Nikon(R) Announces Highly Anticipated D2X(TM) Professional Digital SLR Camera
* 12.4-Megapixel 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, N.Y., Sept. 16 /PRNewswire/ -- Nikon(R) (http://www.nikondigitalusa.com/),
the world leader in photography, today announced the new D2X(TM) 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: 76 degrees - 22 degrees
50' angle-of-view
* AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED: 79 degreees - 28 degrees
50' angle-of-view
* AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED: 99 degrees - 61 degrees
angle-of-view
* AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED: 180 degrees 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.
About Nikon
Nikon...If the picture matters, the camera matters(TM). Nikon Inc. is the
world leader in precision optics, 35mm and digital imaging technology and is
recognized worldwide for setting new standards in product design and performance
for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon
Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer and professional
digital and 35mm film SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System
Accessories; Nikon Coolpix(R) compact digital cameras; Coolscan(R) digital film
scanners; 35mm compact cameras; Nikonos(R) underwater photographic systems; and
Nikon sports and recreational optics. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative(TM),
the company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced
photographers through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational
programs, events and workshops. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or
visit http://www.nikonusa.com/, which links all levels of photographers to the
web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.
The MWW Group Saurabh Wahi swahi@mww.com Justin Joseph jjoseph@mww.com +1-201-507-9500