We Rate It |
| Camera: Nikon D2X |
| Category: AF Digital SLR |
| Autofocus Perfomance |
5 |
| Metering Performance |
4 |
| Feature Set |
5 |
| Ease Of Use |
5 |
| Ergonomics |
5 |
| Value |
5 |
4.8 Overall |
For the past several years, Nikon has offered two versions of its top of the
line pro digital SLR: a high-resolution X model, and a high-speed H model. The
company still offers two versions: the new high-resolution D2X that is the subject
of this report, and the recently upgraded high-speed D2Hs. But the D2X also
provides a High Speed Cropped Image mode that shoots just as fast as the D2Hs
(8 fps), at considerably higher resolution (6.8 megapixels vs. 4.1 megapixels)—as
well as its standard extremely high 12.4-megapixel resolution when you can “settle”
for a 5 fps shooting rate.
An added benefit for sports and wildlife shooters is that the High Speed Cropped
Image mode results in a 2x focal-length factor, rather than the camera’s
standard 1.5x factor—a 200mm lens used on the D2X frames like a 300mm
lens in full-res mode, and like a 400mm lens in High Speed Cropped mode, while
it frames like a 300mm lens on the D2Hs.
So why does Nikon still make the D2Hs? Because it will do more shots in a single
burst at that 8 fps rate, it costs somewhat less, and most photojournalistic
shooting doesn’t require more than 4.1 megapixels—in fact, more
megapixels can be a disadvantage there, filling up memory cards more quickly
and taking longer to transmit. But I suspect that most pro Nikon shooters will
go for the new D2X, for its image quality and versatility. And with a $4999.95
street price, it’s a great value considering the resolution and performance.
Naturally, the D2X is designed and built to withstand the rigors of hard pro
field use. It’s also extremely fast. Switch it on and it’s ready
to go instantly, shutter-release lag is a minimal 37 ms, it’ll shoot those
12.4-megapixel images at 5 per second and 6.8-megapixel images at 8 per second,
and AF performance is extremely quick.
Focusing
The Nikon Multi-CAM2000 high-speed AF system in the D2X employs 11 AF sensors:
9 cross-types laid out in a rule of thirds pattern, plus a line sensor to each
side. A switch on the camera back lets you select among four AF area modes.
In Single-area AF, you can choose any of the 11 sensors yourself, via the handy
multi selector just above the focus-area switch. In Dynamic area AF, the camera
will establish focus using the area you select, but switch to adjacent AF areas
to maintain focus if the subject leaves the original area. Group dynamic AF
works like Dynamic area AF, except you select a group of AF sensors—handy
for erratically moving subjects. In Dynamic area AF with closest-subject priority,
the camera uses the area containing the closest subject in the image area.
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Wildlife shooters will appreciate the camera’s new High
Speed Cropped Image mode that provides fast operation while delivering
6.8-megapixel resolution.
Photo by Mike Stensvold
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You can choose among single-shot AF, continuous AF, and manual focusing via
the lens’ focusing ring. In both AF modes, the camera will automatically
activate predictive focus tracking when it detects subject movement.
Exposure
Nikon’s acclaimed 3D Color Matrix II metering uses a 1005-pixel RGB sensor
that evaluates color and subject distance information when type G or D Nikkor
lenses are used, for extremely accurate exposure in a wide range of situations.
Also included are center-weighted metering (most weight is placed on an 8mm
circle in the center of the frame; and you can change the size of this area
to 6, 10 or 13mm via Custom Setting b6), and spot metering (the meter reads
only a 3mm circle—approximately 2 percent of the image area.
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Nikon’s best D-SLR ever, the high-speed, high-res D2X features
an easy-to-access control layout and is built tough to withstand
the rigors of use in the field.
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Exposure modes include shiftable program AE, shutter- and aperture-priority
AE, and metered manual. You can lock the exposure by pressing the AE-L button,
apply ±5 stops of exposure compensation (the manual recommends against
using exposure comp in 3D Matrix Metering mode), and activate automatic exposure
bracketing.
ISO settings run from 100 to 800. There are also HI-1 and HI-2 settings, which
correspond with ISO 1600 and 3200, respectively (they’re marked that way
to remind you that image quality is reduced at these high-speed settings). You
can also use Custom Setting b1 to activate ISO Auto Control, which automatically
adjusts the ISO between 100 and 800 as shooting conditions warrant.
Flash
Like most pro SLRs, the D2X has no built-in flash unit. But it has a hot shoe
that accepts Nikon Speedlight flash units and gives you access to Nikon’s
Creative Lighting System, plus a PC terminal for studio flash. The Creative
Lighting System (available with the optional Nikon SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlights)
includes TTL off-camera wireless operation, i-TTL flash control, FV lock (like
AE lock, but locks the flash exposure), Flash Color Information Communication
(for optimum color accuracy in flash shots), Auto FP High Speed Sync (lets you
shoot with flash at all shutter speeds, up to the camera’s top 1/8000),
and Modeling flash for previewing the flash lighting.
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