Nikon D2Xs Digital SLR Camera

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.

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FEATURES

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 witching 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.

Valuable feedback from information 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.

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.

Lithium-ion battery system with even greater power

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.

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.

Instant response

Instant response & ultra-short shutter lag

The D2Xs is designed with instant start-up and optimized systems that maximize all-round performance for immediate response. As a result, the D2Xs is ready to shoot whenever a decisive moment may arise.
This performance combines with the industry’s shortest shutter release time lag of a mere 37 milliseconds to realize high-resolution photography without compromise.

Fast shutter speeds

Shutter speeds from 30 seconds to 1/8,000 second can be selected in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps, with Bulb exposure also available. Flash synchronization is possible using speeds up to 1/250 second, or up to 1/8,000 second when using AUTO FP High-Speed Sync with an SB-800, SB-600 or SB-R200 Speedlight.

High-speed continuous shooting

The D2Xs offers versatility in its selection of continuous shooting speed modes.
Capture 12.4 megapixel files at 5 frames per second for 17 consecutive RAW (NEF) or 22 JPEG shots. Or, use the exclusive High-speed Crop mode to shoot at 8 frames per second for 29 consecutive RAW (NEF) or 38 JPEG shots. Highspeed Crop mode uses data from the central area of the sensor that results in a picture angle comparable to that of a 35mm lens with double the focal length. This provides a useful option when shooting sports, animals or other fast-moving objects from a distance.

Accurate exposure metering

3D-Color Matrix Metering II

To achieve optimum exposure for each shot, Nikon’s acclaimed 1,005-pixel RGB Exposure/Color Matrix Metering Sensor and advanced algorithms determine the brightness and size of highlight areas, while at the same time evaluating all brightness, color, contrast, selected focus area and subject-to-camera distance information. The results are then referenced against a comprehensive onboard database of scenes acquired from actual photographs before high-speed processing calculates the final value to deliver consistent and dependable automatic exposure.
Refinements to the D2Xs add the availability of 3D-Color Matrix Metering II in High-speed Crop mode, while also optimizing the areas calculated for using Center-weighted metering, Spot metering and i-TTL Flash Control.

Modes and controls for optimizing exposure

Modes include [P] Programmed Auto with Flexible Program, [S] Shutter-priority Auto, [A] Aperture-priority Auto, and [M] Manual. Manual exposure compensation is available from -5 to +5 EV in 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps.

Manual and Automatic ISO sensitivity control

Sensitivity can be manually set between ISO-equivalent 100 and 800 in increments of 1/3 EV, or boosted using the HI-0.3, HI-0.5, HI-0.7, HI-1 or HI-2 settings when high sensitivity is a priority. The 3 settings between 800 and HI-1 are newly added to give the D2Xs finer control over sensitivity.
Automatic sensitivity adjustment 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.

High-speed focusing

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.
The following selection of operating modes is designed to ensure maximum flexibility and optimum performance in different shooting situations.
• Single-area AF allows the photographer to lock the focus using any one of the 11 AF spot sensors. Single-area AF has been tuned for the D2Xs to reduce AF hunting for low-contrast subjects.
• Dynamic AF with Focus Tracking and Lock-on™ follows the subject if it moves from its original position once a priority focus area is selected, and ensures accurate focusing by
shifting instantly and automatically to the focus area into which the subject has moved. Subject acquisition and tracking capability are improved for the D2Xs, while new options
for controlling the timing of the focus tracking lock-on make it easier to adjust for shooting different types of scenes and action.
• Closest Subject Priority Dynamic AF automatically identifies one or more focus areas as needed, to capture the subject the AF system determines to be closest to the camera.
• Group Dynamic AF combines groups of AF sensor activity into logical patterns. Both Dynamic AF and Closest Subject options are available and are useful when shooting moving subjects that remain in a specific area of a framed scene in which a lot of peripheral action might also be taking place.

