CompactFlash Card Type I • CompactFlash Card Type II • IBM Microdrive
Compression Modes
Uncompressed
Compression Type
JPEG • Raw Image
ISO Speeds
100 • 800
Flash Type
External
Flash Functions
Auto Flash • Front Sync Flash • Rear Sync Flash • Fill-in Flash • Red-eye Reduction Flash • Slow Sync
Viewfinder
Optical (Through-the-lens)
LCD Panel
With LCD Panel
LCD Panel Size
2.5 in.
LCD Screen Resolution
235,000 pixels
LCD Protected Position
Without LCD Protected Position
Interface Type
USB 2.0 • Wi-Fi
Video Interface
Video Out
Wireless Capabilities
IEEE 802.11g/b
Battery Type
Proprietary Lithium
Self Timer
2 Sec. • 5 Sec. • 10 Sec. • 20 Sec.
Built-in Microphone
With Built-in Microphone
Tripod Mount
With Tripod Mount
Operating System
Apple Mac OS X • Microsoft Windows 2000 • Microsoft Windows 98SE • Microsoft Windows ME • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Width
6.2 in.
Depth
3.4 in.
Height
5.9 in.
Weight
2.4 lb.
Included Accessories
Software • USB Cable • Video Cable • Lithium Battery • Battery Charger • Strap
Release Date
16 September, 2004
Product ID
22773818
Product Description
Designed as a versatile workhorse camera for many professional disciplines, the D2X blends the high resolution commercial clients demand with superb image quality, color consistency and class-leading speed.
Multi-CAM 2000 11-area autofocus system
Continuous shooting: 5 frames per second at full resolution
ISO 100 to 800
Wireless: 802.11g wireless connectivity w. optional WT-2A Wi-Fi transmitter
Strengths: - Great ergonomics
- Nice integrated grip for heavy and big lens
- Great build quality as compared to a D200 or D70
- Faster responses on nearly everything versus a D200
- Being a 5 or 6 year old camera, prices have come way down
- Shutter rated for 150K
Weaknesses: - Noise issues at ISO 800 or more
- Relatively expensive battery to replace (~$110 USD)
- No built in flash (but no professional DSLR does)
Bottom Line:
A great ergonomic camera. I upgraded from a D200 with a MB-D200. The D2X fits very nicely in my hands. Like other reviewers' have said, the camera is very quick at everything, instant on, focusing and shutter lag time. You are getting what you pay for, the D2X is built to last and like the proverbial tank. The high speed crop is nice when you need the extra reach. Upgrading the firware almost gets you to a D2Xs camera. A nice upgrade to a D200, if higher ISO is not that important to you. Everything is a slightly nicer feel and build on the D2X versus the D200. I gave the camera a 4 star rating only because of the noise issues.
Strengths: Construction - its a tank
Speed - start up, shot to shot, and focusing speeds are superb
Large LCD - largest in a Pro SLR at the time of this post
Features abound - the latest firmware update is the most extensive that I can recall by any manufacturer... offers BW mode, new ISO settings, and tons more.
Fully compatible with all of the superb Nikon glass and industry leading flash technology.
Image quality is stellar - 12.5 MP is excellent. Yes, the 1D Mark II offers 16% res boost, but at double the price.
Image quality at 8 fps still double the D2Hs and only a 1 MP shy of the 1D Mark II N!!!
Excellent Battery Life
Two pro bodies in One!!!
Weaknesses: Price - though LOW by industry standards - is high for most buyers (like me)
To shoot at 8fps you must shoot at a 2x crop factor instead of 1.5. This is fine on the field but in doors it can be limiting.
Slightly higher image noise at higher ISOs than Canon
A bit heavy versus say the D200, but it feels sturdy
No built in flash (no pro SLRs offer it) so it requires a flash at an additonal $200-300.
Some say the DX (APS) size sensor is a drawback. However this is the sweet spot for most lenses and allows it to work with ALL Nikon's lenses. Also keeps price down.
