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Digital SLR Camera Nikon D2Xs

June 1, 2006

The digital SLR blending 12.4 effective megapixels and high precision with high speed for greatly refined professional performance.

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the new D2Xs professional digital SLR camera. A camera that not only maintains the same stellar position and performance of the D2X, the D2Xs also offers an impressive range of refinements that improve overall camera performance and enhance the user experience.

D2Xs shares many performance and design innovations with the D2X. It also offers Nikon's acclaimed DX-format CMOS image sensor capturing 12.4 million effective pixels per image, producing 4,288 x 2,848-pixel images with the high resolution and sharp detail needed for demanding professional assignments. The D2Xs, however, also introduces a range of revised features that make operation significantly more responsive – including refined viewfinder performance that makes for easier composition when shooting in Nikon's exclusive High-Speed Crop mode, a new 2.5 inch LCD with a 170-degree wide viewing angle calibrated at the factory to ensure consistent color fidelity, significantly increased battery life and a wide range of firmware enhancements.

Delivering familiar versatility, the D2Xs employs the Nikon DX-Format sensor and legendary Nikon F lens mount design shared by all Nikon SLR cameras for seamless compatibility with all AF Nikkor lenses as well as the expanding family of high-quality DX Nikkor lenses.

Professional high speed performance is realized through the D2Xs’s ability to capture 12.4 megapixel JPEG images or RAW images at a rate of up to 5 frames per second in continuous shooting mode, while continuous shooting at a rate of up to 8 frames per second is made possible through use of the High-Speed Crop mode that captures a more specific, central area of the frame at 6.8 megapixel resolution.

Professional photographers will also appreciate the ability to select Adobe RGB in any of the three color modes – making it possible to work with a wider range of colors to match highly diverse assignments and workflow environments, while ideally complementing the NEF file. What’s more, in-camera creative possibilities are extended even further through the addition of a new Black & White (sRGB) color mode.

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.

With a combination of powerful image-processing technologies and 1,005 pixel 3D-Color Matrix Metering II, the D2Xs makes it possible to capture beautiful 12.4-megapixel images that will satisfy photographers’ needs for larger files that are rich in detail, color and smooth tonal range. The D2Xs has also been refined so demanding photographers can take advantage of 3D-Color Matrix Metering II even in the High-speed Crop mode.

Manageability and convenience have been improved upon in the D2Xs through developments such as refinement to the viewfinder featuring an automatic viewfinder mask within the High-Speed Crop mode for faster and easier and more confident composition, the use of a new color scheme for menu displays for easier viewing, and new custom settings options and refinements, to name but a few. And many of the capabilities that made the D2X such a success have been retained, such as outstanding high-speed shooting performance, rapid start-up, the world's fastest shutter release time lag of just 37ms, a viewfinder blackout time of just 105 milliseconds, and the 11-area autofocus system – all of which enable the user to concentrate on shooting. By allowing photographers to dispense with many of the time-consuming distractions of seeking out the most suitable settings for the best possible results, the D2Xs becomes an even more valuable tool for discerning professionals. 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.

Sensitivity 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 3 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.

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, designed for use with Nikon 35mm and /D-SLRs. The D2Xs also 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.

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 it also features a remarkable fuel gauge system display that shows remaining charge by percentage, number of shots since last charge and overall battery status.

Compatibility with Nikon's Wireless Transmitter WT-2/2A provides fast image transmission with 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.

Rounding out D2Xs is Nikon's highly versatile, elegantly simple photo editing solution, Capture NX, featuring a new interface that provides easier access to powerful and visually intuitive enhancement tools. Nikon's Capture NX software helps photographers to tap the full potential of D2Xs’s NEF images. And, 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 ergonomic good looks. Featuring exterior styling adopted from a design created by famed industrial designer, Giorgetto Giugiaro**, the D2Xs is instantly recognizable as a new-generation Nikon camera.

  • *Based on Nikon test conditions.
  • **GIUGIARO

Major features

Image sensor with 12.4 effective megapixels

The CMOS image sensor provides both high image quality and high-speed performance. And despite the extremely high resolution achieved by 12.4 effective megapixels, image data is recorded at exceptionally high speed through use of a 4-channel output method.

Image-processing algorithm designed to produce high-quality images

The D2Xs provides Nikon photographers with the advanced opportunity to produce the significantly larger image files demanded by today's photographers. But with Nikon, high image quality is so much more than a matter of megapixels. In fact, a plethora of other high-level technologies are required to achieve the outstandingly high level of performance that today’s photographer’s need, and these are exactly what the D2Xs provides.