Capturing the expression

12.4 megapixel DX format image sensor

The DX Format CMOS sensor captures 12.4 million effective pixels per image, producing 4,288 x 2,848-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.

High-performance, high-resolution image processing engine

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.

Flexible and accurate white balance control

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.

Expanded color rendering options

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. The D2Xs adds a new Black & White (sRGB) color mode choice to further expand the in-camera creative possibilities.

New high-quality 2.5-inch LCD

The D2Xs is fitted with a new 2.5-inch high-resolution LCD, which boasts an ultra-wide 170-degree horizontal and vertical viewing angle. Each LCD is calibrated at the factory to ensure consistent color fidelity.

Advanced noise reduction options

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.

Extended creative abilities

Creative in-camera effects

Image Overlay merges a pair of selected RAW files to create a new composite image within the camera as a RAW, JPEG or TIFF file. Multiple Exposure creates a single image from up to 10 exposures, and can be used with the camera’s built-in interval timer.

In-camera image trimming

RAW, TIFF 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.

Wireless Transmitter WT-2/2A* (optional)

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 camera operation continues and it is automatically retried if disrupted. Files may be automatically erased from the CompactFlash memory card once successfully transferred. The D2Xs is fully compatible with the WT-1/1A.

The NEF advantage

NEF (Nikon Electronic Format) satisfies everchanging photographic needs with extended range and versatility. Each NEF file contains not only the RAW image data captured by the image sensor, but also a thumbnail image and an all-important “Instruction Set” of the recorded original settings from the time the image was captured. The RAW data is never altered, regardless how many times the file is opened and new renditions saved.

Capture NX

The highly versatile, elegantly simple photo editing solution

Featuring a new interface that provides easier a c c e s s t o p o w e r f u l a n d v i s u a l l y i n t u i t i v e enhancement tools, Nikon’s Capture NX software helps photographers to tap the full potential of NEF images. This new software also adds support for JPEG and TIFF processing to satisfy a broader range of photofinishing needs and applications.

U Point™ technology

U Point™ is patented technology exclusive to Capture NX that allows easy selection of image
areas according to points of interest. Its interface turns the application of effects and enhancements into an intuitive photographic process not found in the complicated computer graphic procedures of typical photo editing software. U Point™ combines with the extensive Nikon Capture toolbox for NEF to offer an unsurpassed set of features. And, its powerful photo image processing and editing tools can also be applied to JPEG and TIFF files from
most any digital camera.

• RAW adjustments
Ph oto g r a p h e r s c a n f re e l y ma nip ul ate whi te balance, color balance, tone curves and noise reduction for NEF files after shooting. The results can be saved and multiple renditions created, all with the assurance that the original image data is permanently retained.

• Lens correction tools
3 original tools help expand imaging possibilities for a wider variety of lenses by compensating for lens effects. Vignette Control can reduce the effect of marginal lumination. New Distortion Control can reduce pincushion and barrel distortion effects. Color Aberration Control uses digital processing to detect color fringing caused by chromatic differences in lens magnification, and automatically reduce it by aligning colors at the edges of the image.

• D-Lighting
D-Lighting allows photographers to manipulate shadows and highlights while maintaining mid-tones to produce optimized results from images with areas of under- or overexposure. Choose from D-Lighting HQ when quality is the priority, or D-Lighting HS for high-speed results.

• Selective tools
Capture NX newly offers a range of selective tools for applying over 25 enhancement styles, including the Brush, Lasso, Marquee, Gradient and Fill/ Remove tools.

