm F2.8 FF Zoom Fisheye lens for GFX and XCD mounts are available for purchase for $699.
Buy now: Buy at Venus OpticsPress release:
Laowa Expands Compatibility: GFX and XCD Mounts Now Available for 8–15mm f/2.8 FF Zoom FisheyeAnhui, China, August 26, 2025 – Laowa is thrilled to introduce GFX and XCD mount options for its 8–15mm f/2.8 full-frame zoom fisheye lens. Originally crafted for full-frame systems, this lens now brings its signature circular fisheye effect to Fujifilm GFX and Hasselblad XCD medium-format cameras. While the image doesn’t fully cover the larger sensor area, photographers can creatively crop to achieve their desired composition—unlocking fresh possibilities for imaginative framing and bold visual storytelling.
Overview of the Laowa 8–15mm f/2.8 FF Zoom Fisheye Lens
The Laowa 8–15mm f/2.8 FF Zoom Fisheye is a full-frame lens designed to deliver exceptional creative flexibility through its dual fisheye capabilities. Offering both a 180° circular fisheye and a diagonal fisheye effect, users can effortlessly switch between two distinct visual styles to suit their artistic vision. With a constant f/2.8 aperture throughout the zoom range, the lens performs brilliantly in low-light environments and enables faster shutter speeds—ideal for capturing dynamic scenes such as sports or action shots. Its close 16cm (6.3") minimum focusing distance empowers photographers and videographers to get up close and personal with their subjects, producing dramatic compositions with bold fisheye distortion and immersive visual impact.
Previously available in full-frame mounts including Sony E, Nikon Z, L mount, and Canon RF, the lens is now expanding its compatibility with the addition of GFX and XCD mount options for medium-format users. Despite the new mounts, the lens remains lightweight and compact, measuring 101.2mm × Ø76.4mm (GFX) and 96.36mm × Ø76.4mm (XCD), with a weight of approximately 650g.
Performance on Medium Format Cameras
When paired with medium-format systems like Fujifilm GFX or Hasselblad XCD, the Laowa 8–15mm f/2.8 FF Zoom Fisheye delivers a unique visual experience—producing a bold circular fisheye image at 8mm and a broader diagonal fisheye effect at 15mm. As the lens was originally designed for full-frame cameras, its image circle doesn't fully cover the larger medium-format sensor, resulting in a circular or partially cropped frame. Photographers can embrace this dramatic aesthetic or crop the image to suit their desired composition, unlocking fresh opportunities for playful framing and creative exploration on medium-format platforms.
The Laowa 8–15mm f/2.8 FF Zoom Fisheye delivers its most complete circular fisheye effect at 10mm.
Creative Cropping Possibilities
In addition to its distinctive fisheye rendering, the Laowa 8–15mm f/2.8 FF Zoom Fisheye opens up a world of creative cropping options for medium-format users. One standout choice is the XPan-style 65:24 panoramic crop, a favorite among GFX and XCD shooters for transforming circular fisheye images into cinematic, widescreen compositions. Photographers can also experiment with classic aspect ratios like 4:3, 1:1, and 16:9—each offering a unique interplay of scale, framing, and perspective.
Thanks to the high-resolution capabilities of modern medium-format sensors and the lens’s superb optical performance, these crops retain remarkable detail while inviting fresh interpretations of fisheye photography. Whether aiming for dramatic panoramas or balanced square frames, users can craft visuals that are both technically sharp and artistically bold.
Pricing & Availability
LAOWA 8-15mm f/2.8 FF Zoom Fisheye (GFX and XCD Mount) are available to purchase via Venus Optics official website (Home - LAOWA Camera Lenses) and authorized resellers from the 26th August, 2025.
The US price is $699. Pricing varies in different countries.
Mercedes-Benz and BMW have long had one of the toughest rivalries in the automotive world. But the two companies may soon share more than just a place in German motoring history: engines.
Category: Automotive, Transport
Tags: Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Mercedes, Engine Technologies
The first-ever neuroimmune modulation implant has been approved for people with moderate to severe rheumatoid arthritis (RA) who haven't found relief with traditional medications. It's a potentially life-changing technology that can zap pain by delivering one-minute electrical pulses to the vagus nerve – a key neural pathway that regulates inflammation.
