Nikon D2X SLR Review

Click to take a QuickTime tour of the D2X

Unlike most digital camera upgrades, the new D2X was four years in the making - its sibling, the D1X SLR was released back in 2001. Unlike other professional digital SLRs, the D2X has a split personality - it's both a high resolution camera and a high-speed camera combined into one body. The high resolution is achieved by the use of a new Sony 12.4 megapixel DX Format CMOS image sensor, capable of capturing 5 frames per second. When the action demands an even faster framerate, the photographer can switch to the 6.8 megapixel "High Speed Cropped Image" mode that increases the capture rate to a blazing 8 frames per second. And of course, the D2X has been optimized for use with the new DX lenses and is compatible with the full lineup of Nikkor lenses.

The D2X is built to take the daily abuse of today's "working pro" photographers and isn't afraid of a little weather. The lightweight and highly durable magnesium alloy body features enhanced sealing to prevent the intrusion of rain drops and dust and the shutter and mirror box assemblies have been field proven to be very reliable. The camera's large controls and buttons are positioned for intuitive control that frees the photographer to concentrate on composition. Regardless of camera orientation, operation remains consistently comfortable with virtually the same access to primary controls.

Nikon's new generation system LSI greatly improves the precision of processing over previous schemes. With optimized distribution of analog and digital white balance gain, another first, the new engine produces smoother gradations with consistent and smooth transitions, all with exceptionally pure color rendition. Two new Adobe RGB color modes further expand professional color space options with the new engine achieves beautiful reproductions of skin tones. Support for sYCC color space produces JPEG files with a gamut wider than sRGB to fully exploit the output capabilities of the latest color printers.

An improved Matrix Metering system allows Nikon's acclaimed 1,005-pixel RGB Exposure/Color Matrix Metering Sensor to better determine the position and size of shadow or highlight areas and achieve optimum exposure for each shot. Instant power-up with an almost imperceptible 37ms shutter lag matches the class-leading response of the Nikon D2H, an astounding achievement at this resolution level. Nikon's acclaimed Mutli-CAM2000 AF Sensor features nine cross point sensors placed in the rule of thirds layout with an additional two at each side of the frame. Dynamic AF options are added when using the Group Dynamic AF mode as well.

A new 2.5-inch color LCD monitor features an all-digital interface for clear, flicker-free display of preview images and logically organized Shooting and Custom Settings menus. On-demand information includes an improved histogram and new RGB Histogram displays, as well as a chronological Recent Settings list. The new Multiple Exposure function creates a single image from up to 10 exposures. The Image Overlay function merges selected NEF files already stored on the CF memory card to create a new image file within the camera.

The D2X is the first to support a secure interface between the CompactFlash card and the camera. Once configured, the stored content on the card can only be accessed by the designated D2X camera with the matching encryption keys or via password access on a PC. This provides the highest level of security for those who need to document confidential or classified information. This function is available only when using Lexar's new LockTight memory cards. The D2X can access CompactFlash (CF) cards to read and write data faster than any of its predecessors. The transfer rate of the USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface is also improved. Simultaneous recording of NEF and JPEG files helps maximize workflow efficiency.

Gone is the D1X's big and bulky NiMH battery pack, replaced by the EN-EL4, a compact and lightweight rechargeable lithium-ion battery with extended longevity and high energy capacity capable of approx. 2,000 shots per charge, with accurate real-time system status displays.

Optional GPS units that comply with the NMEA 0183 standard can be connected to record data on latitude, longitude, and altitude, or to adjust the D2X's built-in World Time settings. New Wireless Transmitter WT-2 features include IEEE 802.11b/g support for faster transfer speeds, broader support for network protocols and greater security options. Another new feature that realizes extensive new picture taking potential is wireless Capture Control from a computer running Nikon Capture 4 (ver. 4.2).

D2X Major Features:

• Lightweight and durable magnesium alloy body with enhanced sealing that protects against drops of water and dust
• High resolution 12.4-Megapixel effective Sony CMOS imager
• Instant power up and same 37ms shutter release time as the D2H
• 12.4 megapixel High Resolution @ 5fps up to 21 JPEG/15 NEF
• 6.8 megapixel High-Speed Cropped mode @ 8fps up to 35 JPEG/26 NEF
• Accepts Nikon F-mount lenses (with 1.5x/2x FOV multiplier)
• Compressed RAW, JPEG and TIFF file formats
• Program AE, Shutter-priority, Aperture-priority and Manual exposure modes
• Creative in-camera effects, Image Overlay and Multiple Exposure
• Advanced 3D-Color Matrix Metering II prevents highlight blowouts and loss of detail in shadow areas
• White balance: hybrid with 1,005-pixel RGB sensor, CMOS image sensor and external Ambience Light Sensor. WB Bracketing of 2-9 frames
• Shutter speeds from 1/8,000 to 30 seconds, flash sync to 1/250
• 11 area AF (9 area AF in High-Speed crop) with dynamic tracking, single or continuous servo modes
• Adobe sRGB and 2 sRGB color spaces with support for sYCC color range
• 2.5-inch color LCD with 235,000 pixels and white LED backlight
• Onscreen menu for Playback, Shooting, Custom functions and Setup
• A total of 41 Custom settings available
• Four banks to store frequently used camera settings
• ISO sensitivity from 100 to 800 plus 1600 and 3200 options
• Noise Reduction for long exposures, High ISO Noise Reduction for ISO 400 and above
• i-TTL with the SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlights for Nikon's Creative Lighting System compatibility
• CompactFlash Type I or II storage, Microdrive and FAT-32 compatible
• Faster CF read/write speeds than any previous Nikon dSLR
• Secure interface with memory card via Lexar LockTight CF cards
• Selectable video output with NTSC or PAL format
• USB 2.0 hi-speed data and control interface
• Compact, high-capacity EN-EL4 Li-ion battery for up to 2000 shots per charge
• GPS support for the recording of location information with shooting data
• Support for the Wireless Transmitter WT-1A and the new WT-2A

The D2X will be bundled with Nikon's PictureProject software, an intuitive software application that provides image transfer, image organization, simple image editing (NEF plug-in included), and print layout functions. The D2X is also compatible with Nikon Capture 4.2 software (optional), that features improved functions as well as Nikon Capture Camera Control that can now be used to control the camera from a computer over a USB connection or a wireless LAN (requires WT-2A).