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PICTURES

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SPECIFICATION

Body material Magnesium alloy Sensor • 23.7 x 15.7 mm CMOS sensor • DX format • RGB Color Filter Array • Built-in fixed low-pass filter • 12.84 million total pixels • 12.4 million effective pixels • 5.49 x 5.49 µm • 3:2 aspect ratio Image sizes (Full image) • 4288 x 2848 [L] • 3216 x 2136 [M] • 2144 x 1424 [S] Image sizes (High speed cropped) • 3216 x 2136 [L] • 2400 x 1600 [M] • 1600 x 1064 [S] File formats • NEF (12-bit RAW) • NEF + JPEG • JPEG (EXIF 2.2) • TIFF (RGB) Lens mount • Nikon F mount • Full size image: 1.5x field of view crop • High speed cropped: 2.0x field of view crop Usable lenses • AF Nikkor (including AF-S, DX, VR and D-/G-type) : All functions possible • D-type Manual-Focus Nikkor: All functions except autofocus and some exposure modes available • AF Nikkor other than D-/G-type: All functions except 3D Color Matrix Metering and 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash possible • AI-P Nikkor: All functions except 3D Color Matrix Metering, 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash and AF possible • 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. Auto Focus • 11 area TTL (9 area when in High speed cropped mode) • Multi-CAM2000 • AF working range: -1 to 19 EV (ISO 100, normal temperature) Lens Servo • Single Servo AF [S] • Continuous Servo AF [C] (with Lock-On *) • Manual focus [M] AF Area Mode • Single Area AF • Dynamic AF with Focus Tracking and Lock-on • Closest Subject Priority Dynamic AF • Group Dynamic AF AF assist None built-in (via. external flash) AF Lock • Locked using the AE-L/AF-L button • Half-press shutter release button in AF mode [S] Exposure modes • Program Auto [P] - flexible program possible • Shutter-Priority Auto [S] • Aperture-Priority Auto [A] • Manual [M] Metering TTL full-aperture exposure metering system; • D-/G-type Nikkor lenses support 3D Color Matrix Metering II using the 1,005-pixel CCD while other AF Nikkor lenses with built-in CPUs support Matrix Metering (Non-CPU lenses require manual input of lens data) • Center-Weighted Metering (75% of the meter's sensitivity concentrated on the 8mm dia. circle) • 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 Metering modes • 3D Color Matrix II * • Center-Weighted • Spot Metering range • 3D Color Matrix Metering: EV 0 to 20 • Center-Weighted Metering: EV 0 to 20 • Spot Metering: EV 2 to 20 [at normal temperature (20°C/68°F), ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens] Meter Coupling CPU and AI (Automatic maximum aperture indexing) AE Lock Locked using AE-L/AF-L button AE Bracketing • 2 to 9 frames • 1/3, 2/3 or 1 EV steps Exposure compen. • +/-5.0 EV • 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps Sensitivity • Auto ISO (Up to ISO 800, custom max ISO and min shutter speed *) • ISO 100 - 800 • 1/3, 1/2 or 1.0 EV steps • HI-0.3 (ISO 1000) * • HI-0.5 (ISO 1100) * • HI-0.7 (ISO 1250) * • HI-1 (ISO 1600) • HI-2 (ISO 3200) Shutter • Electromagnetically controlled vertical-travel Focal-plane shutter • 30 to 1/8000 sec • Flash X-Sync: 1/250 sec • Bulb White balance • Auto (hybrid: ambient sensor, 1005-pixel CCD, image sensor) • Presets (five) • Manual (six steps with fine tuning) • Color temperature in Kelvin (31 steps) • White balance bracketing (2 to 9 frames, 10,20,30 MIRED steps) Color space • sRGB (3 modes) • Adobe RGB (3 modes *) • sYCC Image parameters • Sharpening: Auto, Normal, Low, Medium Low, Medium High, High, None • Tone: Auto, Normal, Less Contrast, More Contrast, Custom 1,2 & 3 * • Color: -3,-2,-1,0,+1,+2,+3 • Hue: +/-3, +/-6, +/-9 degrees • Black & White mode Viewfinder • Optical-type fixed eye-level pentaprism • Built-in diopter adjustment (-3 to +1m-1) • Eyepiece shutter provided • Eyepoint: 19.9 mm (at -1.0m-1) • Frame coverage 100% • Viewfinder magnification approx 0.86x with 50 