Bottom Line:
This is the best camera that Nikon has ever developed. Having worked with amature 35mm cameras like the N80 as well as professional work horses like the F100 and F5 I have spent a great deal of time with the later icons of the film era. Prior to Nikon I worked with Minolta and Canon bodies and a variety of lenses. I chose to stay with Nikon as I perfered its control layout and ergonomics. The grip has always felt secure, even on the N80, and of a durable quality. When I crossed into digital, I began with the D70. I still feel that bang for dollar it was the first real breakthrough in the digtial SLR market. I was always attracted to the D1 series, but could not justify the price at the time. Enter Nikon and the D2H. An incredible build quality, blistering speed, and superb ergonomics. Finally on the brink of committing to the D2 series and Nikon blows the doors wide open with the release of the incredible D2X. For the first time a camera body offered professional build, superb handeling, excellent resolution, and a high speed crop mode up to 8 fps for actions shots required above the acceptable 5 fps - all of this while maintaining almost 7 megapixels of resolution. Priced in between the Canon 1D Mark II and the 1Ds Mark II and offering the perfect combination of freatures, the D2X was the obvious choice for me.
Many shooters where contemplating switching to Canon, but the D2X proved that Nikon is thinking ahead and that it's products are among the best in the world. The D2X offers the best build of any SLR I have EVER used. It offers wicked fast focusing, superb features, and breathtacking images. If you are looking for the best... this is it.
Buyers Note: Most of those looking to upgrade to this camera may also be considering switching to Canon. I know because I was there. Before you drop a ton of bills for a new camera, you need to make sure the other guys don't offer something better. I am in NO WAY knocking Canon as they make superb cameras and lenses and anyone would be happy with their products. I was shooting Canon before Nikon. But there is something to consider when looking at this and other cameras... sensor size. Nikon uses the APS size DX sensor which creates a 1.5x crop factor on regular lenses. Canon (and others reviewers out there) like to focus on the full frame sensor and it's benefits. However, Canon offers cameras with 1.3x, 1.4x, 1.5x, and NO cropping. I think this is more confusing to tell you the truth. Besides, you get a nice camera like the 5D or 1Ds with the full frame sensor and yes you get wider wides with their lenses, but a lot of their great new leses like the 10-22 and the 17-55 will NOT work with them because they are designed for the 30D and lower models. The 16-35mm is an alternative to the 17-55, but it is shorter on the long end and does not offer IS (image stabelizer). That means you can't pick and choose any lens... you have to be careful about compatibility. So far, Nikon has remained constant and at this point in time all of the Nikon leses fit all fo the Nikon bodies. It's nice and easy. Besides, with all of the new wide glass availabe from Nikon, Tokina, Sigma, and Tamron, why worry about it? A 10-17mm lens like the new Tokina willl be the equiv. of a 15-26mm... that's wide in my book. Just keep that in mind before making your decision. ;)
Strengths: Solid, well built and just a visually beautiful piece of technology. Battery life. Snap fast auto focus. Viewfinder data. Auto white balance is always right on. Feel of the grip and ergonomics. Menu is the best. Works well with Nikon Capture 4.4 software.
Weaknesses: Price so I can't buy two.
Bottom Line:
Originally purchased the D70s. Great camera with nice results but just couldn't get excited about it. Missed my F5 so bought the D2X. This camera is just amazing! They compare it to the D200. Picked up the D200 in a store and was surprised that weight did not feel much different compared to the D2X. To compare the two the D2X autofocus is more sensitive in lower light and does not need a focus assist light as the D200. I use the Nikkor 300mm f/4 with a 2.0x teleconverter and at f/8 it autofocuses. The D200 could not do that. The D2X veiwfinder is closer to 100% and has a higher eyepoint so you don't have to keep your eye glued to the glass to see the whole image. Also more info available in the viewfinder as well as the LCD display on the back of the camera so you don't have to stretch your neck out of the socket to view the top display when the camera is on a tripod. The battery lasts for days as opposed to hours on the D200. The D200 needs the extra battery pack if you are out in the field so adds to the weight. The list goes on. The D2X is just more of a professional camera and treats you that way.
