NIKON D2X SLR 12.4 Megapixel Digital Camera

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Product Details

• Item Weight: 6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 6.4 pounds
• ASIN: B0007X7W6K
• Item model number: D2X
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #6,701 in Camera & Photo (See Bestsellers in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: June 22, 2006

Product Description

From the Manufacturer
Nikon has integrated the best of its world-leading camera expertise with stunning advances in digital technologies to realize the only digital SLR camera truly equipped to meet the changing landscape of professional photography. The Nikon D2X blends for the first time the high levels of resolution commercial clients demand with class-leading levels of speed, handling and consistent color. Workflow remains efficient and consistent, even under difficult conditions, yielding output of the finest quality with the detail to allow editing as the assignment demands. The Nikon D2X, ready to expand the realm of digital photography.

12.4 million effective pixels
A new DX Format CMOS sensor captures 12.4 million effective pixels per image and delivers the high resolution and sharp detail needed for professional results. DX Format means the sensor is optimized for use with DX lenses, and is compatible with the full lineup of quality Nikkor lenses.

Nikon's new high-resolution image processing engine
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, while the new engine achieves beautiful reproduction 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.

Precise white balance for accurate color
The latest generation of Nikon's metering technology combines three separate sensors to achieve refined Auto White Balance and Auto Tone Control. Full manual white balance control options include white balance preset and the direct setting of Kelvin color temperature.

Improved 3D-Color Matrix Metering II
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.

Nikon Capture 4 (ver. 4.2) (optional software)
The unique and powerful program that delivers the full power to edit NEF (RAW) files for maximum picture quality also makes it possible to control and shoot remotely with Nikon D-SLR cameras. Version 4.2 incorporates outstanding new tools that further increase productivity and creative control within a color-managed workflow environment.

Immediate response
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.

High-speed continuous shooting
Optimized camera systems realize unprecedented continuous shooting at full 12.4 megapixel resolution of 5 fps for 15 consecutive NEF images. When the situation demands yet faster frame rates, the 6.8 megapixel High Speed Cropped mode allows 8 fps shooting for 26 NEF images.

Fast, precise 11-area AF system
Nikon's acclaimed Multi-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 Group Dynamic AF mode as well.

Faster data handling
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.

Built to withstand the rigors of professional use
The D2X is built to perform reliably, from its lightweight and highly durable magnesium alloy body with enhanced sealing that protects against drops of water and dust, to its field-proven shutter unit.

Freedom to concentrate on the subject
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.

Unrivaled lithium-ion battery system
The D2X's compact rechargeable lithium-ion battery delivers extended longevity and high energy capacity capable of approximately 2,000 shots per charge, with accurate real-time system status displays.

Large 2.5-inch LCD for easy info access
A new 2.5-inch 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.

Location data expands application possibilities
GPS units that comply with NMEA 0183 can be connected via the optional GPS cable (MC-35) to record data on latitude, longitude, and altitude, or to adjust the D2X's built-in World Time settings.

Creative in-camera effects
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.

New Wireless Transmitter WT-2 (optional)
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).

Support for Nikon's Creative Lighting System
Fully integrated with Nikon's exclusive i-TTL flash control and Advanced Wireless Lighting remote multiple-flash system supported by Nikon's SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlights, the D2X is also compatible with the SB-80DX and other Nikon Speedlights that use D-TTL flash control.

Extensive lineup of compatible AF Nikkor lenses
The fast, quiet and razor-sharp performance of Nikon's acclaimed AF, AF-S, and dedicated DX Nikkor lens lineup is available in focal lengths ranging from a 10.5mm f2.8 fisheye through 600mm telephoto, while three teleconverters offer increased telephoto reach.

Versatile software supplied
PictureProject provides easy control over basic image management, editing and sharing. Features include Import Assistant, drag-and-drop organization, design layout templates and CD/DVD burning for distribution or archiving purposes.

Product Description
Nikon has integrated the best of its world-leading camera expertise with stunning advances in digital technologies to realize the only digital SLR camera truly equipped to meet the changing landscape of professional photography. The Nikon D2X blends for the first time the high levels of resolution commercial clients demand with class-leading levels of speed, handling and consistent color. Workflow remains efficient and consistent, even under difficult conditions, yielding output of the finest quality with the detail to allow editing as the assignment demands. The Nikon D2X, ready to expand the realm of digital photography.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

77 of 78 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I've retired my F5, June 10, 2005

By	J. Odell "Nature Photographer" (Colorado, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I've been waiting for a long time to finally switch to digital. For the last four years, I've shot 35mm transparencies and scanned them with a film scanner. For me, switching to a digital SLR (and justifying the expense of these cameras) meant getting all the functionality and performance I came to expect with my F5 and images that I could easily print at 13x19 without any (or much) interpolation.
The D2X does all of this, and continues to blow me away each time I use it. Here's my general highlights of what I find important;

1) Build quality and ergonomics are outstanding. The viewfinder image is bright and I can manually focus my lenses in most situations if I want to. I don't have huge hands, so some of the controls require a little stretch, but nothing that is too difficult to manage.