Category: Chronic Pain, Illnesses and conditions, Body & Mind
Tags: Rheumatoid arthritis, Inflammation, Implant, Pain, Chronic pain, Chronic illness
We've seen robot dogs run up hills with luggage, and help fight fires. Now, researchers at Switzerland's ETH Zurich are putting these mechanical mutts through their paces on the badminton court, teaching them to play about as well as a seven-year-old human.
Category: Robotics, Technology
Tags: Quadruped, Robots, Sports, ETH Zurich
Smoking's not often touted for its health benefits. But it's been known to help those suffering from colitis even though it exacerbates Crohn's disease. New research that could help treat the conditions says it all has to do with bacteria migration.
Category: Illnesses and conditions, Body & Mind
Tags: Smoking, Cigarettes, RIKEN, Inflammatory, irritable-bowel-disease, Gut Bacteria, Gut health, Microbiome
It's been about three years since Hasselblad introduced the 100-megapixel X2D 100C to its lineup of compact medium format cameras. The company's sticking with that resolution for its next X system shooter, but it's adding end-to-end HDR, as well as continuous autofocus, for the first time in Hasselblad's history.
Category: Photography, Consumer Tech, Technology
Tags: Consumer Electronics, Gadgets, Camera, Medium+Format, Hasselblad, HDR
The Hasselblad XCD II 100C is a medium format mirrorless camera, built around a 44mm x 33mm, 100MP BSI CMOS sensor. It's designed to deliver a high-dynamic range image workflow, and gains continuous autofocus supported by Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors and more effective image stabilization.
Key SpecificationsDespite the significant upgrades, the X2D 100C II sees the body-only price fall to $7399 / €7200 / £6400, an $800 reduction, compared with the existing X2D 100C.
Index:Buy now:
Buy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo What's New "End-to-end" HDRThis image, captured as an Ultra HDR JPEG, makes the chrome of the car's wire wheels shine much more convincingly when viewed on an HDR display.
Hasselblad XCD 35-100mm F2.8-4.0 @ 60mm | F3.5 | 1/500 sec | ISO 100
Photo: Mitchell Clark
Hasselblad claims to be the first company to make a medium format camera with "end-to-end" HDR and has equipped the X2D II with a high-brightness viewfinder and rear screen, so that you can see some of the wider brightness range as you shoot. Its default output is in the HEIF format but it can also create 'Ultra HDR JPEGs' which have an embedded brightness map to let them convey a wider tonal range on compatible devices, while still maintaining backward compatibility. The company says this gives images with up to three additional stops of dynamic range compared to standard sRGB JPEGs, using a technique adopted by Google in its Pixel phones, and by Sigma in its BF Mirrorless camera.
The camera supports the P3 color gamut throughout the shooting and editing experience, in addition to making fuller use of the wide color range, as well as the wider tonal range, of its large sensor. It says it doesn't use either the HLG or PQ response curves used by other brands, and instead uses gain maps with linear response and a roll-off in the highlights to give a natural look. The system appears to be utilizing the highlight data that's usually clipped in the JPEG output, rather than reducing exposure to capture any additional highlight information.
HDR images are only captured in P, S or A modes, where the camera has some control over exposure. The company says it assumes people setting exposure manually may be trying to capture a very specific look that may not lend itself to HDR, so disengages the feature, rather than producing a potentially unnatural-looking image that the photographer didn't want.
Embedded in the above image is this 1/4 resolution brightness map, which tells compatible devices which parts of the image to display with addtional brightness.
The X2D II's rear display has also been substantially upgraded to support HDR, going from a TFT LCD to an OLED panel that can display up to 1400 nit peak brightness. That lets it provide the HDR experience when you're reviewing your images, giving you a better idea of what you've captured.
Hasselblad has also updated its Phocus Mobile 2 app to allow for editing the X2D II's HDR files, and even reprocessing Raws from some of its other cameras, such as the original X2D and the CFV 100C, into HDR output files.
Continuous autofocusWhile the original X2D was limited to single autofocus and manual focus, the II gains continuous autofocus, making it easier to capture moving subjects. Like many modern cameras, the system also includes AI-derived subject recognition for humans, animals and vehicles, and support for tracking arbitrary subjects.
At first seven of the company's more recent lenses will support continuous autofocus, and each will require a firmware update before they can access the feature.
The supported lenses are the XCD 35-100mm F2.8-4.0E zoom, launched alongside the camera, along with the 25mm, 38mm, 55mm and 90mm V-series lenses, and the 28mm and 75mm P lenses.
