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Top Nikon D2xs Camera Reviews
Imaging Resource wrote a review on the
Nikon D2xs and said: "While it represents only a relatively
minor upgrade relative to the original D2X, the Nikon D2Xs
remains an exceptionally strong competitor in the professional
SLR market. It offers exceptional versatility through its
dual-resolution, dual-speed design, satisfying the needs of
sports shooters and studio photographers alike, in one
superbly-constructed body."
Lets Go Digital wrote a review on the
Nikon D2x and said: "The resolution is high and delivers
images with rich details. The JPEG images are clean and almost
completely free of artifacts. Working with a digital work-horse
like the Nikon D2X is heaven, especially for the photo-freak and
the devoted professional photographer."
Nikon D2xs News Release Summary:
Nikon UK is pleased to announce the introduction of the D2xs
professional digital SLR camera, following the success of the
award-winning Nikon D2x.
While the D2xs shares many features with its predecessor, the
new model boasts an array of refinements that enhance
performance and improve the user experience. Such features
include, refined viewfinder performance; a new LCD with a
170-degree wide viewing angle; significantly increased battery
life; and a wide range of firmware enhancements.
The integration of a 12.4 megapixel CMOS image sensor delivers
high quality images that can be captured in JPEG or RAW images
at a rate of up to five frames per second in continuous shooting
mode. Powerful image-processing technologies and the 3D-Colour
Matrix Metering II ensure images rich in detail, colour which
contain a smooth tonal range. The D2xs also offers 3D-Colour
Matrix Metering II in High-speed Crop mode and new custom
settings have been introduced to the viewfinder to allow clearer
viewing for the user.
Professional photographers will appreciate the ability to select
Adobe RGB in any of three colour modes, making it possible to
work with a wider range of colours that complement various
working environments. Furthermore, in-camera creative
possibilities are extended with the addition of a new Black &
White (sRGB) colour mode.
The D2xs maximizes the potential of Nikon’s Creative Lighting
System, delivering high-precision flash performance including
i-TTL flash control which support for Nikon’s Advanced Wireless
Lighting system. The latest high energy EN-EL4a rechargeable
lithium-ion battery provides enough power to support shooting of
up to 3,800 images on a single charge. It can be recharged at
any time and features a handy ‘fuel gauge’ which displays
remaining charge by percentage, the number of shots since last
charge and overall battery status.
The new model continues to feature the excellent high-speed
shooting performance, rapid start-up, a release time lag of just
37ms, and an 11-area autofocus system as found in the D2x. The
Nikon DX Format sensor and Nikon F mount design have also been
continued to guarantee seamless compatibility with all AF Nikkor
lenses and the growing range of high-quality DX Nikkor lenses.
Compatibility with Nikon’s Wireless Transmitter WT-2/2A provides
fast image transmission, improved security and compatibility
with the latest protocols. Wireless LAN remote D2xs control can
be achieved using a computer that has (optional) Camera Control
Pro software installed.
With an exterior based on a design by famed industrial designer,
Giorgetto Giugiaro*, the D2xs is instantly recognisable as a
new-generation Nikon camera.
*GIUGIARO
Major features
Image sensor with 12.4 effective megapixels
The CMOS image sensor provides both high image quality and
high-speed performance. Despite the extremely high resolution
achieved by 12.4 effective megapixels, image data is recorded at
exceptionally high-speed through the use of a 4-channel output
method.
Image-processing algorithm designed to produce high-quality
images
The D2xs provides Nikon photographers with the opportunity to
produce significantly larger image files demanded by the
industry today. At Nikon, high image quality is much more than a
matter of megapixels - a number of other high-level technologies
are required to achieve outstanding performance which are
provided by the D2xs.
Continuous shooting at 5fps at 12.4 megapixels, 8 fps at 6.8
megapixels
Despite high-resolution, 12.4-megapixel performance, speed is
not an issue with the D2xs. In fact the D2xs enables up to 5
frames per second shooting at 12.4-megapixel resolution, and an
astounding 8 frames per second at 6.8 megapixels.
