Hasselblad X2D 100C vs Leica S3

The Hasselblad X2D 100C and the Leica S3 are two professional cameras that were announced, respectively, in September 2022 and September 2018. The X2D 100C is a mirrorless interchangeable lens camera, while the S3 is a DSLR. Both cameras are equipped with a medium format sensor. The Hasselblad has a resolution of 102.1 megapixels, whereas the Leica provides 64 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Hasselblad X2D 100C		Leica S3
Mirrorless system camera		Digital single lens reflex
Hasselblad X mount lenses		Leica S mount lenses
102.1 MP – Medium Format sensor		64 MP – Medium Format sensor
no Video		4K/24p Video
ISO 64-25,600		ISO 100-50,000
Electronic viewfinder (5760k dots)		Optical viewfinder
3.6" LCD – 2360k dots		3.0" LCD – 922k dots
Tilting touchscreen		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3.3 shutter flaps per second		3 shutter flaps per second
In-body stabilization		no shake reduction
Weathersealed body		Weathersealed body
149 x 106 x 75 mm, 895 g		160 x 120 x 80 mm, 1260 g

Check X2D 100C price at
amazon.com
Check S3 price at
amazon.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Hasselblad X2D 100C and the Leica S3? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Hasselblad X2D 100C and the Leica S3. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Leica S3 is notably larger (22 percent) than the Hasselblad X2D 100C. Moreover, the S3 is substantially heavier (41 percent) than the X2D 100C. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Hence, you might want to study and compare the specifications of available lenses in order to get the full picture of the size and weight of the two camera systems.

The power pack in the X2D 100C can be charged via the USB port, so that it is not always necessary to take the battery charger along when travelling.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Hasselblad X2D 100C	149 mm	106 mm	75 mm	895 g	420	Y	Sep 2022	8,199	amazon.com
2.		Leica S3	160 mm	120 mm	80 mm	1260 g	..	Y	Sep 2018	18,995	amazon.com
3.		Canon R3	150 mm	143 mm	87 mm	1015 g	760	Y	Sep 2021	5,999	amazon.com
4.		Fujifilm GFX 100 II	152 mm	117 mm	99 mm	1030 g	540	Y	Sep 2023	7,499	amazon.com
5.		Fujifilm GFX 100S	150 mm	104 mm	87 mm	900 g	460	Y	Jan 2021	5,999	amazon.com
6.		Fujifilm GFX 50S II	150 mm	104 mm	87 mm	900 g	440	Y	Sep 2021	3,999	amazon.com
7.		Fujifilm GFX 100	156 mm	144 mm	75 mm	1320 g	800	Y	May 2019	9,999	amazon.com
8.		Hasselblad X1D II	148 mm	97 mm	70 mm	766 g	..	Y	Jun 2019	5,750	amazon.com
9.		Hasselblad X1D	150 mm	98 mm	71 mm	725 g	..	Y	Jun 2016	8,995	ebay.com
10.		Leica M10	139 mm	80 mm	39 mm	660 g	210	Y	Jan 2017	6,595	ebay.com
11.		Leica S-E Typ 006	160 mm	120 mm	80 mm	1260 g	..	Y	Sep 2014	16,900	ebay.com
12.		Leica S Typ 007	160 mm	120 mm	80 mm	1260 g	..	Y	Sep 2014	24,490	ebay.com
13.		Leica S Typ 006	160 mm	120 mm	80 mm	1260 g	..	Y	Sep 2012	21,950	ebay.com
14.		Leica S2	160 mm	120 mm	80 mm	1410 g	..	Y	Sep 2008	22,995	ebay.com
15.		Panasonic GH6	138 mm	100 mm	100 mm	823 g	360	Y	Feb 2022	2,199	amazon.com
16.		Pentax K-3 III	135 mm	104 mm	74 mm	820 g	800	Y	Mar 2021	1,999	amazon.com
17.		Sony A1	129 mm	97 mm	81 mm	737 g	530	Y	Jan 2021	6,499	amazon.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The X2D 100C was launched at a markedly lower price (by 57 percent) than the S3, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature a medium format sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the S3 is 6 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have format factors, respectively, of 0.79 (X2D 100C) and 0.8. The sensor in the X2D 100C has a native 4:3 aspect ratio, while the one in the S3 offers a 3:2 aspect.

