Nikon has today announced the D2Xs, a subtly upgraded D2X. The key points of improvement are a larger 2.5" LCD monitor, electronic masking of the focusing screen in high-speed crop mode, modified metering in high-speed crop mode, a longer lasting battery, black and white mode, Adobe RGB in all color modes, up to 3 custom tone curves, 1/3 step ISO boost options, in-camera trim function, image authentication system compatible and save/load settings between cameras.
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Summary of D2Xs improvements
- Electronic viewfinder masking when using High Speed Crop
- Colour Matrix Metering II adapted for use in High Speed Crop
- New wide angle TFT monitor
- New longer life battery
- New Black and White mode
- Adobe RGB Colour space available in all three Colour Modes
- Additional Custom Curve options
- Extra 1/3 step ISO boost settings
- Refinements to Auto focus performance
- New in camera Trim function
- Modified Auto ISO control
- Extra options for the Function Button
- Extended continuous shooting
- New Menu GUI color scheme
- Image Comment, number of characters increased.
- Save/Load settings between multiple D2Xs cameras, additional settings in EXIF
- Simplified settings management
- Image Authentication system compatible
- Battery warning during Mirror Up
- Additional GPS information
- Modified USB portwith new USB Cable Clip included
Nikon D2Xs
Nikon’s latest digital SLR combines 12.4 effective megapixels, superb precision and high speed for a powerful professional performance
Sales release date: July 2006
RRP: £3499.99
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.
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 5 fps 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 D2Xs specifications
| Body material | Magnesium alloy |
|---|---|
| Sensor | • 23.7 x 15.7 mm CMOS sensor • DX format • RGB Color Filter Array • Built-in fixed low-pass filter • 12.84 million total pixels • 12.4 million effective pixels • 5.49 x 5.49 µm • 3:2 aspect ratio |
| Image sizes (Full image) |
• 4288 x 2848 [L] • 3216 x 2136 [M] • 2144 x 1424 [S] |
| Image sizes (High speed cropped) |
• 3216 x 2136 [L] • 2400 x 1600 [M] • 1600 x 1064 [S] |
| File formats | • NEF (12-bit RAW) • NEF + JPEG • JPEG (EXIF 2.2) • TIFF (RGB) |
| Lens mount | • Nikon F mount • Full size image: 1.5x field of view crop • High speed cropped: 2.0x field of view crop |
| Usable lenses | • AF Nikkor (including AF-S, DX, VR and D-/G-type) : All functions possible • D-type Manual-Focus Nikkor: All functions except autofocus and some exposure modes available • AF Nikkor other than D-/G-type: All functions except 3D Color Matrix Metering and 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash possible • AI-P Nikkor: All functions except 3D Color Matrix Metering, 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash and AF possible • 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. |
| Auto Focus | • 11 area TTL (9 area when in High speed cropped mode) • Multi-CAM2000 • AF working range: -1 to 19 EV (ISO 100, normal temperature) |
| Lens Servo | • Single Servo AF [S] • Continuous Servo AF [C] (with Lock-On *) • Manual focus [M] |
| AF Area Mode | • Single Area AF • Dynamic AF with Focus Tracking and Lock-on • Closest Subject Priority Dynamic AF • Group Dynamic AF |
| AF assist | None built-in (via. external flash) |
| AF Lock | • Locked using the AE-L/AF-L button • Half-press shutter release button in AF mode [S] |
| Exposure modes | • Program Auto [P] - flexible program possible • Shutter-Priority Auto [S] • Aperture-Priority Auto [A] • Manual [M] |
| Metering | TTL full-aperture exposure metering system; • D-/G-type Nikkor lenses support 3D Color Matrix Metering II using the 1,005-pixel CCD while other AF Nikkor lenses with built-in CPUs support Matrix Metering (Non-CPU lenses require manual input of lens data) • Center-Weighted Metering (75% of the meter's sensitivity concentrated on the 8mm dia. circle) • 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 |
| Metering modes | • 3D Color Matrix II * • Center-Weighted • Spot |
| Metering range | • 3D Color Matrix Metering: EV 0 to 20 • Center-Weighted Metering: EV 0 to 20 • Spot Metering: EV 2 to 20 [at normal temperature (20°C/68°F), ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens] |
| Meter Coupling | CPU and AI (Automatic maximum aperture indexing) |
| AE Lock | Locked using AE-L/AF-L button |
| AE Bracketing | • 2 to 9 frames |
| Exposure compen. | • +/-5.0 EV • 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps |
| Sensitivity | • Auto ISO (Up to ISO 800, custom max ISO and min shutter speed *) |
| Shutter | • Electromagnetically controlled vertical-travel Focal-plane shutter • 30 to 1/8000 sec • Flash X-Sync: 1/250 sec • Bulb |