High-Speed Crop function
Continuous shooting at a rapid 8 frames per second is possible
during use of the High-Speed Crop function which records the
central portion of the frame at 6.8 megapixel resolution. The
viewfinder has also been enhanced during High-speed Crop mode
for simpler, more accurate composition.
Broad colour modes
The Adobe RGB profile provides a broader range of colours than
the sRGB profile, making it a more suitable choice for
professional photographers. The D2xs has also been optimized for
post-processing of images with the ability to select Adobe RGB
from either Mode I or Mode III in camera. An additional new
Black & White colour mode further expands the photographer’s
creative possibilities.
11-area AF system with 9 cross-type AF sensors
Updated to perform even faster and with greater precision in the
D2xs, the 11-area AF system employs Nikon's advanced Multi-CAM
2000 AF Sensor Module. Of these 11 widely spread AF sensors, 9
are cross-type sensors positioned in the logical rule-of-thirds
array. All 9 cross-type sensors remain active when using
High-speed Crop mode.
Advanced 3D-Colour Matrix Metering II
Nikon’s acclaimed 1,005-pixel RGB Exposure/Colour Matrix
Metering Sensor achieves optimum exposure for every shot.
Creative in-camera trimming, Image Overlay and Multiple
Exposure
The new in-camera trimming allows RAW, TIFF and JPEG images
taken using the D2xs to be trimmed within the camera. Images of
reduced display sizes can be viewed, ranging from 640 x 480 to
2560 x 1920 pixels. The Multiple Exposure function creates a
single image from up to 10 exposures. The D2xs also offers an
Image Overlay function that merges selected RAW (NEF) files,
stored on the CF card, to create a new image file within the
camera.
2.5-inch LCD monitor with a wide-viewing angle; large enough
to display various settings and information for easy recognition
The D2xs incorporates a large 2.5-inch 230,000-dot
high-resolution LCD monitor display with an ultra-wide
170-degree viewing angle for clearer viewing. It also offers
larger type fonts and colour-coded menus. Further evolution of
the Recent Settings menus allows the user to delete or lock
current settings to prevent accidental changes. The D2xs also
offers RGB Histogram display enabling images to be easily
assessed in the large LCD monitor. Furthermore, it is also
possible to display channel-specific ([R] red, [G] green or [B]
blue) histograms for immediate and more detailed image
verification.
Excellent response with the same quick power up and 37ms
release time lag as the D2x
Instant startup and a class-leading shutter release time lag of
just 37 milliseconds ensures a response that can handle even the
most challenging professional assignments.
A body designed to heighten ease of operation, water droplet
and dust resistance, and overall durability
The size, layout and operation of the buttons, controls and
functions have all been assigned for optimal operation and
feedback – minimizing the need to remove the eye from the
viewfinder. Combined with a lightweight, yet highly durable
magnesium alloy body, the D2xs ensures reliable performance
under tough professional working conditions.
The D2xs supports full integration into Nikon’s Creative
Lighting System
When used in combination with SB-800, SB-600 or R1C1 Speedlights,
the D2xs supports the Nikon’s Creative Lighting System with
high-precision flash photography using i-TTL flash control,
unlimited creativity through Advanced Wireless Lighting, and
functions such as FV Lock and Auto FP High-Speed Sync. With
Speedlights such as the SB-80DX and SB-50DX mounted, the D2xs
also supports D-TTL flash control.
Compatible with an extensive selection of Nikkor lenses
In addition to the expanding line of DX Nikkor lenses designed
specifically for Nikon digital SLR cameras, many of the
conventional AF Nikkor film-camera lenses can also be mounted on
the D2xs.
Fast read/write speed for the memory card and a USB 2.0
interface for fast image transfer
The D2xs has fast read/write times and uses the USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
interface fast image transfer from the camera.