With 102.1MP, the X2D 100C offers a higher resolution than the S3 (64MP), but the X2D 100C has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 3.76μm versus 4.59μm for the S3). However, the X2D 100C is a much more recent model (by 3 years and 11 months) than the S3, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that neither of the two cameras has an anti-alias filter installed, so they are able to capture all the detail the sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Hasselblad X2D 100C implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the X2D 100C for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 58.3 x 43.8 inches or 148 x 111.3 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 46.6 x 35 inches or 118.4 x 89 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 38.9 x 29.2 inches or 98.7 x 74.2 cm. The corresponding values for the Leica S3 are 49 x 32.7 inches or 124.5 x 83 cm for good quality, 39.2 x 26.1 inches or 99.6 x 66.4 cm for very good quality, and 32.7 x 21.8 inches or 83 x 55.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The X2D 100C has on-sensor phase detect pixels, which results in fast and reliable autofocus acquisition even during live view operation.

The Hasselblad X2D 100C has a native sensitivity range from ISO 64 to ISO 25600. The corresponding ISO settings for the Leica S3 are ISO 100 to ISO 50000 (no boost).

In terms of underlying technology, the X2D 100C is build around a BSI-CMOS sensor, while the S3 uses a CMOS imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Hasselblad X2D 100C	Medium Format	102.1	11656	8762	none	25.9	14.9	3550	101
2.		Leica S3	Medium Format	64.0	9800	6533	4K/24p	25.6	14.4	3143	98
3.		Canon R3	Full Frame	24.0	6000	4000	6K/60p	25.0	14.7	4086	96
4.		Fujifilm GFX 100 II	Medium Format	101.8	11648	8736	8K/30p	25.9	15.0	3651	101
5.		Fujifilm GFX 100S	Medium Format	101.8	11648	8736	4K/30p	25.8	14.7	3391	100
6.		Fujifilm GFX 50S II	Medium Format	51.1	8256	6192	1080/30p	25.9	14.8	3456	100
7.		Fujifilm GFX 100	Medium Format	101.8	11648	8736	4K/30p	25.7	14.5	3227	99
8.		Hasselblad X1D II	Medium Format	51.3	8272	6200	1080/25p	25.7	14.5	3234	99
9.		Hasselblad X1D	Medium Format	51.3	8272	6200	1080/25p	26.2	14.8	4489	102
10.		Leica M10	Full Frame	23.8	5952	3992	none	24.4	13.2	2133	86
11.		Leica S-E Typ 006	Medium Format	37.5	7500	5000	none	25.1	13.7	2763	93
12.		Leica S Typ 007	Medium Format	37.5	7500	5000	4K/24p	25.1	13.7	2763	93
13.		Leica S Typ 006	Medium Format	37.5	7500	5000	none	23.9	12.2	824	76
14.		Leica S2	Medium Format	37.5	7500	5000	none	23.9	12.5	2224	82
15.		Panasonic GH6	Four Thirds	25.0	5776	4336	5.7K/60p	23.4	13.4	1555	77
16.		Pentax K-3 III	APS-C	25.6	6192	4128	4K/30p	24.2	13.7	2083	85
17.		Sony A1	Full Frame	49.8	8640	5760	8k/30p	25.9	14.5	3163	98
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The S3 indeed provides for movie recording, while the X2D 100C does not. The highest resolution format that the S3 can use is 4K/24p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the X2D 100C has an electronic viewfinder (5760k dots), while the S3 has an optical one. Both systems have their advantages, with the electronic viewfinder making it possible to project supplementary shooting information into the framing view, whereas the optical viewfinder offers lag-free viewing and a very clear framing image. The viewfinder in the X2D 100C offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the S3 (98%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the X2D 100C has a higher magnification (1x vs 0.87x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Hasselblad X2D 100C and Leica S3 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Max Shutter Speed *	Max Shutter Flaps *	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Hasselblad X2D 100C	5760	Y	3.6 / 2360	tilting	Y	1/4000s	3.3/s	n	Y
2.		Leica S3	optical	Y	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	n	n
3.		Canon R3	5760	Y	3.2 / 4150	swivel	Y	1/8000s	12.0/s	n	Y
4.		Fujifilm GFX 100 II	9440	Y	3.2 / 2360	full-flex	Y	1/4000s	8.0/s	n	Y
5.		Fujifilm GFX 100S	3690	Y	3.2 / 2360	full-flex	Y	1/4000s	5.0/s	n	Y
6.		Fujifilm GFX 50S II	3690	Y	3.2 / 2360	full-flex	Y	1/4000s	3.0/s	n	Y
7.		Fujifilm GFX 100	optional	Y	3.2 / 2360	full-flex	Y	1/4000s	5.0/s	n	Y
8.		Hasselblad X1D II	3690	n	3.6 / 2360	fixed	Y	1/2000s	2.7/s	n	n
9.		Hasselblad X1D	2360	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	Y	1/2000s	2.3/s	n	n
10.		Leica M10	optical	n	3.0 / 1037	fixed	n	1/4000s	5.0/s	n	n
11.		Leica S-E Typ 006	optical	Y	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/4000s	1.5/s	n	n
12.		Leica S Typ 007	optical	Y	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.5/s	n	n
13.		Leica S Typ 006	optical	Y	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/4000s	1.5/s	n	n
14.		Leica S2	optical	Y	3.0 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	1.5/s	n	n
15.		Panasonic GH6	3680	n	3.0 / 1840	full-flex	Y	1/8000s	14.0/s	n	Y
16.		Pentax K-3 III	optical	Y	3.2 / 1620	fixed	Y	1/8000s	12.0/s	n	Y
17.		Sony A1	9437	n	3.0 / 1440	tilting	Y	1/8000s	10.0/s	n	Y
Notes: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One feature that differentiates the X2D 100C and the S3 is in-body image stabilization (IBIS). The X2D 100C reduces the risk of handshake-induced blur with all attached lenses, while the S3 offers no blur reduction with lenses that themselves do not provide optical image stabilization.