Even more AF improvementsTo feed the autofocus system with information, Hasselblad has not only increased the number of phase detect autofocus points – 425 versus 294 on the original X2D – but added an entirely new type of sensor as well. The X2D II also uses Light Distance and Ranging (LiDAR) to judge how far away a subject is, with this input fully integrated into the AF system.
It's reasonable to assume this technology comes from DJI, which owns a majority stake in Hasselblad, as the company already uses the technology in several of its cinema tools. The camera also now has an AF illuminator lamp on the front, which doubles as a self-timer countdown indicator.
Improved IBISThe camera's in-body stabilization allows the capture of images at slow shutter speeds, and boosts the frequency with which you'll get the full resolution out of the camera.
Hasselblad XCD 35-100E @ 35mm | 0.3 sec | F8 | ISO 800
Photo: Richard Butler
The original X2D had an IBIS system rated for up to 7 stops of stabilization, but the X2D II takes it even further, with Hasselblad promising up to 10 stops. In real-world use, your results will depend on how still your subject is and how steady you can hold the camera, but in the right conditions, you can definitely use it to push your exposure times past where you'd be able to with an unstabilized system.
Updated controlsHasselblad has updated the controls, adding a joystick that can be used for controlling the autofocus selection point or scrolling through menus and a customizable button on the back plate. Additionally, the front control dial can now be pressed in to access yet another custom function.
The camera also gains a vibration motor to provide haptic feedback for certain operations, such as confirming that the camera has acquired focus or that you have both your spirit levels centered.
How it comparesWhile medium format cameras are most often associated with high-end studio work (a task the X2D II is fully capable of), the X2D series has always clearly been designed to be taken outdoors and used in a wider variety of conditions. The company suggests that the addition of C-AF expands its audience to include subjects such as "landscapes, daily, portraits and street photography."
Fujifilm targets a very similar audience with the GFX 100S II, which uses a very similar sensor and also comes complete with IBIS and continuous autofocus. (The higher-end GFX 100 II is also comparable, but has faster burst rates, more video features and nicer ergonomics.) We've also included the Sony a7R V, since its full-frame sensor uses the same 3.8µm pixels, just fewer of them.
Hasselblad X2D II Fujifilm GFX 100S II Sony a7R V MSRP $7399 / €7200 $5499 / £4999 / €5499 $4199 / £3999 / €4500 Sensor size Medium format*Cannot shoot Raw and HLG HEIFs simultaneously
Fujifilm and Sony don't have the same focus on HDR that Hasselblad does; while the a7R V can shoot HDR HEIFs, doing so comes at the cost of your ability to save Raw files, which is a serious downside for high-end work. The Fujifilm can shoot HEIF images and HLG video, but can't combine the two to offer HDR stills.
Another big difference is that the GFX 100S II and a7R V both have focal plane shutters, while the X2D II uses leaf shutters built into each lens. This comes with the benefit of being able to sync flash at any speed, but means that Hasselblad lenses will be significantly more complex and expensive than similarly-speced counterparts from Fujifilm and Sony. Another side effect: if you want to use a third-party lens with the X2D II, you'll be stuck with the very slow electronic shutter.
While high-resolution cameras have always been more suited to stills, the GFX100S II and a7R V both have relatively complete suites of video features as well, with Log profiles, 10 bit video and headphone and microphone jacks. By contrast, the X2D II doesn't shoot video at all; something to consider if your work ever requires motion pictures.
Body and HandlingThe X2D II feels extremely sturdy and well-crafted in the hand, and the grip instills confidence, even when you're using a relatively large zoom lens. The controls are laid out well, with the essential buttons and dials within easy reach.
The camera has two top plate control dials and several customizable buttons. Two – one on the back and one on the front – are unlabeled, while another two can be accessed by pressing down on the joystick and the front dial. The top-plate M and WB/ISO buttons can also be resigned if you choose, with a choice of 35 options.
The joystick is a four-direction control and can be used for moving your autofocus point (though we found it somewhat slow, and often significantly quicker to just tap on the screen) and to navigate through the menus. Both tasks can also be achieved directly using the touchscreen, which has its own selection of buttons for controlling playback and accessing the menu.
