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Nikon Digital Cameras
Nikon D2X Digital
Camera
Press Release
Source: Nikon Inc.
NIKON ANNOUNCES HIGHLY ANTICIPATED D2X PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL SLR CAMERA
12.4-Megapixel Nikon
D2X Offers Class-leading Combination of High Image Quality, High-Speed
and High-Resolution in a Single Camera Body
All-New Wi-Fi Options Include Wireless Remote Camera Control and High
Speed Crop Mode
MELVILLE,
NY , Sept. 16. 2004. -– Nikon, the world leader in photography,
today announced the new D2X professional digital SLR camera. Designed
as a truly versatile workhorse camera for many professional disciplines,
the D2X blends for the first time the high levels of resolution commercial
clients demand with superb image quality, color consistency and class-leading
speed.
The
D2X delivers high image quality using brand new innovations that produce
ultra sharp images with very fine gradations and smooth color transitions
across the color range – all while maintaining impeccable color
accuracy, even when shooting under rapidly changing light.
High
resolution is achieved by an all-new 12.4 million pixel DX Format CMOS
image sensor and a new image processing engine that works seamlessly with
optimized systems throughout the camera. Even with this tremendous resolution,
the D2X can comfortably shoot full resolution images at 5 frames per second
(up to 21 consecutive JPEGS and 15 NEFs).
When
the situation demands yet faster frame rates, the D2X has a unique 6.8
megapixel ‘High Speed Cropped Image’ mode that boosts the
shooting rate to 8 frames per second, up to 35 consecutive JPEGs or 26
NEF images, by cropping the number of pixels used on the sensor to create
the image.
The
D2X proves to be the only digital SLR camera truly equipped to meet the
changing landscape of professional photography. Not only does it successfully
combine high resolution, speed and quality, but it also introduces exclusive
technologies that promise to expand the realm of digital photography.
Options
such as the newly introduced WT-2A Wi-Fi transmitter achieves full wireless
remote camera control and transmission, while the revolutionary i-TTL
Speedlight technology included in the D2X ensures radical new possibilities
in creative lighting.
“Today’s
working professional photographers have to be more versatile than ever,
and with the introduction of the D2X Nikon now offers pro photographers
the highest levels of quality, features and resolution to respond to their
ever-changing needs,” said Jerry Grossman, vice president, marketing
for Nikon inc.
“While
the 12.4 megapixel resolution of the D2X addresses a critical issue for
photographers, other features such as improved color resolution, the high
speed crop mode and affordability make the D2X the most versatile and
powerful camera available for professionals.”
Unparalleled
Image Quality
With
an all new, high performance 12.4 megapixel DX Format CMOS sensor, the
D2X delivers the high resolution and sharp detail needed for professional
results. However, a high resolution sensor is only part of the equation
in delivering the ultimate image quality.
The
D2X employs Nikon’s new generation system LSI that greatly improves
the precision of processing during the analog/digital conversion. After
digital conversion, a new processing method has been added to increase
image-processing precision in the ASIC for smoother display of tones from
highlight portions to shadow portions of the image.
With
optimized distribution of analog and digital white balance gain, the new
engine produces smoother gradations with consistent and smooth transitions,
all with exceptionally pure color rendition.
In
addition to two new Adobe RGB color modes that further expand professional
color space options with the new engine, the D2X also supports the sYCC
color profile found in many of the latest printers.
With
sYCC support, photographers can produces JPEG files with a gamut wider
than sRGB and fully exploit the output capabilities of their latest color
printers.
An
improved metering system in the D2X, called 3D-Color Matrix Metering II,
allows Nikon’s acclaimed 1,005-pixel RGB Exposure/Color Matrix Metering
Sensor to better determine the position and size of shadow or highlight
areas and achieve optimum exposure for each shot.
Unparalleled
Speed
Professionals
need their cameras to be as fast as they are. Therefore, similar to the
blazing fast D2H, the D2X adopts a holistic approach to speed.
The
camera is ready to shoot the instant it is turned on and has an almost
imperceptible 37ms shutter lag time, an astounding achievement at this
resolution level.
Using
a new high-speed 4-channel output method, and improved speed of transferring
image data from the image sensor to a memory card, the D2X is capable
of shooting 5 frames per second at full 12.4 megapixel resolution for
up to 21 JPEGs or 15 NEFs.
The
camera’s unique High Speed Cropped Image mode allows photographers
to achieve an even higher continuous shooting rate of 8 frames per second
by using a dual area sensor that records only 6.8 million pixels in the
center of the sensor.
While
photographers are satisfied with 5 frames per second for most applications,
this new mode gives them the duality of having the option to shoot at
faster framing rates for specific situations, within one camera body.
The
D2X also boasts Nikon’s acclaimed Mutli-CAM2000 high-speed AF system
that features eleven autofocus sensors of which nine are cross type and
placed in the rule of thirds layout.