Continuous shooting at 5fps at 12.4 megapixels, 8fps at 6.8 megapixels

With high resolution 12.4 megapixel performance, one might expect a slow moving camera; not with D2Xs. Within all of its high performance is picture taking speed up to 5 frames per second at 12.4 megapixel resolution, and an astounding 8 frames per second at 6.8 megapixels.

High-Speed Crop function

Continuous shooting rate up to 8 frames per second is possible when using of Nikon's exclusive High-Speed Crop function that records the central portion of the frame at 6.8 megapixel resolution. What’s more, the viewfinder has been enhanced with an automatic viewfinder mask that activates when the High-speed Crop mode is selected for much more accurate and confident composition.

Broad color modes

The Adobe RGB profile provides a broader range of colors than the sRGB profile, making it a more suitable choice for professional photographers. The D2Xs has also been optimized for post-processing of images with the ability to select Adobe RGB from either Mode I or Mode III in camera. There’s also an additional new Black & White color mode available to further expand the photographer’s creative possibilities.

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.

Advanced 3D-Color Matrix Metering II

Nikon's acclaimed 1,005-pixel RGB Exposure/Color Matrix Metering Sensor instantly achieves optimum exposure, even in complex lighting situations.

Creative in-camera trimming, Image Overlay and Multiple Exposure

A newly added feature, in-camera trimming, allows RAW, TIFF and JPEG images taken using the D2Xs to 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 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.

2.5-inch LCD monitor with a wide-viewing angle; large enough to display various settings and information for easy recognition

The D2Xs incorporates a large 2.5-inch 230,000-pixel high-resolution LCD monitor display with an ultra-wide 170-degree viewing angle for clearer viewing. It also offers larger type fonts that improve access to color-coded menus. Further evolution of the Recent Settings menus adds the ability to delete current settings or lock them to prevent accidental changes. And the D2Xs also offers RGB Histogram display enabling images to be more accurately assessed in the large LCD monitor. Furthermore, it is also possible to display channel-specific ([R] red, [G] green or [B] blue) histograms for immediate and more detailed image verification.

Excellent response with the same quick power up and world's fastest 37ms shutter release time lag as the D2X

Instant startup and a class-leading shutter release time lag of a mere 37 milliseconds combine with optimized systems throughout to maximize all-around performance and deliver the response needed to handle even the most challenging professional assignments.

A body designed to heighten ease of operation, moisture and dust resistance, and overall durability

The size, layout and operation of the buttons, controls and functions have all been assigned for optimal operation and feedback – minimizing the need to remove the eye from the viewfinder. This combines with a lightweight, yet highly durable precision magnesium alloy body to offer reliable performance under tough professional working conditions.

The D2Xs supports full integration into Nikon's Creative Lighting System

When used in combination with SB-800, SB-600 or Wireless Close-Up Speedlight Systems, 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. With Speedlights such as the SB-80DX and SB-50DX mounted, the D2Xs also supports D-TTL flash control.

Compatible with an extensive selection of Nikkor lenses

In addition to the expanding line of DX Nikkor lenses designed specifically for Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras, photographers can choose from a comprehensive selection of world-renowned AF Nikkor lenses designed for use with Nikon 35mm and Nikon digital SLR cameras.

Fast read/write speed for the memory card and a USB 2.0 interface for fast image transfer

The D2Xs has fast read/write times and uses the USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface fast image transfer from the camera.

GPS support for the recording of location information with shooting data

With the optionally available GPS Adapter Cord MC-35, 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.

Wireless support with the Wireless Transmitter WT-2/2A for direct image transfer to the D2Xs via wireless LAN

The D2Xs supports the new high-speed, IEEE802.11b/g compatible Wireless Transmitter WT-2/2A with enhanced image transfer protocols and increased security. The WT-2/2A additionally supports the new PTP/IP protocol. And when used with Camera Control Pro software, wireless camera control from a computer is also possible.

Increased digital image enjoyment with Nikon's PictureProject software, designed for use with the D2Xs

PictureProject is an intuitive software application offering versatile functions for image transfer, image organization, simple image editing (NEF plug-in included), and print layout.

Support for Nikon Capture NX: A software application with an array of tools to assist the photographer

Nikon 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 – supporting highly accurate alterations to myriad image elements, while preserving the integrity of the original image data.