GPS support for the recording of location information with
shooting data
The optional GPS Adapter Cord MC-35, permits location
information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and heading
(direction) to be transferred from a GPS device and recorded
with the shooting data for each image.
Wireless support with the Wireless Transmitter WT-2/2A for
direct image transfer to the D2xs via wireless LAN
The D2xs supports the new high-speed, IEEE802.11b/g compatible
Wireless Transmitter WT-2/2A with enhanced image transfer
protocols and increased security. The WT-2/2A additionally
supports the new PTP/IP protocol. And when used with Camera
Control Pro software, wireless camera control from a computer is
also possible.
Increased digital image enjoyment with Nikon’s PictureProject
software, designed for use with the D2xs
PictureProject is an intuitive software application offering
versatile functions for image transfer, image organisation,
simple image editing (NEF plug-in included), and print layout.
Support for Capture NX: An application with an array of tools
to assist the photographer
Capture NX offers exciting potential for Nikon Electronic Format
(NEF) files, as well as JPEG and TIFF images. Refined through
revolutionary U-Point technology, the selection of objects,
colours or areas have been simplified. Highly accurate
alterations can be made to myriad image elements while
preserving the integrity of the original image data.
Image Authentication to protect the integrity of valuable
data
Nikon’s new Image Authentication function offers image
authentication for digital image files. Indication whether the
actual image has been tampered with is provided as well as if
any changes have been made to date and GPS information.
Nikon Digital SLR Camera D2xs Specifications
Type of camera
Single-lens reflex digital camera
Effective Pixels
12.4 million
Image Sensor
CMOS sensor, 23.7 x 15.7mm; total pixels: 12.84 million
Image Size (pixels)
Full image: 4,288 x 2,848(L), 3,216 x 2,136(M), 2,144 x 1,424(S)
High-speed Crop Image: 3,216 x 2,136(L), 2,400 x 1,600(M), 1,600
x 1,064(S)
Sensitivity
100 to 800 (ISO equivalent); HI-0.3, HI-0.5, HI-0.7, HI-1 and
HI-2 available
Storage Media
CompactFlash? (CF) Card (Type I/II) and Microdrive?
Storage System
NEF (12-bit uncompressed or compressed RAW),
Exif 2.21, DCF 2.0 and DPOF compliant
(uncompressed TIFF-RGB or compressed JPEG)
Shooting Modes
1) Single frame shooting [S] mode: advances one frame for each
shutter release
2) Continuous high shooting [CH] mode: Full Image; 5 frames per
second (fps)/High-speed Crop Image; 8 frames per second (fps)
3) Continuous low shooting [CL] mode: Full Image; 1 to 4 frames
per second (fps) (selectable in menu)/High-speed Crop Image; 1
to 7 frames per second (fps) (selectable in menu)
4) Self-timer mode: time duration can be set
5) Mirror up mode: first press: mirror up, second press: release
White Balance
1) Auto (hybrid with 1,005-pixel RGB Sensor, CMOS image sensor
and external Ambient Light Sensor)
2) Manual (6 steps with fine tuning)
3) Preset (5 settings)
4) Colour temperature setting in Kelvin (select from 31 steps)
5) White balance bracketing (2 to 9 frames adjustable in 10, 20,
30 MIRED steps)
LCD Monitor
2.5-in., approx. 230,000-dot, low temp. polysilicon TFT LCD with
white LED backlighting; Backlight/brightness adjustment
available
Playback Function
1) Full frame, 2) Thumbnail (4/9 segments), 3) Zoom, 4)
Slideshow, 5) RGB Histogram indication, Shooting data and
Highlight point display
Delete Function
1) Card format, 2) All frames delete, 3) Selected frames delete
Video Output
NTSC or PAL (selectable in menu)
Interface
USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) (Mini-B connector)
FTP file transfer and PTP/IP camera control/file transfer is
available with optional WT-2/2A (IEEE 802.11b/g) Wireless
transmitter; FTP file transfer compatibility with WT-1/1A (IEEE
802.11b)
CF Card Slot Type II: supports firmware updates via CF cards
Voice Memo
Record mode: Automatic or manual recording at shooting or