2) The 3D Matrix II meter is AWESOME. I get great exposures, even better than my F5. In addition, the Auto whitebalance is excellent. It is possible to fool it, but it gets the situation right 95% of the time, especially outdoors.

3) Autofocus is incredible. The 11-point AF system gives me MUCH better frame coverage than I had with the F5. It's also more sensitive and faster to aquire focus, even in low-light situations. Although there are reports out there about focusing issues with the D2X, my camera does not have any problems. What I HAVE discovered, however, is that it's REALLY EASY for the camera to lock-on to an object that is slightly offset from where the focus indicator is. This is partly due to operator error-- you have to be really careful with your technique, and the fact that the actual AF sensors are MUCH larger than the little reticles in the viewfinder. At least I can check my image on the LCD to see if I need to redo it.

4) The LCD and camera menus are great. More custom settings than anyone could imagine, but they are easily navigated and you can group them in banks. The camera also has the nice ability to recall the last several functions you modified, so it's easy to get back to where you were if you change something.

5) Battery life is excellent. The Li-ion battery is small and light, and I routinely get about 700-900 images in one charge. WAY better than my F5!

6) Image quality. Nothing short of outstanding. This camera can out-resolve some of my lesser lenses. I REALLY can see the difference between hand-held and tripod-mounted shots if I'm not careful. I have as much resolution as I could possibly need. NOISE: I don't have any problems using the D2X all the way up to ISO 800. In fact, compared to ISO 400 slide film, there is less noise with the D2X at HI-1 (ISO 1600) than film grain at comparable ISOs. At ISO 640 or less, there really isn't any noise issues at all. Anyone who says otherwise is either reading too many test results or pixel-peeping. Images viewed at a normal distance look FANTASTIC.

In summary, the D2X is a total replacement IMO for slide film. It may even compete with medium-format in terms of resolution. This camera is a tool for professionals, and it will DEFINITELY expose any flaws in your technique or lenses. That being said, I gotta go work on my technique some more!

59 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Awesome, but Demanding, October 17, 2005

By	Ansel WannaBe "Nature lover" (PA USA) - See all my reviews

All of the great things you see in the other reviews are true. This is a fabulous camera with outstanding capabilities. It is also a very demanding camera. It is demanding of your shooting techniques. It is demanding of the lens you use with it. It is demanding of computer capabilities.

This camera captures such incredible detail that it demands proper handholding techniques. This is complicated by the heft of the camera. I upgraded from a D70 and thought I had pretty good technique, but it actually took several weeks of effort to improve and really get tack sharp images. I thought there was a problem with the focus on the camera until I realized images taken on a tripod were perfect.

The true capabilities of the camera only come through when used with professional-level glass. I had used both a Tamron 28-300 zoom, a very good lens, and a Nikon 70-200mm VR lens on the D70 and, obviously, the Nikon VR lens was better. But, the difference between the same two lenses on the D2X is unbelievable.

This camera will also place demands on the computer equipment and accessories. Be ready to upgrade to 4gb memory cards. Also, be sure your computer has the RAM to handle manipulating 70mb files. If you use Photoshop and create many layers, be ready for the file size several times that size. In addition to memory, you will need to have LOTS of hard drive space for all of the images you will be creating.

I can recommend this camera to anyone wanting a professional-level DSLR. Just be aware of the demands of the camera and have the supporting equipment necessary so that your experience is satisfying, not frustrating.

29 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful pro camera in every respect, September 3, 2005

By	Tony Heinz "i9900 is awesome" (Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

I am going to keep this review short and sweet, rather than go on about every wonderful aspect of the camera. You can tell a lot about the camera simply by reading the specs, but they do not tell the whole story.

PROS;

-12MP have a lot of room to crop, I can crop down to 1/3 of the picture and there is still enough info for a decent 13x19 print.

- Images are clean and smooth. I only shoot at ISO 100-200 and the images are noise free for all normal purposes.

-GREAT COLORS. I am upgrading from a D70 and the colors are much improved. The D70 had a tendencey to wash greens, while the D2x has wonderful colors.

(This is the part that really never makes it to the specs)
- Responsiveness/ Handling. Nikon has always had the edge in ergonometrics, but the D2x/H take this to a new level. I have average sized hands and everything is right where it should be. The best thing is how everything happens INSTANTLY. You press "AF-ON" the picture is in focus. The viewfinder is beautiful and bright. The mirror blackout is so short you never see it go black in Single frame mode.

-Two cameras in one. You can comapre this camera to the Canon 1Ds Mk II for high res landscapes and all that...AND you can compare it to the 1D Mk II for 8FPS sports action in HSC mode.

CONS:

-It's big. This is not a small camera, in fact it's pretty huge and heavy.

-It's expensive. (I think it is worth every penny....Well most anyway)

-It demands good lenses to perform best. The D2x can resolve more than many consumer lenses, so wait until you have good enough glass to justify the D2x.


CONCLUSION:
Great camera for just about anything, if you have five grand go for it, you will never look back!