|
Nikon D2xs professional Digital SLR

Nikon has announced
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, color 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 color modes, making it
possible to work with a wider range of colors that
complement various working environments.
Furthermore, in-camera creative possibilities are
extended with the addition of a new Black & White
(sRGB) color 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
recognizable 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 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 color
modes
The Adobe RGB profile provides a broader
range of colors 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 color 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/Color 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
color-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 organization, 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, colors
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, Anti fog 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
|