mm f/1.4 lens Focusing screen • B-type BrightView Clear Matte Screen III and V-Type Screen for High speed cropped • Interchangeable with optional E-type finder screen with grid Viewfinder info • Focus indications • Shutter speed • Aperture • Exposure mode • Metering system • Shutter speed lock • Aperture lock • AE lock • Bracketing indicator • Electronic analogue display • Frame counter • Ready-light • ISO sensitivity • White balance • Image size / quality • Eleven sets of focus brackets (area) • High speed cropped area (electronically dimmed *) LCD monitor * • 2.5 " TFT LCD • Tempered glass coating • 230,000 pixels • Backlight / brightness adjustment • Wide angle view (170°) Flash control • New Creative Lighting System: i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash controlled by five-segment TTL Multi Sensor with Nikon Speedlight SB-800/600: Advanced Wireless Lighting, FV (Flash Value) -lock, Flash Color Information Communication for Auto White Balance, Auto FP High-Speed Flash Sync, Modeling Flash • 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 • AA (Auto Aperture)-type Flash available when used with SB-800/80DX and lens with built-in CPU • Non-TTL Auto Flash (A-type Flash) with a Speedlight such as SB-30/27/22s etc. • Range-priority manual available with SB-800 Flash Sync Mode • Front-Curtain Sync (normal sync) • Red-Eye Reduction • Red-Eye Reduction with Slow Sync • Slow Sync • Rear-Curtain Sync Flash Ready-Light Lights up when flash fully charged with Speedlight SB-800/80DX/50DX/30/28/ 27/22s; blinks for full output warning Flash Accessory Shoe ISO 518 standard-type hot shoe contact; Safety lock mechanism provided Flash Sync Terminal ISO 519 standard terminal, lock screw provided DOF Preview • Stop-down lens aperture by pressing button • Activates modelling flash Shooting modes • Single • Continuous High [CH] Full image - 5 fps • Continuous High [CH] High speed cropped image - 8 fps • Continuous Low [CL] Full image - 1 to 4 fps (custom) • Continuous Low [CL] High speed cropped image - 1 to 7 fps (custom) • Self-Timer (programmable) • Interval timer (Timelapse) Continuous shooting buffer size • RAW files: Full size 17 images, High speed cropped 29 images • JPEG files: Full size 22 images, High speed cropped 35 images Self-timer • 2, 5, 10 or 20 sec programmable Voice recording • Voice memo (up to 60 sec) • Optional auto record Orientation sensor Tags images with camera orientation Playback mode • Full frame • Thumbnail (4 or 9 images) • One-touch zoom • Slideshow • Histogram • Highlight point Image trimming * Available for all original images except S size Connectivity • USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) Mini-B connector (with cable clip *) • Video out • Remote control 10-pin • PC Sync flash terminal GPS NMEA 0183 Interface standard supported with GPS Cable MC-35 (optional) Also with compass (heading) data * Communications FTP file transfer with optional Wireless Transmitter WT-1 (IEEE 802.11b) or WT-2 (IEEE 802.11b/g) Video out • NTSC • PAL Storage • Compact Flash Type I or II • Microdrive supported • FAT 12/16 and FAT 32 support • 30 characters of text can be input and stored in EXIF header • No CF card supplied • Image Authentication System support * Power • Lithium-Ion EN-EL4a 2500 mAh, 11.1 V DC * • Included battery charger MH-21 (145 min full charge *) • Optional AC adapter EH-6 Battery monitoring The LCD monitor on the camera back displays the following information about the EN-EL4a battery: • Remaining charge (%) • No. of shots taken since last charge • Calibration status (Recommended/Not required) • Battery life (5 stages) Dimensions 158 x 150 x 86 mm (6.2 x 5.9 x 3.4 in) Weight (no batt) 1070 g (2.4 lb) Weight (inc. batt) 1252 g (2.8 lb) Box contents 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, Antifog 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

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