Nikon’s New Pro DSLR

September 17, 2004: Photokina will see the release of the Nikon D2X, which sports a 12.4-megapixel ‘dual area’ Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor plus the ability to shoot with the full APS-sized image frame at five frames/second for up to 21 consecutive JPEGs and 15 NEF-RAW files.
Designed as a successor to the D1X, the D2X has an interesting “High Speed Cropped” setting, which reduces the capture area to 6.8-megapixels (with a focal length multiplier equivalent of 2x) and increases the frame rate to eight frames/second. Indicators on the viewfinder focus screen show the cropped area, allowing the viewfinder to work like a sports finder in that mode. Up to 35 consecutive JPEGs or 26 NEF images can be captured in a burst with this setting.

Another important feature of the D2X is support for the broad-gamut sYCC colour profile, which produces JPEG files with a gamut wider than sRGB and enables photographers to fully exploit the capabilities of their latest colour printers. Two new Adobe RGB colour modes have also been added. A new image processing chip has delivered improvements to the A/D processing system plus enhanced picture quality. The D2X also sports the Nikon Multi-CAM2000 high-speed AF system, which has 11 AF sensors, nine of which are placed in a ‘rule of thirds’ layout. Multiple exposure capability has also been enhanced, with a new function that can overlay up to 10 exposures to produce a single image. Exposures for each shot can be adjusted in-camera to prevent over-exposure and deliver a final multi-exposure image with optimal image density. Improvements to Nikon’s 3D-Colour Matrix Metering II include the addition of more sample images and a new algorithm that preserves detail in highlights and shadows.
As well as being compatible with a wide range of Nikon lenses and Speedlights, the D2X is also compatible with the WT-1/1A wireless transmitter and supports the new, high-speed IEE802.11b/g-compatible WT-2/2A wireless transmitter, which offers enhanced image transfer protocols and improved security. The World Time function has been added to the camera’s GPS compatibility, allowing location information (latitude, longitude, altitude) to be recorded with the shotting data for an image. An optional MC-35 cable is available for connecting the camera to NMEA0183-compatible GPS devices.
Other notable new features include R, G, B channel-specific histogram display faster memory card read/write speeds (up to 7 MB/second) and the adoption of USB 2.0 Hi-Speed as the camera/PC interface. The D2X will be bundled with Nikon’s PictureProject and Capture 4 software. The camera body is expected to sell in Australia for less than $9000.
Announced concurrently with the Nikon D2X is a new 300mm f/2.8 AF Nikkor lens that features Nikon’s Vibration Reduction 9VR) technology and can be hand held at shutter speeds down to 1/30 second. The first lens to feature Nikon’s new Nano-Crystal anti-reflective coating, it combines Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) focusing with ED glass elements and uses internal focusing to ensure better balanced handling. The new lens can be used with Nikon’s film and digital SLR cameras, including the just-announced Nikon F6 flagship film SLR.

The F6 is Nikon’s new flagship film SLR camera and sports a rugged aluminium alloy/magnesium body with Kevlar and aluminium alloy shutter. Many of the latest Nikon technologies – high-speed 11-area AF, 3D Colour matrix Metering and the Creative Lighting System for flash photography – are included in the new camera . Forty-one custom settings are available so photographers can fine-tune the camera to individual requirements and interchangeable accessories include seven focusing screens, a multi-power battery pack, data reader and camera cases.

The D2X and 300mm lens are expected to be available from January 2005, while the F6 goes on sale in October. Full specifications of all products can be found at www.maxwell.com.au.