Image Authentication to protect the integrity of valuable data

Available separately, Nikon's new Image Authentication function offers image authentication for digital image files. Indication whether the actual image has been tampered with is provided as well as if any changes have been made to date and GPS information.

Nikon Digital SLR Camera D2Xs Specifications

Type of camera Single-lens reflex digital camera
Effective pixels 12.4 million
Image Sensor CMOS sensor, 23.7 x 15.7mm; total pixels: 12.84 million
Image Size (pixels) Full image: 4,288 x 2,848(L), 3,216 x 2,136(M), 2,144 x 1,424(S) High-speed Crop Image: 3,216 x 2,136(L), 2,400 x 1,600(M), 1,600 x 1,064(S)
Sensitivity 100 to 800 (ISO equivalent); HI-0.3, HI-0.5, HI-0.7, HI-1 and HI-2 available
Storage Media CompactFlash™ (CF) Card (Type I/II) and Microdrive™
Storage System NEF (12-bit uncompressed or compressed RAW),
EXIF 2.21, DCF 2.0 and DPOF compliant
(uncompressed TIFF-RGB or compressed JPEG)
Shooting Modes 1) Single frame shooting [S] mode: advances one frame for each shutter release
2) Continuous high shooting [CH] mode: Full Image; up to 5 frames per second (fps)/High-speed Crop Image; up to 8 frames per second (fps)
3) Continuous low shooting [CL] mode: Full Image; 1 to 4 frames per second (fps) (selectable in menu)/High-speed Crop Image; 1 to 7 frames per second (fps) (selectable in menu)
4) Self-timer mode: time duration can be set 5) Mirror up mode: first press: mirror up, second press: release
White Balance 1) Auto (hybrid with 1,005-pixel RGB Sensor, CMOS image sensor and external Ambient Light Sensor)
2) Manual (6 steps with fine tuning)
3) Preset (5 settings)
4) Color temperature setting in Kelvin (select from 31 steps)
5) White balance bracketing (2 to 9 frames adjustable in 10, 20, 30 MIRED steps)
LCD Monitor 2.5-in., approx. 230,000-pixel low temp. polysilicon TFT LCD with white LED backlighting; Backlight/brightness adjustment available, allows up to 170-degree viewing angle
Playback Function 1) Full frame, 2) Thumbnail (4/9 segments), 3) Zoom, 4) Slideshow, 5) RGB Histogram indication, Shooting data and Highlight point display
Delete Function 1) Card format, 2) All frames delete, 3) Selected frames delete
Video Output NTSC or PAL (selectable in menu)
Interface USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed) (Mini-B connector) FTP file transfer and PTP/IP camera control/file transfer is available with optional WT-2/2A (IEEE 802.11b/g) Wireless transmitter; FTP file transfer compatibility with WT-1/1A (IEEE 802.11b) CF Card Slot Type II: supports firmware updates via CF cards
Voice Memo Record mode: Automatic or manual recording at shooting or playback, Max. recording time: 60 seconds Playback mode: Built-in speaker or Audio Video Cable File format: Mono WAV file
Text Input Up to 36 characters of alphanumeric text input is available with LCD monitor and multi-selector; stored in EXIF header
Usable Lenses 1) AF Nikkor (including AF-S, DX, VR and D-/G-type): All functions possible
2) D-type Manual-Focus Nikkor: All functions except autofocus and some exposure modes available
3) AF Nikkor other than D-/G-type: All functions except 3D-Color Matrix Metering II and 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash possible
4) AI-P Nikkor: All functions except 3D-Color Matrix Metering II, 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash and AF possible
5) 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 Electronic rangefinder usable with maximum aperture of f/5.6 or faster
Picture Angle Full Image: Approx. 1.5x focal length in 35mm [135] format equivalent High-speed Crop Image: Approx. 2x focal length in 35mm [135] format equivalent
Viewfinder Optical-type fixed eye-level pentaprism; Built-in diopter adjustment (-3 to +1m-1), Eyepiece shutter provided
Eyepoint 19.9mm (at -1.0m-1)
Focusing Screen BriteView Clear Matte Screen III; supplied Type-B or optional Type-E with grid
Viewfinder Frame Coverage Approx. 100% (High-speed Crop mode: Approx. 97%)
Viewfinder Magnification Approx. 0.86x with 50mm f/1.4 lens set to infinity and -1.0m-1
Reflex Mirror Automatic, instant-return type
Lens Aperture Instant-return type, with Depth-of-field Preview Button
Autofocus TTL phase detection, Nikon Multi-CAM 2000 autofocus module; Detection range: EV -1 to +19 (Right edge/Left edge AF range: EV 0 to +19) (at normal temperature [20°C /68°F], ISO 100 equivalent)
