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July 2003: Early in November, Nikon is expected to release a new digital SLR camera, the Nikon D2H, featuring the recently-announced JFET imaging sensor LBCAST (see Recent Sensor Developments below).
The new camera’s 4.1 (effective) megapixel sensor has a resolution of 2464 x 1632 pixels and a lens multiplier factor of 1.5x, making it compatible with the Nikkor AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED lens – Nikon’s first dedicated digital lens. The D2H will support continuous shooting at up to 8 fps for 40 high-resolution JPEG or RAW images and features a shutter lag of 37 milliseconds, giving it a responsiveness similar to that of the Nikon F5 professional SLR. It also features instant power-up, an advanced high-speed, high-precision 11-area AF system with 9 cross-type AF sensors and four AF area modes including a new Group Dynamic AF mode.
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Improved image processing algorithms and 3D Matrix Image Control ensure superior image colour and resolution and users can select from three colour modes: sRGB optimised for skin tones, Adobe RGB for a wide colour gamut and sRGB optimised for landscapes and vegetation. Simultaneous recording of JPEG and RAW files is supported and the camera can used CompactFlash and Microdrive media.
New metering technology combines three sensors to produce accurate auto white balance and auto tone control. TTL metering is via Nikon’s 1005-pixel RGB Exposure/Colour Matrix Metering Sensor. Other attractive features include support for time-lapse photography and voice annotation.
The D2H sports a lightweight, weather resistant, magnesium alloy body that weighs just over one kilogram (without battery and card) and measures 157.5 x 149.5 x 85.5 mm. It is compatible with AF Nikkor lenses, the new DX digital lenses and several D-TTL Speedlights. The large 2.5-inch LCD monitor has a tempered glass surface and offers clear viewing of menus and playback modes, along with one-touch zoom and on-demand information. The new EN-EL4 rechargeable lithium ion battery weighs only 180 grams but combines high energy capacity with an improved discharge cycle.
The camera has a high-speed USB 2.0 interface and supports an optional IEEE 802.11b (WiFi) transmitter that allows image files to be sent directly from the camera. Nikon View 6 is bundled with the camera. An optional image editing and remote camera control package (Nikon Capture 4) is
vailable as an option. Pricing is expected to be similar to that of the Nikon D1H and the first cameras are expected in early November.
Announced concurrently with the D2H SLR are two DX lenses: the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 G IF-ED, a 3.2x digital wide-angle zoom (equivalent to 25.5-82.5mm in 135 film format) and the AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8 G ED, a digital fisheye that provides a true 180 º picture angle. Nikon has also unveiled a new super-telephoto zoom lens, the F-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200 – 400mm f/4G IF-ED, and a new flash unit, the Nikon Speedlight SB-800, which features improved multi-flash capability. Full details can be found at www.maxwell.com.au.
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