Kirk Enterprises
While the Nikon D2xs Digital SLR shares many features with its predecessor, it boasts an array of refinements that enhance performance and improve the user experience. Such features include, refined viewfinder performance; a Large LCD with a wide viewing angle; significantly increased battery life; and a wide range of firmware enhancements.
At the heart of the system is a proven 12.4 million-pixel image sensor producing high quality images that can be captured in JPEG or RAW file formats at a rate of up to five frames per second in continuous shooting mode. The powerful advanced image-processing engine and optimized systems blend high levels of resolution with superb image quality, pure color rendition, and class-leading speed. The 11-area AF system is tuned to deliver even finer precision and higher performance, and an improved view in High-speed Crop mode makes composition easier. The host of enhancements also includes significantly increased battery life per charge, an improved menu interface, and a color calibrated 2.5-inch LCD with ultra-wide viewing angle.
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 supports 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 3,400 images on a single charge, 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 DX Format CMOS sensor captures 12.4 million effective pixels per image, producing 4288 x 2848-pixel images with the high resolution and sharp detail needed for commercial assignments. High-speed 4-channel independent data output contributes to impressive levels of image quality and system speed.
The Nikon F lens mount assures unprecedented compatibility with the expanding family of digital dedicated DX Nikkor lenses as well as Nikon's comprehensive lineup of AF/AF-S Nikkor lenses long favored by professionals for their outstanding auto focus performance, superb color, high contrast and smooth rendition of out of focus areas in backgrounds.
Nikon's most powerful image processing engine to date combines color independent analog pre-conditioning with improved digital image processing algorithms. This innovative system delivers images with a natural and appealing look that benefits from faithful color reproduction and realistic transitions between areas of different color and tone.
Real-time noise reduction that can be applied during image processing may be augmented by long exposure and high ISO noise reduction options, available via menu settings.
Nikon's exclusive light metering technology intelligently evaluates numerous elements beyond simple brightness and compares its findings against an onboard database of reference images. Complex and otherwise time-consuming exposures are determined instantly, resulting in consistent and dependable digital imaging exposures. Advantages of 3D Color Matrix Metering II are now provided in the High-Speed Crop Mode, while also optimizing the areas calculated for using Center-weighted metering and i-TTL Flash Control.
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.
Continuous shooting at a rapid 8 frames per second is possible when using the High-Speed Crop mode that records the central portion of the frame at 6.8 megapixel resolution. What's more, the viewfinder has been enhanced to provide an automatic mask that actives when the HSC mode is set for simpler accuracy in composition.
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.
Instant startup and a class-leading shutter release time lag of a mere 37 milliseconds combine with optimized systems throughout to maximize all-round performance and deliver the response needed to handle even the most challenging professional assignments.
When used in combination with SB-800, SB-600 or SB-R200 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.
Nikon's advanced color reproduction system combines 3 available color modes and corresponding color profile choices to offer a range of color treatments to match specific assignments and workflow environments. Adobe RGB profile (Color mode I and II) as well as the option of the sRGB profile enables photographers to set the best color mode based on their shooting needs. Additionally, a Black & White capture mode is now available.
Advanced Auto White Balance (AWB) and Auto Tone Control (ATC) systems effectively handle complicated lighting conditions, achieving optimum white balance along with refined color and tone reproduction. Manual white balance mode selections include Color Temperature mode for directly setting Kelvin color temperature from 31 values between 2,500K and 10,000K. Preset mode provides quick selection from 5 white balance settings that may be saved to match the lighting conditions in known venues.
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 already stored on the CF card to create a new image file within the camera.
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. Furthermore, a locking mechanism holds the USB cable connector securely and prevents it from being accidentally pulled out of the USB port.
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.
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. With up to 27x image magnification, the LCD 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.
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. A 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.
RAW, TIFF and JPEG images taken using the D2Xs can be trimmed within the camera to produce images of reduced display sizes ranging from 640x480 to 2560x1920 pixels. The smaller files that result can help improve workflow efficiency by eliminating the time required to download and perform software editing within a computer.
The EN-EL4a rechargeable lithium-ion battery retains the same form, but features significantly increased capacity that delivers enough power for up to 3400 shots per charge. 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. Furthermore, the Battery can be recharged at any time or any level, features extended service life, and performs well at low temperatures.
Capture NX offers exciting potential for Nikon Electronic Format (NEF) files, as well as JPEG and TIFF images. Refined through revolutionary U-Point technology, it greatly simplifies the selection of objects, colors or areas that support highly accurate alterations to myriad image elements, while preserving the integrity of the original image data.
With the optional MC-35 GPS Adapter Cord, location information such as latitude, longitude, altitude and heading (direction) can be transferred from a GPS device and recorded with the shooting data for each image.
Nikon's Image Authentication function offers image authentication for digital image files to protect the integrity of valuable data. Indication of whether the actual image has been tampered with is provided along with any changes that have been made to date and GPS information.
The Wireless Transmitter WT-2/2A supports IEEE 802.11g for maximizing transfer speeds while maintaining backward compatibility with IEEE 802.11b. It may be configured for a wide variety of network and security protocols, and also enables wireless control of the camera from a computer via the Camera Control Pro software option. Versatile operation means that it is possible to automatically transfer each image as it is shot, or manually select images for transfer. The transfer proceeds invisibly as normal