Lens Servo 1) Single servo AF [S], 2) Continuous servo AF [C], 3) Manual focus [M] Focus Tracking automatically activated by subject's status in [S] or [C] AF
Focus Area Selectable from 11 focus areas (High-speed Crop: 9 focus areas)
AF Area Modes 1) Single Area AF 2) Dynamic-area AF 3) Group Dynamic AF 4) Dynamic-area AF with closest subject priority
Focus Lock Focus is locked by pressing AE-L/AF-L button or lightly pressing shutter release button in [S] AF
Exposure Metering System Exposure Metering System
TTL full-aperture exposure metering system;
1) D-/G-type Nikkor lenses support 3D-Color Matrix Metering II using the 1,005-pixel RGB Sensor while other AF Nikkor lenses with built-in CPUs support Matrix Metering (Non-CPU lenses require manual input of lens data)
2) Center-Weighted Metering (75% of the meter's sensitivity concentrated on the 8mm dia. circle) given to 6, 10 or 13mm dia. circle in center of frame, or weighting based on average of entire frame
3) 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
Exposure Metering Range 1) 3D-Color Matrix Metering II: EV 0 to 20
2) Center-Weighted Metering: EV 0 to 20
3) Spot Metering: EV 2 to 20
(at normal temperature [68°F /20°C], ISO 100 equivalent, f/1.4 lens)
Exposure Meter Coupling CPU and AI (Automatic maximum aperture Indexing)
Exposure Modes 1) [P] Programmed Auto with flexible program
2) [S] Shutter-priority Auto
3) [A] Aperture-priority Auto
4) [M] Manual
Exposure Compensation ±5 EV increments of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV
Auto Exposure Lock Detected exposure value locked by pressing AE-L/AF-L button
Auto Exposure Bracketing Number of shots: 2 to 9 frames
Compensation steps: 1/3, 1/2, 2/3, or 1 EV steps
Shutter Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter, 30 to 1/8,000 sec. in steps of 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV, bulb
Sync Contact X-contact only: flash synchronization at up to 1/250 sec.
Flash Control 1) Creative Lighting System: i-TTL Balanced Fill-Flash controlled by TTL 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
2) 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
3) AA (Auto Aperture-type) Flash available when used with SB-800/80DX and lens with built-in CPU
4) Non-TTL Auto Flash (A-type Flash) with a Speedlight such as SB-800/30/27/22s etc.
5) Range-priority manual available with SB-800
Flash Sync Modes 1) Front-curtain sync (normal sync), 2) Red-eye reduction, 3) Red-eye reduction with slow sync, 4) Slow sync, 5) Rear-curtain sync
Ready-light Lights up when flash fully charged with Speedlight SB-800/600/80DX/28DX/50DX; blinks for full output warning
Accessory Shoe Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with safely lock provided
Sync Terminal ISO 519 standard terminal, lock screw provided
Self-timer Electronically controlled timer with 2 to 20 seconds duration
Depth-of-field Preview Button Stop-down lens aperture by pressing Depth-of-field Preview Button.
Remote Control Via 10-pin remote terminal
GPS NMEA 0183 (ver. 2.01) Interface standard supported with 9-pin D-sub cable (optional) and GPS Cable MC-35 (optional)
Supported Languages English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Swedish, Simplified Chinese, Korean, Japanese (selectable in menu)
Power Requirements Rechargeable Li-ion Battery EN-EL4a (11.1V DC), Quick Charger MH-21, AC Adapter EH-6 (optional)
Battery Monitoring System The LCD monitor on the camera back displays the following information about the EN-EL4a battery: 1) Remaining charge (%); 2) No. of shots taken since last charge; 3) Calibration status (Recommended/Not required); 4) Battery life (5 stages)
Tripod Socket 1/4 in. (ISO1222)
Dimensions (W x H x D) AApprox. 157.5 x 149.5 x 85.5mm (6.2 x 5.9 x 3.4 in)
Weight (without battery) Approx. 1,070g (2.4 lbs)
Supplied Accessories* 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/SB-R200, Capture NX software, Camera Control Pro Software, Image Authentication Software
  • *Supplied accessories may differ in each country or area.
  • CompactFlash™ is a trademark of SanDisk Corporation. Products and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
  • Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. June 2006

  • The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.