Viewfinder and Screens The camera's rear screen tilts out, and there's a sensor to ensure the camera doesn't switch to using the viewfinder when the screen is extended.The X2D II's viewfinder is large, bright and responsive, providing an excellent preview for composing and exposure. The low-profile rubber eyecup doesn't do the best job of sealing out light, but it'll be sufficient in most cases, and less likely to snag when you're taking it in and out of a bag than some other designs.
While the screen's 1400-nit peak brightness allows it to properly display HDR images, you won't get the full effect until after you've taken a photo and the camera has generated your HDR output file. It is, however, still very effective for composing your images and is easy to see, even in direct sunlight. Its hinge allows you to pull it out and position it at a 90° angle for waist-level shooting unobstructed by the viewfinder.
While shooting, the screen provides plenty of resolution for the camera's excellent punch-in manual focusing experience.
The X2D II also has a 1" color display on the top plate, which shows your battery life, exposure settings, and a light meter when the camera is on. It's typically blank while the camera is turned off, though a quick tap of the power button will get it to display your remaining charge.
PortsThe X2D II's minimal selection of ports is hidden behind magnetically latching doors, which feel great to open and close. It has a 10Gbps USB-C port for charging and offloading data, and a 3.5mm for use with Hasselblad's somewhat eccentric cable shutter release.
It also has an CFexpress Type B slot, which can be used for backup or as an overflow, should you fill the internal storage. It's worth noting that the internal storage has capacity for over 4000 16-bit Raw and JPEG/HEIF pairs.
BatteryThe battery is rated as delivering 327 shots per charge, if tested to CIPA's standards. This can be increased, depending on the camera's configuration. These numbers tend to underestimate how many shots you'll actually get, with double the rated figure not being unusual, depending on how you shoot.
In practice, a rating of over 300 shots per charge will let you shoot for a good period of time, especially if you're shooting occasional, considered shots, rather than rattling off hundreds of snaps at a time. We suspect it's few enough to start to be of concern for professional wedding shooters, who'll definitely want to develop a system for ensuring they have spare batteries charged and ready to go. But with the option to charge over USB-C, the X2D II should be relatively comfortable, away from the studio.
In UseThe X2D II can seem a little daunting at first, with four buttons marked with potentially unfamiliar glyphs down the right-hand side of the screen, Playstation style. Their functions turn out to be pretty self-evident once you start using the camera: Play, Ok, Cancel/Delete and Menu.
Most other functions can be assigned to one of four customizable buttons (one of the front of the camera, one on the rear and the Mode and WB/ISO buttons on the top plate), or to a press of the front command dial, rear command dial or press of the AF joystick.
Press the Menu button once and you are presented with a settings panel. Some settings, including drive mode, AF mode and ISO can be set by tapping on the screen your using the joystick. Some exposure parameters can be changed from this screen, but not exposure comp, which tells you to use the dial instead.
The camera offers Auto ISO, including in manual exposure mode. You can set the threshold shutter speed that the system will try to maintain, either by selecting a specific shutter speed or by choosing a relationship to the current focal length, with the choice of: 4f, 3f, 2f, 1.5f, f or f/2, if you're very steady.
Press the Menu button a second time, or swipe your finger left across the screen and you reach the main menus. It's a simple and well-arranged system with eleven named icons arrayed around the screen. Within each category (exposure, focus, connection...) are a handful of settings, often with explanatory text if their function isn't obvious. Swipe upward from this menu page or the settings page and you'll find yourself back in live view, ready to shoot.
It's a quick and easy-to-learn system that lets you just get on and shoot.
Our experience of the autofocus is pretty impressive. There are occasions where it would erroneously confirm focus, but most of the time it focused quickly and accurately, with eye detection in particular giving us a level of performance we'd associate with some of the better mass-market camera. Combined with the up-rated image stabilization, the X2D II is one of the easiest-to-shoot medium format cameras we've encountered.
Initial impressionsBy Richard Butler
The X2D II 100C in many ways still looks a lot like the original X1D launched back in 2016, but the reality of using the two cameras couldn't be more different. The original camera looked great, and was capable of delivering excellent images, but its short battery life and lack of responsiveness meant that it wasn't nearly as comfortable untethered from the studio as its small body would imply.
It's worth noting, though, that the original X1D was launched just a few months after DJI first took a stake in the company, so its development would have started long before. The X2D II can perhaps be seen as what happens when a well-established photography company and an ambitious, advanced tech company come together. The X2D may still resemble the original camera but it's worlds away in terms of performance and usability.
