FOCUS Enhancements D2Xs specifications Passive quality, Vic Huber

Vic Huber

“Every decision I make as a photographer impacts the outcome of an image. The D2Xs handles intuitively and makes excellent technical decisions for me so I can focus on the dynamics of the image.”

Image quality mode: RAW (NEF) • Lens: AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF • Exposure mode: [A] 1/40 second, f/13

• White balance: Cloudy • Sensitivity: ISO-equiv. 100

Smooth control and usability

Ergonomic design and button layout

The size, layout and operation of each customizable button, control and function is designed for intuitive operation and feedback, minimizing the need to remove the eye from the viewfinder while shooting. This combines with instant, predictable response to free the photographer to concentrate on composition. Operation remains consistently comfortable for either horizontal or vertical orientation. The convenient Function button on the front of the body can be programmed for simpler switching such as in and out of High-speed Crop mode when using continuous shooting.

The eye-level viewfinder features frame coverage of virtually 100% and a 19.9mm eyepoint. Information bars along the bottom and right edges display the current white balance mode, image quality and size settings, ISO setting and more. Updated for the D2Xs, the viewfinder also features an improved view within the High-speed Crop mode frame for faster and easier composition.

Performance you can trust

Magnesium alloy body with enhanced sealing system

Housed in a lightweight yet highly durable magnesium alloy body, the D2Xs is built to perform reliably under the tough working conditions of professional photographic assignments. Nikon’s enhanced sealing system protects every possible seam and exposed part, making the body resistant to dust and drops of water.

A new locking mechanism holds the USB cable’s connector securely and prevents it from being accidentally pulled out of the USB port.

Passive quality —

Uncompromising craftsmanship and optimum in-field efficiency

Understanding the importance of intuitive handling and tough reliability in the field, Nikon designed every button, control and function for maximum ease of access, intuitive operation, handling efficiency and reliability. Meet the professional digital SLR solution truly equipped to extend creative freedom and business productivity; the Nikon D2Xs.

Valuable feedback from information displays

The D2Xs’s new 2.5-inch high-resolution LCD with up to 27x magnification permits effective evaluation of sharpness, expression and exposure, and quick confirmation of exposure using the Histogram or RGB Histogram displays. The color-coded menu displays and large type have been refined for easier recognition and access. The top and rear control panels are also designed to convey essential status and settings information at a glance.

Menus that maximize practicality and versatility

Custom Settings menus are grouped according to basic features for fast and easy access. Up to 4 complete selections of Custom Settings can be stored in the camera’s memory bank, allowing instant switching to the optimized selection for the given assignment.

In addition to displaying the last 8 settings made using the Shooting menus and Custom Settings menus, further evolution of the Recent Settings list adds the ability to delete the current settings, or lock them to prevent accidental changes. A new menu option also allows camera settings to be saved to or loaded from a memory card, making it convenient to share settings between D2Xs cameras that will be used in similar conditions.

A new feature available from the Shooting menu is the ability to download up to 3 custom tone curves for a wider range of gamma choice to accommodate the diverse demands of different assignments.

Lithium-ion battery system with even greater power New

The new EN-EL4a rechargeable lithium-ion battery retains the same form, but features significantly increased capacity that delivers enough power for up to 3,800 shots* per charge. It can be recharged at any time or any level, features extended service life, and performs well at low temperatures. The system’s real-time status display gives accurate feedback on the percentage of remaining battery charge, the number of shots taken since the last charge, the overall status of service life, as well as notification when calibration is recommended. The D2Xs can also be powered by EN-EL4 batteries, and EN-EL4a batteries are compatible with earlier Nikon D2 series cameras.

*Based on Nikon test conditions. See instruction manual for complete details.

Proven shutter unit for reliability and speed

Mechanical systems throughout the camera are enhanced to fully support the speed, precision and durability required by professionals. The double-bladed shutter unit, refined from the field-proven systems on high-end Nikon SLRs, is tested to well over 150,000 cycles. It employs a mirror balance mechanism that completes its motion cycle and reaches a full stop with virtually no mirror bounce, achieving maximum stability and speed as well as smoother AF detection.

Custom Settings menus

C	Bank select	b	Metering/exposure	c3	Auto meter-off	e	Bracketing/flash	f	Controls
R	Menu reset	b1	ISO auto	c4	Self-timer	e1	Flash sync speed	f1	Center button
a	Autofocus	b2	ISO step value	c5	Monitor off	e2	Flash shutter speed	f2	Multi selector
a1	AF-C mode priority	b3	EV step	d	Shooting/display	e3	AA flash mode	f3	Photo info/playback
a2	AF-S mode priority	b4	Exposure comp. EV	d1	Shooting speed	e4	Modeling flash	f4	FUNC. button
a3	Group dynamic AF	b5	Exposure comp.	d2	Maximum shots	e5	Auto BKT set	f5	FUNC. + command
a4	Lock-on	b6	Center weight	d3	Exp. delay mode	e6	Manual mode bkting	f6	Command dials
a5	AF activation	b7	Fine tune exposure	d4	File No. Seq.	e7	Auto BKT order	f7	Buttons and dials	4
a6	Focus area Illum	c	Timers/AE & AF lock	d5	Cntrl Panel / finder	e8	Auto BKT selection	f8	No CF card?
a7	Focus area	c1	AE lock	d6	Illumination					5
a8	Vertical AF-ON	c2	AE-L/AF-L