| White balance | • Auto (hybrid: ambient sensor, 1005-pixel CCD, image sensor) • Presets (five) • Manual (six steps with fine tuning) • Color temperature in Kelvin (31 steps) • White balance bracketing (2 to 9 frames, 10,20,30 MIRED steps) |
| Color space | • sRGB (3 modes) • Adobe RGB (3 modes *) • sYCC |
| Image parameters | • Sharpening: Auto, Normal, Low, Medium Low, Medium High, High, None • Tone: Auto, Normal, Less Contrast, More Contrast, Custom 1,2 & 3 * • Color: -3,-2,-1,0,+1,+2,+3 • Hue: +/-3, +/-6, +/-9 degrees • Black & White mode |
| Viewfinder | • Optical-type fixed eye-level pentaprism • Built-in diopter adjustment (-3 to +1m-1) • Eyepiece shutter provided • Eyepoint: 19.9 mm (at -1.0m-1) • Frame coverage 100% • Viewfinder magnification approx 0.86x with 50 mm f/1.4 lens |
| Focusing screen | • B-type BrightView Clear Matte Screen III and V-Type Screen for High speed cropped • Interchangeable with optional E-type finder screen with grid |
| Viewfinder info | • Focus indications • Shutter speed • Aperture • Exposure mode • Metering system • Shutter speed lock • Aperture lock • AE lock • Bracketing indicator • Electronic analogue display • Frame counter • Ready-light • ISO sensitivity • White balance • Image size / quality • Eleven sets of focus brackets (area) • High speed cropped area (electronically dimmed *) |
| LCD monitor * | • 2.5 " TFT LCD • Tempered glass coating • 230,000 pixels • Backlight / brightness adjustment • Wide angle view (170°) |
| Flash control | • New Creative Lighting System: i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash controlled by five-segment TTL Multi Sensor with Nikon Speedlight SB-800/600: Advanced Wireless Lighting, FV (Flash Value) -lock, Flash Color Information Communication for Auto White Balance, Auto FP High-Speed Flash Sync, Modeling Flash • 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 • AA (Auto Aperture)-type Flash available when used with SB-800/80DX and lens with built-in CPU • Non-TTL Auto Flash (A-type Flash) with a Speedlight such as SB-30/27/22s etc. • Range-priority manual available with SB-800 |
| Flash Sync Mode | • Front-Curtain Sync (normal sync) • Red-Eye Reduction • Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync • Slow Sync • Rear-Curtain Sync |
| Flash Ready-Light | Lights up when flash fully charged with Speedlight SB-800/80DX/50DX/30/28/ 27/22s; blinks for full output warning |
| Flash Accessory Shoe | ISO 518 standard-type hot shoe contact; Safety lock mechanism provided |
| Flash Sync Terminal | ISO 519 standard terminal, lock screw provided |
| DOF Preview | • Stop-down lens aperture by pressing button • Activates modelling flash |
| Shooting modes | • Single • Continuous High [CH] Full image - 5 fps • Continuous High [CH] High speed cropped image - 8 fps • Continuous Low [CL] Full image - 1 to 4 fps (custom) • Continuous Low [CL] High speed cropped image - 1 to 7 fps (custom) • Self-Timer (programmable) • Interval timer (Timelapse) |
| Continuous shooting buffer size | • RAW files: Full size 17 images, High speed cropped 29 images • JPEG files: Full size 22 images, High speed cropped 35 images |
| Self-timer | • 2, 5, 10 or 20 sec programmable |
| Voice recording | • Voice memo (up to 60 sec) • Optional auto record |
| Orientation sensor | Tags images with camera orientation |
| Playback mode | • Full frame • Thumbnail (4 or 9 images) • One-touch zoom • Slideshow • Histogram • Highlight point |
| Image trimming * | Available for all original images except S size |
| Connectivity | • USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) Mini-B connector (with cable clip *) • Video out • Remote control 10-pin • PC Sync flash terminal |
| GPS | NMEA 0183 Interface standard supported with GPS Cable MC-35 (optional) Also with compass (heading) data * |
| Communications | FTP file transfer with optional Wireless Transmitter WT-1 (IEEE 802.11b) or WT-2 (IEEE 802.11b/g) |
| Video out | • NTSC • PAL |
| Storage | • Compact Flash Type I or II • Microdrive supported • FAT 12/16 and FAT 32 support • 30 characters of text can be input and stored in EXIF header • No CF card supplied • Image Authentication System support * |
| Power | • Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a 2500 mAh, 11.1 V DC * • Included battery charger MH-21 (145 min full charge *) • Optional AC adapter EH-6 |
| Battery monitoring | The LCD monitor on the camera back displays the following information about the EN-EL4a battery: • Remaining charge (%) • No. of shots taken since last charge • Calibration status (Recommended/Not required) • Battery life (5 stages) |
| Dimensions | 158 x 150 x 86 mm (6.2 x 5.9 x 3.4 in) |
| Weight (no batt) | 1070 g (2.4 lb) |
| Weight (inc. batt) | 1252 g (2.8 lb) |
| Box contents | 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 |
* Changes or updates compared to the D2X
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