The reported shutter speed information refers to the use of the mechanical shutter. Yet, some cameras only have an electronic shutter, while others have an electronic shutter in addition to a mechanical one. In fact, the X2D 100C is one of those camera that have an additional electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

The Hasselblad X2D 100C has an intervalometer built-in. This enables the photographer to capture time lapse sequences, such as flower blooming, a sunset or moon rise, without purchasing an external camera trigger and related software.

The X2D 100C writes its imaging data to an internal SSD or CFexpress (type B) cards, while the S3 uses Compact Flash or SDXC cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Hasselblad X2D 100C and Leica S3 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Mic / Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Hasselblad X2D 100C	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	-	3.2	Y	-	-
2.		Leica S3	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	mini	3.0	Y	-	-
3.		Canon R3	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
4.		Fujifilm GFX 100 II	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	full	3.2	Y	-	Y
5.		Fujifilm GFX 100S	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
6.		Fujifilm GFX 50S II	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	-
7.		Fujifilm GFX 100	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	micro	3.1	Y	-	Y
8.		Hasselblad X1D II	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	-	3.0	Y	-	-
9.		Hasselblad X1D	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	mini	3.0	Y	-	-
10.		Leica M10	Y	- / -	-	-	-	-	Y	-	-
11.		Leica S-E Typ 006	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Leica S Typ 007	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	mini	3.0	Y	-	-
13.		Leica S Typ 006	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Leica S2	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
15.		Panasonic GH6	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	full	3.2	Y	-	Y
16.		Pentax K-3 III	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	micro	3.2	Y	-	Y
17.		Sony A1	Y	stereo / mono	Y	Y	full	3.2	Y	-	Y

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

Travel and landscape photographers will find it useful that the S3 has an internal geolocalization sensor and can record GPS coordinates in its EXIF data.

Both the X2D 100C and the S3 are recent models that are part of the current product line-up. The S3 replaced the earlier Leica S Typ 007, while the X2D 100C does not have a direct predecessor. Further information on the features and operation of the X2D 100C and S3 can be found, respectively, in the Hasselblad X2D 100C Manual (free pdf) or the online Leica S3 Manual.

