Nikon Announces D2xs Digital SLR [Archive]

Jason Dunn

06-01-2006, 03:56 PM

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://www.nikon.ca/products/d2xs/' target='_blank'>http://www.nikon.ca/products/d2xs/</a> </div>Nikon has unveiled its new high-end digital camera, and it looks to be quite impressive. At quick glance, it differs from my D200 by having a 12.4 megapixel CMOS sensor rather than the CCD that my D200 has. It also can do 8 frames per second at 3,216 x 2,136 crops for high-speed shooting, boasts a voice recorder, and apparently the world's fastest shutter release time of 37ms. I didn't think it could get any faster than my D200. Looks like an impressive camera - the price will be equally impressive, I'm sure. The press release is below. <img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/D2XS_RA_Extended%20Open.jpg" /> "Nikon Canada Inc. today announced the introduction of the D2XS professional digital Single Lens Reflex (D SLR) camera. Building on the success of the award-winning D2X, the new D2XS D SLR camera offers a range of refinements that improve overall camera performance and enhance the user experience. To fulfill the demands of the professional photographer, many of the features and capabilities that made the D2X a success have been incorporated into the new D2XS, such as outstanding high-speed shooting performance, rapid start-up, the world's fastest shutter release time lag of just 37 milliseconds, a viewfinder blackout time of just 105 milliseconds, and 11-area autofocus system. D2XS also offers Nikon's acclaimed DX-format CMOS image sensor capturing 12.4 effective megapixels per image, producing 4,288 x 2,848-pixel images with the high resolution and sharp detail required of professional assignments.<!> Refinements to the D2XS include an automatic viewfinder mask when shooting in High-Speed Crop mode for faster, easier and more confident composition. Nikon's 3D-Colour Matrix Metering II is also available in High-Speed Crop mode. The D2XS also features a new 2.5 inch LCD with 170-degree wide viewing angle that has been factory calibrated to ensure consistent colour fidelity, new custom settings options, significantly increased battery life and a wide range of firmware enhancements. Improved autofocus subject acquisition, tracking capability and new options for controlling the timing of the focus tracking lock-on, make it easier to adjust for shooting different scenes and actions with the D2XS. Sensitivity on the D2XS can be manually set between ISO-equivalent 100 and 800 in increments of 1/3 EV, or boosted using HI-0.3, HI-0.5, HI-0.7, HI-1 or HI-2 settings when high sensitivity is a priority. The three settings between 800 and HI-1 are newly added to give the D2XS finer control over sensitivity. An updated AUTO ISO feature provides improved functionality for photographers who work under changing lighting conditions such as weddings. AUTO ISO helps achieve optimum exposure while freeing the photographer to concentrate on composition. Offering greater control over the range within which AUTO ISO operates, the D2XS provides settings to specify the maximum value to which the function can increase sensitivity and the minimum shutter speed at which AUTO ISO will operate. Professional photographers will also appreciate the ability to select Adobe® RGB in any of the three colour modes - making it possible to work with a wider range of colours to match highly diverse assignments and workflow environments, while complementing the NEF file. In-camera creative possibilities are extended even further with the addition of a new Black & White (sRGB) colour mode. The D2XS can capture 12.4 megapixel JPEG images or RAW images at a rate of up to 5 frames per second in continuous shooting mode. Continuous shooting at a rate of up to 8 frames per second is possible with the High-Speed Crop function that captures a more specific, central frame area at 6.8 megapixel resolution. The combination of powerful image-processing technologies and Nikon's 1,005 pixel 3D-Colour Matrix Metering II, makes it possible to capture beautiful 12.4 megapixel images that will satisfy photographers' needs for larger files that are rich in detail, colour and smooth tonal range. As part of the Nikon Total Imaging System, the D2XS is compatible with Nikon's DX Nikkor lenses, engineered exclusively for use with Nikon DX-format D SLRs, as well as Nikon's famous AF Nikkor lenses. The D2XS maximizes the potential of Nikon's Creative Lighting System when used with the SB-800, SB-600 or the Wireless Close-Up Speedlight Systems, featuring the SB-R200 Speedlights, delivering the utmost in high-precision flash performance and versatility. RAW and JPEG images taken using the D2XS can be trimmed within the camera to produce images of reduced display sizes ranging from 640 x 480 to 2,560 x 1,920 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 newly developed high-energy EN-EL4a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, with significantly increased capacity, delivers enough power to support the shooting of up to 3,800 images on a single charge. It can be recharged at any time and features a fuel gauge system display that shows remaining charge by percentage, number of shots since last charge and overall battery status. This new battery is also compatible with Nikon's D2X and D2HS. Fast image transmission is available with Nikon's Wireless Transmitter WT-2/2A, which provides improved security and compatibility with the latest protocols, while wireless LAN remote D2XS control can be achieved through the use of a computer with Camera Control Pro (optional) software installed. Capture NX is Nikon's a highly versatile, simple photo editing solution featuring a new interface that provides easier access to powerful and visually intuitive enhancement tools. Nikon's Capture NX software helps photographers realize the full potential of D2XS's NEF images. Its powerful photo image processing and editing tools can also be applied to JPEG and TIFF files to satisfy a broader range of photofinishing needs and applications. Nikon's ongoing attention to excellence extends to ergonomics and professional looks. Featuring exterior styling adopted from the design of famed industrial designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro*, the D2XS is instantly recognizable as a new-generation Nikon camera. Pricing and Availability The D2XS will be available July 2006. Pricing will be announced at a later date. About Nikon Nikon, At the Heart of the ImageTM, is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Canada distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon's Exclusive Feature System, making it easy for anyone to take amazing digital pictures. All Nikon Canada products are sold through a network of Nikon Canada Authorized Dealers. For more information on Nikon Canada and its products and services or to find a Nikon Authorized Dealer, visit www.nikon.ca."