Weaknesses: High ISO but see summary fro why this is not so big a deal, bomb proof cameras cost a lot
Bottom Line:
I am not a pro so don’t need a camera which can go through war zones but this one definitely fells like it could. It handles so well and everything is very fast. There is not much I can add to the reviews already posted except to echo them.
I have never enjoyed using a camera more and the results are exceptional.
The high ISO performance in low light can be marginally bettered but not by much unless you go for the full frame Canon models. I have a different take on this and think it’s not as clear cut as it first seems. I can’t see the case for a full frame CMOS. Wider digital optics to compensate for the smaller CMOS are cheaper and easier to produce than fast longer optics. This is compounded by the long lenses needing the high shutter speeds that require high ISO. So it’s great that the Canon has better noise at ISO 1600 but because its full frame the equivalent Canon lens loses a stop anyway so we need to compare 800 on the Nikon to 1600 on the Canon. By way of illustration my 70-200 2.8 on the Nikon is closest to a 100-300 on the Canon they don’t have a equivalent 2.8 Sigma make one buts its not anywhere as easy to hold and can’t match the VR. Just as the 300 2.8 equates to a 450 2.8 which again does not have an equivalent and even a 400 2.8 IS is way more expensive and harder to handle.
The only comment I would make is that my new D200 fits my needs better than this in many ways and if it had been around when I bought this I would probably have gone that way.
This is a great camera capable of so much but the pro ruggedness is at a price premium that “enthusiasts” like me might not need.
Strengths: Battery life.
Build quality.
Speed.
Large buttons operable with gloves.
Accurate exposure.
Good AF (if you read the manual!).
Viewfinder, especially with magnifying eyepiece.
HSC mode.
Weaknesses: No threaded shutter button for a standard cable release.
Electronic remote release fiddly.
Supplied software awful at the price.
Heavy on hikes.
Bottom Line:
There's nothing much I can find fault with with the D2x, image quality has been superb using RAW, it's tough, batteries last, AF works well, exposure good. Just picking it up and feeling the weight inspires you to want to take better pictures.
Supplied software unacceptable at the price, I use Pixmantec Rawshooter Premium anyway.
Personally I love the High Speed Crop mode, I have the 12-24 to cover the wide end and it makes my 300/2.8 into seriously long glass!
Only giving 4 for value because of poor software and now the D200 is here.
CompactFlash Card Type I • CompactFlash Card Type II • IBM Microdrive
Compression Modes
Uncompressed
Compression Type
JPEG • Raw Image
ISO Speeds
100 • 800
Flash Type
External
Flash Functions
Auto Flash • Front Sync Flash • Rear Sync Flash • Fill-in Flash • Red-eye Reduction Flash • Slow Sync
Viewfinder
Optical (Through-the-lens)
LCD Panel
With LCD Panel
LCD Panel Size
2.5 in.
LCD Screen Resolution
235,000 pixels
LCD Protected Position
Without LCD Protected Position
Interface Type
USB 2.0 • Wi-Fi
Video Interface
Video Out
Wireless Capabilities
IEEE 802.11g/b
Battery Type
Proprietary Lithium
Self Timer
2 Sec. • 5 Sec. • 10 Sec. • 20 Sec.
Built-in Microphone
With Built-in Microphone
Tripod Mount
With Tripod Mount
Operating System
Apple Mac OS X • Microsoft Windows 2000 • Microsoft Windows 98SE • Microsoft Windows ME • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Width
6.2 in.
Depth
3.4 in.
Height
5.9 in.
Weight
2.4 lb.
Included Accessories
Software • USB Cable • Video Cable • Lithium Battery • Battery Charger • Strap
Release Date
16 September, 2004
Product ID
22773818
Exposure
Programmed Auto with Flexible Program, Shutter-Priority, Aperture-Priority, Manual, w. Exposure compensation and Auto Exposure bracketing
Interface Type
USB 2.0 and optional wireless
LCD Monitor
2.5-inch TFT LCD
Max Resolution
4288 x 2848 pixels
Release Date
9/20/2004
Sensitivity
ISO 100 to 800
Sensor
12.84 megapixel CMOS DX Sensor with fast 4-channel output