playback,
Max. recording time: 60 seconds
Playback mode: Built-in speaker or Audio Video Cable
File format: Mono WAV file
Text Input
Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input is available with
LCD monitor and multi-selector; stored in Exif header
Usable Lenses
1) AF Nikkor (including AF-S, DX, VR and D-/G-type): All
functions possible
2) D-type Manual-Focus Nikkor: All functions except autofocus
and some exposure modes available
3) AF Nikkor other than D-/G-type: All functions except
3D-Colour Matrix Metering II and 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced
Fill-Flash possible
4) AI-P Nikkor: All functions except 3D-Colour Matrix Metering
II, 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash and AF possible
5) Non-CPU AI Nikkor*: Usable in [A] or [M] mode with Matrix
Metering, Center-Weighted and Spot Metering available
*Indication of aperture No., after user inputs the aperture
f/No. and focal length F=mm by multi-selector operation
Electronic rangefinder usable with maximum aperture of f/5.6 or
faster
Picture Angle
Full Image: Approx. 1.5x focal length in 35mm [135] format
equivalent
High-speed Crop Image: Approx. 2x focal length in 35mm [135]
format equivalent
Viewfinder
Optical-type fixed eye-level pentaprism; Built-in diopter
adjustment (-3 to +1m-1), Eyepiece shutter provided
Eyepoint
19.9mm (at -1.0m-1)
Focusing Screen
BriteView Clear Matte Screen III; supplied Type-B or optional
Type-E with grid
Viewfinder Frame Coverage
Approx. 100% (High-speed Crop mode: Approx. 97%)
Viewfinder Magnification
Approx. 0.86x with 50mm f/1.4 lens set to infinity and -1.0m-1
Reflex Mirror
Automatic, instant-return type
Lens Aperture
Instant-return type, with Depth-of-field Preview Button
Autofocus
TTL phase detection, Nikon Multi-CAM 2000 autofocus module;
Detection range: EV -1 to +19 (Right edge/Left edge AF range: EV
0 to +19) (at normal temperature [20°C /68°F], ISO 100
equivalent)
Lens Servo
1) Single servo AF [S], 2) Continuous servo AF [C], 3) Manual
focus [M] Focus Tracking automatically activated by subject's
status in [S] or [C] AF
Focus Area
Selectable from 11 focus areas (High-speed Crop: 9 focus areas)
AF Area Modes
1) Single Area AF 2) Dynamic-area AF 3) Group Dynamic AF 4)
Dynamic-area AF with closest subject priority
Focus Lock
Focus is locked by pressing AE/AF Lock button or lightly
pressing shutter release button in [S] AF
Exposure Metering System
TTL full-aperture exposure metering system;
1) D-/G-type Nikkor lenses support 3D-Colour Matrix Metering II
using the 1,005-pixel RGB Sensor while other AF Nikkor lenses
with built-in CPUs support Matrix Metering (Non-CPU lenses
require manual input of lens data)
2) Center-Weighted Metering (75% of the meter's sensitivity
concentrated on the 8mm dia. circle) given to 6, 10 or 13mm dia.
circle in center of frame, or weighting based on average of
entire frame
3) Spot Metering (3mm dia. circle, approx. 2% of entire frame);
metering position can be linked to the focus area when using
Nikkor lenses with built-in CPU
Exposure Metering Range
1) 3D-Colour Matrix Metering II: EV 0 to 20
2) Center-Weighted Metering: EV 0 to 20
3) Spot Metering: EV 2 to 20
(at normal temperature [68°F /20°C], ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4
lens)
Exposure Meter Coupling
CPU and AI (Automatic maximum aperture Indexing)
Exposure Modes
1) [P] Programmed Auto with flexible program
2) [S] Shutter-priority Auto
3) [A] Aperture-priority Auto
4) [M] Manual
Exposure Compensation
±5 EV increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
Auto Exposure Lock
Detected exposure value locked by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
Auto Exposure Bracketing
Number of shots: 2 to 9 frames
Compensation steps: 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, or 1 EV steps
Shutter
Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter,
30 to 1/8,000 sec. in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV, bulb
Sync Contact
X-contact only: flash synchronization at up to 1/250 sec.