Unparalleled
Design and Ergonomics
The
D2X is consistent with the D2H in terms of body design, ergonomics and
interface. The camera’s large controls and buttons are positioned
for intuitive control that frees the photographer to concentrate on the
composition.
Regardless
of the camera’s orientation, operation remains consistently comfortable
and with virtually the same access to primary controls. The D2X features
an improved energy efficient design that when combined with its unrivaled
lithium-ion battery system, delivers extended longevity and high energy
capacity capable of approx. 2,000 shots per charge, with accurate real-time
system status displays.
A
new 2.5-inch, 235,000 pixel high resolution LCD monitor features an all-digital
interface for clear, flicker-free display of preview images and logically
organized Shooting, Playback, Set-up and Custom Settings menus.
On-demand
information includes an improved histogram and new RGB Histogram displays,
as well as a chronological ‘History Menu’ that lists recently
accessed settings.
Unparalleled
System Innovations
Nikon’s
Total Imaging System is unrivaled in innovation and offers photographers
the most cutting edge new technologies and features to incorporate in
their workflow. Outlined below are groundbreaking technologies that enable
photographers to achieve results not possible with any other system:
New
Wireless Transmitter WT-2A
Nikon’s
Wireless Transmitter WT-1A for the D2H opened new roads in digital SLR
photography by making it possible to transmit images directly from the
camera over a wireless LAN. Now, the new Wireless Transmitter WT-2A will
open the floodgates of creativity for photographers by allowing them to
not only transmit images over a Wi-Fi network, but also allow wireless
remote control of the D2X over a Wi-Fi network from a computer running
Capture 4.2 software.
Photographers
can set the D2X in places that may be inaccessible or unsuitable for photographers,
and wirelessly adjust settings, trigger the camera, and instantly retrieve
the images over a LAN. The applications of this technology are promising
and limitless. The new IEEE802.11b/g compatible Wireless Transmitter WT-2A
also provides faster image transmission with improved security and compatibility
with the latest protocols.
i-TTL
Speedlight Technology
First
debuted with Nikon’s D2H digital SLR camera, Nikon’s i-TTL
speedlight technology is arguably the most robust and advanced speedlight
system in the world, and holds limitless possibilities for all kinds of
photographers using creative lighting. i-TTL technology in the D2X allows
photographers to wirelessly control in full TTL, up to 3 groups of Speedlights,
with any number of individual speedlights in each group.
Photographers
can relinquish all cords and cables or the need to ever calculate flash
and distance ratios, because the i-TTL systems is capable of making all
exposure calculations in real time, wirelessly, during the exposure to
deliver a perfect flash exposure in any situation.
Photographers
can even maintain full control of each group of speedlights from a master,
on-camera Speedlight, by dialing up or down flash exposure values for
each group. This technology can potentially distill an entire portrait
lighting system into a small set of multiple SB800 and SB600 Speedlights.
DX
Nikkor Lenses
Since
the launch of the D1 in 1999, all Nikon digital SLR cameras, from consumer-class
to professional models, have utilized Nikon DX Format sensors of consistent
size. Optimized for this size sensor, DX Nikkor lenses are designed to
achieve outstanding center-to-edge-to-corner performance, and offer photographers
among the widest angle lenses available today for digital photography.
These
lenses include:
AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 lens: 76º – 22º50'
angle-of-view
AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED: 79º – 28º50'
angle-of-view
AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED: 99º – 61º angle-of-view
AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED: 180º angle-of-view
Nikon
PictureProject and Capture 4.2 Software
The
D2X will be bundled with Nikon’s PictureProject software, an intuitive
software application that provides image transfer, image organization,
simple image editing (NEF plug-in included), and print layout functions.
The
D2X is also compatible with Nikon Capture 4.2 software (optional), that
features improved functions as well as Nikon Capture Camera Control that
can now be used to control the camera from a computer over a USB connection
or a wireless LAN (requires WT-2A).
Major
Features:
- New image sensor with 12.4 effective megapixels: The new CMOS image
sensor provides both high image quality and high-speed performance.
Despite
the extremely high resolution achieved with 12.4 effective megapixels,
image data is recorded at very high speed using a 4-channel output method.
New image processing algorithm produces high-quality images: Improvements
in the precision of the analog processing portion of A/D conversion from
the image sensor are key elements that make high image-quality possible.
-
After digital conversion, a new processing method has been added to increase
image-processing precision in the ASIC for smoother display of tones from
highlight to shadow portions of the image.
-
Support for the reproduction of colors in the sYCC range, and support
for the broader range of colors in the Adobe RGB profile: Output of JPEG
data in the broader range of colors provided by the sYCC color profile
found in many of the latest printers is possible so that high image quality
can be maintained even with printing from a home printer.
