Nikon D2H SLR Review

Click to take a QuickTime tour of the D2H

Nikon's new D2H professional digital SLR camera was designed for photojournalists and sports/action photographers. The D2H sets a new standard in speed and accuracy while achieving exceptional image quality. Virtually every aspect of the camera's performance has been designed from the ground up to facilitate high-speed photography under demanding conditions. The D2H is capable of continuously shooting 8 frames per second and buffers up to 40 JPEG images. It incorporates an all new 11-sensor autofocus system with 9 cross type sensors and versatile performance, a revolutionary new 4.1 effective megapixel imaging sensor and Wi-Fi capabilities for 802.11b wireless transmission of images.

The D2H boasts an extensive new feature set that is designed for extreme performance at every level. The camera is central to a complete new imaging system for photojournalism and sports/action photography that includes Nikon Capture 4.0 software, new NikonView 6.1 software, new i-TTL speedlight technology, new WT-1 Wi-Fi transmitter accessory, and three exciting new lenses including the world's first extreme wide-angle AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED lens and the new AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens, both designed exclusively for Nikon digital SLR cameras, and the world's first super-telephoto AF-S VR 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED lens with Nikon's advanced Vibration Reduction technology designed for Nikon's 35mm and Digital SLR models.

The new 4.1 effective megapixel (2484 x 1636) DX format JFET imaging sensor was designed to meet the challenging needs of photojournalists and sports/action photographers, and provides the foundation for the D2H system's advanced performance. The new sensor is capable of producing high quality images and high-speed performance. Its JFET technology, combined with a host of new innovations, enables this sensor to render extremely low noise performance with extraordinary color accuracy, detail, sharpness and overall quality. Auto white balance, auto tone control and auto color correction ensures optimal accuracy for each scene. A new color-processing engine minimizes false colors, while maintaining superior color rendition, accuracy and consistency. A high signal-to-noise ratio combined with high-level image processing offers enhanced performance at high ISO settings.

The D2H is the world's most responsive digital SLR camera. It has virtually no start-up lag time, and is ready to shoot the instant it is turned on. Its shutter lag time is a mere 37ms - the lowest among all digital cameras, and comparable to Nikon's F5 35mm film SLR camera. The D2H is capable of a continuous shooting rate of up to 8 frames per second at full resolution and all file formats and ISO settings. The frame rate remains consistent when any combination of the D2H's focus points is selected, or even when older, non-CPU based Nikkor lenses are used. The D2H's enormous buffer allows photographers to shoot up to 40 continuous images in JPEG mode and 25 in NEF (RAW) mode, rendering buffer-stall virtually a non-issue.

The D2H features the new Multi-Cam 2000 next generation autofocus system that is not only fast enough to keep up with the camera's rapid continuous frame rate, but it is remarkably accurate in detecting focus even in challenging situations, including dim lighting conditions as low as EV -1. This new autofocus system consists of 11 AF sensors, 9 of which are cross-type sensors laid out consistently with the rule of thirds for composition, and an additional two sensors placed at the horizontal ends of the frame. The D2H also features enhanced Dynamic AF and a new Group Dynamic AF detection option, as well as Focus Tracking with Lock-On technology to ensure razor sharp pictures.

Optional integrated Wi-Fi (IEEE-802.11b) connectivity when used with the Wireless Transmitter WT-1 accessory. The WT-1 can be attached to the bottom of the D2H, and connected to the camera via its USB 2.0 port. It transmits images via a local area network to a host computer access-point using File Transfer Protocol (FTP) method, and can wirelessly transfer data over a radius of approximately 30 meters (100 feet) with a supplied one-inch antenna. An optional antenna is available for an extended range of up to 150 meters (approx. 490 feet).

The D2H features significant improvements in user interface design that facilitate faster and easier handling of the camera. On the back is a 2.5-inch LCD monitor with an anti- scratch surface and displays larger, easier-to-read fonts. A new 8-way multi-selector enables diagonal movement and makes scrolling through menus and panning over images easier and faster. New larger controls and oversized buttons make operating the camera with gloves effortless. An improved vertical shutter release interface offers photographers greater control and handling while the camera automatically detects orientation and tags vertical images to be rotated in Nikon View software.

A new Lithium-Ion battery system that offers automatic calibration and comprehensive performance monitoring features. The D2H battery meter indicates accurate battery life on a percentage scale, with 5 percent increments, while a picture meter indicates the number of images taken on a single battery charge. Additionally, the battery information screen also specifies calibration status and overall battery life in five stages, giving ample notice to photographers to replace a battery that is exhausted and is unable to hold a charge. The high-powered Li-Ion battery has a reduced memory effect, is lighter in weight and provides improved cold weather performance.

Nikon D2H Features:

• Continuous 8fps capture up to 40 frames/JPEG, 25 frames/RAW
• Very short 37ms shutter lag time
• Interchangeable lenses, Nikon F-mount (1.5x focal multiplier)
• 4.1-Megapixel JFET imager yields 2464 x 1632 pixel images
• JPEG, TIFF and NEF raw file formats
• 11 area AF with dynamic tracking, single or continuous servo
• New 3-way hybrid white balance metering
• Program AE w/Shift, Shutter priority, Aperture priority, Manual and AE Bracketing
• Pentaprism viewfinder with 100% coverage and interchangeable screens
• Exclusive 3D-Color Matrix, Center-Weighted, and Spot metering
• Shutter speeds from 1/8,000 to 30 seconds plus Bulb
• 2.5-inch color LCD with 211,200 pixels and white LED backlight
• Onscreen menu for Record, Playback and Custom functions
• Review functions now include zoomed-playback with pan
• ISO 200 to 1600 (in 1/3, 1/2 or 1EV steps), 3200 and 6400 available
• Noise Reduction circuitry for long exposures (1/2 sec or greater)
• Supports sRGB and Adobe RGB color space
• i-TTL 5-Segment Balanced Fill-Flash with SB-800 Speedlight
• CompactFlash Type II storage, Microdrive compatible
• Selectable video output with NTSC or PAL format
• USB 2.0 data and control interface
• High capacity EN-EL4 Li-ion Battery Pack and MH-21 charger
• Battery status monitored and displayed on LCD screen
• Optional WT-1 FTP wireless transmitter, IEEE 802.11b

The D2H kit ships with Lithium Battery EN-EL4; Quick Charger MH-21; Body cap; Camera strap AN-D2H; AV cable EG-D2; USB cable UC-E4; LCD Monitor cover BM-3; Nikon View software CD ROM.

Nikon D2H Specifications