Review summary

So how do things add up? Is there a clear favorite between the Hasselblad X2D 100C and the Leica S3? Which camera is better? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Reasons to prefer the Hasselblad X2D 100C:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (102.1 vs 64MP) with a 24% higher linear resolution.
• Better live-view autofocus: Features on-sensor phase-detection for more confident autofocus.
• More framing info: Has an electronic viewfinder that displays shooting data.
• More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 98%).
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (1x vs 0.87x).
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.6" vs 3.0") for image review and settings control.
• More detailed LCD: Has a higher resolution rear screen (2360k vs 922k dots).
• More flexible LCD: Has a tilting screen for odd-angle shots in landscape orientation.
• Fewer buttons to press: Is equipped with a touch-sensitive rear screen to facilitate handling.
• Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.
• Easier time-lapse photography: Has an intervalometer built-in for low frequency shooting.
• More compact: Is smaller (149x106mm vs 160x120mm) and thus needs less room in the bag.
• Less heavy: Is lighter (by 365g or 29 percent) and hence easier to carry around.
• Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.
• Sharper images: Has hand-shake reducing image stabilization built-in.
• More legacy lens friendly: Can take a broad range of non-native lenses via adapters.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (57 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Reflects 3 years and 11 months of technical progress since the S3 launch.

Advantages of the Leica S3:

• Broader imaging potential: Can capture not only stills but also 4K/24p video.
• Brighter framing: Features an optical viewfinder for clear, lag-free composition.
• Easier geotagging: Features an internal GPS sensor to log localization data.
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in September 2018).

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the X2D 100C is the clear winner of the match-up (18 : 4 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Hasselblad X2D 100C and the Leica S3 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best Mirrorless Interchangeable Lens Camera and Best DSLR Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the specs-based evaluation of cameras can be instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the X2D 100C or the S3. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased.

Expert reviews

This is where reviews by experts come in. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DCW   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Hasselblad X2D 100C	4/5	..	5/5	..	..	..	Sep 2022	8,199	amazon.com
2.		Leica S3	..	..	..	..	..	..	Sep 2018	18,995	amazon.com
3.		Canon R3	5/5	o	4.5/5	..	5/5	4.5/5	Sep 2021	5,999	amazon.com
4.		Fujifilm GFX 100 II	..	..	..	..	..	..	Sep 2023	7,499	amazon.com
5.		Fujifilm GFX 100S	5/5	+ +	5/5	90/100	5/5	5/5	Jan 2021	5,999	amazon.com
6.		Fujifilm GFX 50S II	5/5	..	5/5	87/100	..	5/5	Sep 2021	3,999	amazon.com
7.		Fujifilm GFX 100	4.5/5	+ +	4.8/5	90/100	5/5	4.5/5	May 2019	9,999	amazon.com
8.		Hasselblad X1D II	..	..	4/5	..	4/5	4/5	Jun 2019	5,750	amazon.com
9.		Hasselblad X1D	..	o	..	81/100	..	4/5	Jun 2016	8,995	ebay.com
10.		Leica M10	4.5/5	..	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	6,595	ebay.com
11.		Leica S-E Typ 006	..	..	..	..	..	..	Sep 2014	16,900	ebay.com
12.		Leica S Typ 007	4/5	..	..	..	..	..	Sep 2014	24,490	ebay.com
13.		Leica S Typ 006	..	..	..	..	..	..	Sep 2012	21,950	ebay.com
14.		Leica S2	..	..	..	..	..	..	Sep 2008	22,995	ebay.com
15.		Panasonic GH6	5/5	+ +	5/5	87/100	5/5	5/5	Feb 2022	2,199	amazon.com
16.		Pentax K-3 III	4/5	..	3/5	..	4.5/5	..	Mar 2021	1,999	amazon.com
17.		Sony A1	5/5	o	4.5/5	93/100	4.5/5	5/5	Jan 2021	6,499	amazon.com
Notes: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

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Other camera comparisons

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