The introduction of LiDAR (already used in products such as the Ronin 4D gimbal camera) is the most overt sign of input from DJI, but it's hard to imagine Hasselblad's cameras would have developed so far, so fast, without DJI's contributions. Continuous autofocus with highly effective eye detection autofocus was not on the cards for the contrast-detect X1D, yet here, and in conjunction with in-body image stabilization it allows you to use medium format like it was a point-and-shoot.
The X2D II will shoot HDR unless you go out of your way to stop itThen there's the decision to lean into HDR photography, something that's becoming increasingly common in modern cameras but poorly supported and even more poorly communicated or promoted to photographers. Most modern mirrorless cameras can capture HDR HEIFs that can make use of the wide dynamic range and wide color gamut of modern displays, but very few cameras give you a good preview of its impact or make much effort to encourage its use. The X2D II will shoot HDR unless you go out of your way to stop it.
The X2D II has an excellent screen that can give an impression of how much more vibrant and lifelike your images can look. And, in addition to HEIF files, which can still be awkward to share and view reliably, the Hasselblad can capture JPEGs with brightness map embedded in them: giving full backward compatibility with just about every viewing device imaginable, but giving HDR vibrancy on devices that support it.
In the right conditions, HDR can make it feel less like you're looking at a photo, and more like you're looking through a window to the world. To get the effect, open the photo in a supported browser.
Hasselblad XCD 35-100mm F2.8-4 E | 100mm | F5 | 1/160 sec | ISO 200
Photo: Richard Butler
By letting you see the benefits of well-judged HDR as you shoot the images, the X2D II encourages you to make use of the capability and start thinking about how to ensure your customers and viewers are able to see those results. We regularly found ourselves as impressed by the way the camera uses its greater DR output as we were by the stunning amounts of detail it captures.
What's all the more impressive is that Hasselblad is launching the X2D II 100C at a lower price than the previous model. In fact, it's at a lower price in money terms than the original X1D 50c, despite the vast improvements that have been made in the intervening nine years. The XCD lenses, with their leaf-shutter designs, tend to be more expensive, and often slower, than the rival Fujifilm system, but the X2D II 100c brings a level of performance and usability that makes the system as a whole look more competitive than it's ever been.
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Buy at AdoramaBuy at B&H Photo Sample galleryPlease do not reproduce any of these images on a website or any newsletter/magazine without prior permission (see our copyright page). We make the originals available for private users to download to their own machines for personal examination or printing (in conjunction with this review); we do so in good faith, so please don't abuse it.
All out-of-camera JPEGs in this gallery are Ultra HDR JPEGs: please click "Original" link on the right of the preview to download the original file, if you're viewing on an HDR-capable device.
Sample galleryThis widget is not optimized for RSS feed readers. Click here to open it in a new browser window / tab.Hasselblad has announced the XCD 35-100mm F2.8-4 E, a medium format zoom lens with a range roughly equivalent to a full-frame 28-76mm. Its range and speed make it similar to the popular 24-70mm "standard zooms" on full-frame systems, making it a versatile option for the system.
The lens is made of 16 elements in 13 groups, with three aspherical lenses and five extra-low dispersion elements. It has a minimum focusing distance of 0.4m (15.7") at the wide end, and 0.5m (19.7") at the long end.
Hasselblad says the 35-100mm F2.8-4 is the second entry to its 'E' series, which it says "perform exceptionally well across all focal lengths." It follows the wide-angle 20-35mm zoom the company released last year.
The lens supports the continuous autofocus mode of the X2D II 100C it's launching alongsideIt has a stepper motor for autofocus, and supports the continuous autofocus capabilities of the X2D II 100C that it's launching alongside. Its built-in leaf shutter can shoot and sync with flash at up to 1/4000 sec. It has a control ring for changing your aperture setting, along with its zoom and focus rings.
At 894g (31.5oz), the 35-100mm isn't ultra-lightweight, especially if you compare it to the latest-generation full-frame 24-70mm F2.8s from the likes of Sony and Nikon. However, given that it covers a larger image circle, its weight is surprisingly similar to those companies' first-gen mirrorless standard zooms. It's a similar story when it comes to its physical size, too.