-
Continuous shooting at 5 fps at 12.4 megapixel
High Speed Cropped Image function for high speed 8fps shooting at 6.8
megapixels: A continuous shooting rate of 8 frames per second is possible
when the new High Speed Cropped Image mode is used.
This
records the center portion of the image sensor at 6.8 megapixel resolution.
This function gives the photographer the advantage of boosting the continuous
framing rate while narrowing the angle of view to 2X, thus providing even
more versatility – especially when using a zoom-telephoto or telephoto
Nikkor lenses.
-
Faster read/write speed for the memory card and a USB 2.0 interface for
faster image transfer: Read/write time of the memory card has been reduced
and a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface has been adopted for faster transfer
of images from the camera. These improvements mean that the user will
not notice a decrease in the rate at which operations requiring writing
to the memory card or image transfer are performed despite the significant
increase in image resolution.
-
Creative in-camera effects, Image Overlay and Multiple Exposure: The new
Multiple Exposure function creates a single image from up to 10 consecutive
exposures. As exposure for each image can be adjusted to prevent over-exposure,
the exposure for the final resulting image will be optimized. The Image
Overlay function merges selected RAW (NEF) files already stored on the
CF card to create a new image file within the camera.
-
Advanced 3D-Color Matrix Metering II to prevent highlight portions from
being washed out and the loss of detail in shadow portions: Higher precision
has been developed for Nikon’s acclaimed 3D-Color Matrix Metering
II with the addition of more refined exposure evaluation algorithms and
a larger database for difficult-to-meter scenes provides stunning exposures
every time.
-
A 2.5-inch LCD monitor, large enough to display various settings and information
for easy recognition: D2X also incorporates a large 2.5 inch 235,000 pixel
high resolution LCD monitor display for clearer viewing and larger type
fonts also improve access to color coded menus. RGB Histogram for images
can be easily viewed in the large LCD monitor. It is also possible to
display channel-specific ([R] red, [G] green or [B] blue) histograms for
immediate and detailed image verification.
-
Functions such as World Time, automatic rotation of images captured in
portrait (tall) orientation: The World Time function has been added for
the convenience of professional photographers who are active globally.
The
auto image-rotation function made popular with the D70 automatically rotates
images captured in portrait (tall) orientation so that they are displayed
in the same portrait orientation in the rear LCD monitor during playback
which is especially useful when the D2X is set to Slide Show mode and
images are displayed on a monitor or conventional TV screen.
Images
captured in portrait (tall) orientation are also automatically rotated
for correct display in PictureProject and Nikon Capture 4.
-
GPS support for the recording of location information with shooting data:
Location information such as latitude, longitude and altitude can be transferred
from a GPS device and recorded with the shooting data for an image. Nikon
has developed the new MC-35 cable (optional) for connection to NMEA0183-compatible
GPS devices.
-
Excellent response with the same quick power up and 37ms release time
lag as the D2H: With rapid power up and short release time lag, the same
high-speed performance as that found with the D2H allows the photographer
to concentrate on capturing the decisive moment.
-
A body designed with emphasis on ease of operation, durability and water-resistance:
The D2X body design, while similar to that of the D2H, has been optimized
for easy operation with emphasis on the convenient placement of camera
buttons. The durability and water-resistance of the D2X, however, doesn’t
end with the body. Internal mechanisms such as the shutter unit and mirror
balancer have also been designed for the maximum durability required of
professional cameras.
-
The D2X supports i-TTL with the SB-800 and SB-600 Speedlights for Nikon’s
Creative Lighting System compatibility: When used in combination with
the SB-800 or SB-600 Speedlights, the D2X supports Nikon’s Creative
Lighting System with high-precision flash photography using i-TTL Advanced
Wireless Lighting control.
-
In addition to DX Nikkor lenses, the D2X also supports more than 50 world
class AF Nikkor lenses: In addition to our expanding line of DX Nikkor
lenses designed specifically for Nikon digital SLR cameras, all of our
conventional AF Nikkor lenses can also be mounted on the D2X.
-
Support for the Wireless Transmitter WT-1A and the new IEEE802.11b/g compatible
WT-2A for transferring image files directly from the D2X over a wireless
LAN: In addition to the WT-1A, which expanded the possibilities in photography,
the D2X also supports the new high-speed, IEE802.11b/g compatible Wireless
Transmitter WT-2A with enhanced image transfer protocols and increased
security. ·
When
used with Nikon Capture 4 (version 4.2 or later), wireless camera control
from a computer is also possible.
Creating
secure interface with a memory card: D2X marks a world first by supporting
a new function of secure interface between the user’s CompactFlash
card and digital camera.
Once
configured, the stored content on the card can only be accessed by designated
D2X camera with the matching encryption keys or via password access on
a PC, providing the highest level of security for photographers who document
confidential or classified information. This new function can be available
only when D2X works with Lexar’s specific memory cards to be developed
together with D2X.
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