Flash Control
1) Creative Lighting System: i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash
controlled by TTL Sensor with Nikon Speedlight SB-800/600:
Advanced Wireless Lighting, FV (Flash Value) Lock, Flash Colour
Information Communication for Auto White Balance, Auto FP
High-Speed Flash Sync, Modeling Flash
2) D-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash: When used with the Speedlight
SB-80DX/50DX and in accordance with the mounted lens,
five-segment TTL Multi Sensor control makes available 3D
Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash, Multi-Sensor Balanced
Fill-Flash, and Standard D-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash
3) AA (Auto Aperture-type) Flash available when used with
SB-800/80DX and lens with built-in CPU
4) Non-TTL Auto Flash (A-type Flash) with a Speedlight such as
SB-800/30/27/22s etc.
5) Range-priority manual available with SB-800
Flash Sync Modes
1) Front-curtain sync (normal sync), 2) Red-eye reduction, 3)
Red-eye reduction with slow sync, 4) Slow sync, 5) Rear-curtain
sync
Ready-light
Lights up when flash fully charged with Speedlight
SB-800/600/80DX/28DX/50DX; blinks for full output warning
Accessory Shoe
Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with safely lock provided
Sync Terminal
ISO 519 standard terminal, lock screw provided
Self-timer
Electronically controlled timer with 2 to 20 seconds duration
Depth-of-field Preview Button
Stop-down lens aperture by pressing Depth-of-field Preview
Button.
Remote Control
Via 10-pin remote terminal
GPS
NMEA 0183 (ver. 2.01) Interface standard supported with 9-pin
D-sub cable (optional) and GPS Cable MC-35 (optional)
Supported Languages
English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Swedish,
Simplified Chinese, Korean, Japanese (selectable in menu)
Power Requirements
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a (11.1V DC), Quick Charger
MH-21, AC Adapter EH-6 (optional)
Battery Monitoring System
The LCD monitor on the camera back displays the following
information about the EN-EL4a battery: 1) Remaining charge (%);
2) No. of shots taken since last charge; 3) Calibration status
(Recommended/Not required); 4) Battery life (5 stages)
Tripod Socket
1/4 in. (ISO1222)
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Approx. 157.5 x 149.5 x 85.5mm (6.2 x 5.9 x 3.4 in)
Weight (without battery)
Approx. 1,070g (2.4 lbs)
Supplied Accessories*
Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a, Quick Charger MH-21, Body
Cap, Camera Strap AN-D2Xs, Audio Video Cable EG-D2, USB Cable
UC-E4, LCD Monitor Cover BM-3, Battery Chamber Cover BL-1,
Type-B Focusing Screen, PictureProject software CD-ROM
Optional Accessories
Wireless Transmitter WT-2/2A, Extended Range Antenna WA-E1, AC
Adapter EH-6, Type-E Focusing Screen, Magnifier DG-2, Antifog
Finder Eyepiece DK-17A, Rubber Eyepiece Cup DK-19, Eyepiece
Correction Lens DK-17C series, Magnifying Eyepiece DK-17M,
Right-Angle Magnifying Viewing Attachment DR-5, Speedlight
SB-800/SB-600/R1C1, Capture NX software, Camera Control Pro
Software, Image Authentication Software
*Supplied accessories may differ in each country or area.
CompactFlash™ is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation. Products
and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their
respective companies.
Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any
notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. June 2006
©2006 Nikon Corporation
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