Weight Length (retracted) Diameter Hasselblad XCD 35-100mm F2.8-4 E 894g 138mm 90mm Nikon Z 24-70mm F2.8 S / II 805g / 675g 126mm / 150mm* 89mm / 90mm Sony FE 24-70mm F2.8 GM / II 886g / 695g 136mm / 120mm 88mm / 88mm Canon RF 24-70mm F2.8L IS USM 900g 126mm 89mmThe XCD 35-100mm F2.8-4 E will retail for $4599 in the US. It will cost around €4800 in Europe, including tax, and £ 4100 in the UK.
* - The Nikon Z 24-70mm F2.8 S II features an internal zoom design, rather than the extending one used by the rest of the lenses in this comparison.
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Buy at B&H PhotoPress Release:
XCD 2,8–4/35–100E: A COMPACT STANDARD ZOOM LENS WITH FLAGSHIP PERFORMANCEThe new XCD 2,8–4/35–100E is a versatile standard zoom lens that seamlessly bridges wide-angle to medium telephoto focal lengths. With approximately 3× optical zoom, it delivers a 28–76 mm full-frame equivalent focal length and an aperture range of f/2,8 to f/4. Effectively combining the range of seven Hasselblad prime lenses into one, it excels in capturing sweeping landscapes, intimate portraits, dynamic street photography, and spontaneous travel moments with confidence.
At its widest aperture of f/2,8, the lens delivers exceptional low light performance, while producing smooth, creamy bokeh and distinct background separation.
The “E” in XCD 2,8–4/35–100E stands for “Exclusive” and represents the top-tier optical performance, delivering the same edge-to-edge image quality as Hasselblad’s XCD prime lenses. Its advanced optical design comprises 16 elements in 13 groups, including three aspherical and five ED elements, ensuring sharp resolution and authentic colour that meet the demands of a 100-megapixel sensor.
The XCD 2,8–4/35–100E is powered by the fastest stepping motor in the XCD lens lineup. This compact internal focusing group, paired with optimised control algorithms, enables smooth and accurate autofocus. When paired with the X2D II 100C’s AF-C system, it confidently tracks moving subjects and ensures precise focus in action shots.
The integrated leaf shutter offers full flash synchronisation from 1/4000 second to 68 minutes, allowing photographers to balance fill flash in bright light or shoot wide open without compromise.
Despite its bright aperture and extended zoom range, the lens remains remarkably compact, measuring just 138 mm in length and weighing just 894 grams. It features the highly praised control rings from XCD V Series lenses, allowing quick adjustments to shutter speed, aperture, ISO, exposure compensation, and subject switching. The engraved “H” logos and subtle “V” insignia on the control rings reflect Hasselblad’s commitment to minimalist design and enduring quality, creating a lens that performs as elegantly as it appears.
AVAILABILITY AND PRICING
The Hasselblad X2D II 100C is priced at $7,399 / €7 200.
The XCD 2,8–4/35–100E lens is priced at $4,599 / €4 800.
The Vandra Backpack is priced at $469 / €429.
The UV 86mm Filter is priced at $299 / €259.
The ND8 86mm Filter is priced at $329 / €289.
The CPL 86mm Filter is priced at $559 / €469.
Please consult your nearest Hasselblad Flagship Store, authorised dealer, or the Hasselblad online store for purchasing details. For more information, visit www.hasselblad.com.
XCD 35-100 F2.8-4 E Specifications: Principal specificationsLens typeZoom lensMax Format sizeMedium Format (44x33mm)Focal length35–100 mmImage stabilizationNoLens mountHasselblad XApertureMaximum apertureF2.8–32Minimum apertureF4–32Aperture ringNoOpticsElements16Groups13Special elements / coatings3 asph., 5 extra-low dispersionFocusMinimum focus0.40 m (15.75″)Maximum magnification0.25×AutofocusYesMotor typeStepper motorFull time manualYesFocus methodInternalDistance scaleNoDoF scaleNoPhysicalWeight894 g (1.97 lb)Diameter90 mm (3.54″)Length138 mm (5.43″)MaterialsMetalColourBlackZoom methodRotary (extending)Power zoomNoZoom lockNoFilter thread86 mmHood suppliedYesWe know by now that exercise is good for the body and mind at any age, but new research has found that your workouts may be helping in a less obvious place too: inside your gut. It's yet another sign that the gut microbiome is central to overall health.
Category: Fitness & Exercise, Wellness & Healthy Living, Body & Mind
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This year a clinical trial will test a drug combination designed to bring lasting relief for people with panic disorder – a condition that can upend daily life and be notoriously difficult to treat. No new medications have been approved to treat the condition since 2003.
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