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Nikon D2H Nikon introduces an 8 frame/second speed demon, with WiFi connectivity and an amazing new flash system to boot! Select a topic Reference: Datasheet D2H Photo Gallery! D2H SAMPLE IMAGES! --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. Executive Overview 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. Video, Power, Software 12. Test Results: Overview 13. Test Results: Noise 14. Test Results: Color 15. Test Results: Resolution 16. Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on D2H Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index (Next): Executive Overview>> Page 1:Intro and Highlights Review First Posted: 12/18/2003

	*	True Nikon pro SLR compatible with most Nikon F-mount lenses.
	*	4.1-megapixel CCD, 2,464 x 1,632-pixel images
	*	ISO from 200 to 1,600 ("ISO Boost" to 6,400)
	*	Very fast shutter response and cycle times.
	*	Wireless image transfer capability with separate transmitter accessory.

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Manufacturer Overview

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The new Nikon D2H is the latest addition to one of the world's most famous series of camera equipment . Nikon is one of the names that literally needs no introduction in the world of photography. Long a leader in the film world, they offer cameras for both the serious amateur and working professional. Back in June 1999, Nikon announced their first all-digital professional SLR, the D1 - a camera whose specifications and initial price point (2.7 megapixels and a list price of $5850 for the body) rocked the pro camera world. In February 2001, they raised the bar with the 5.3 megapixel D1X and the speedy (5 frames per second) 2.7 megapixel D1H. Reverting to a mid-year announcement, they've now followed up with the July 2003 of the new 4.1 megapixel, 8 fps Nikon D2H digital SLR, a model that aims to answer the challenge posed by Canon's 4.1 megapixel, 8 fps EOS-1D (announced in September 2001, and available around December 2001).

The Nikon D2H breaks new ground on several fronts though, introducing Nikon's new internally-developed LBCAST sensor technology, enabling a dramatic increase in shooting speed, while at the same time dramatically lowering image noise under low-light conditions. While packed with new features and improved specs, the new camera continues to have the same superlative "cameraness" (a favorite Nikon term, describing how the device functions as a camera) of past models, but bears only a passing resemblance to its predecessors - most of the basic controls are in the same places as before, but almost every feature of the design has been improved, inside and out. The user interface ergonomics have been refreshed to provide a camera that is more comfortable in the hands and easier to control (with quite a few new controls added at the same time). The electronics inside the camera have also received many changes resulting in a camera that has 50% more resolution than the D1H, yet captures images 60% faster. The resolution and speed are approximately the same as Canon's EOS-1D, but the burst depth (the number of consecutive frames that can be shot at high speed) is 50-90% greater than that of Canon's camera, depending on the file format in use. (That's 5 seconds of continuous shooting at the full 8 fps maximum frame rate in JPEG mode, or just over 3 seconds in RAW mode.) Overall, the D2H is an impressive advancement of Nikon's camera technology, bringing not only higher speed but a host of enhancements throughout the camera system.

 

Highlights

• 4.1-megapixel, 23.3 x 15.5mm JFET LBCAST image sensor delivering image resolutions as high as 2,464 x 1,632 pixels.
• Single-lens reflex digital camera with interchangeable lenses (supports essentially all standard Nikon F mount lenses).
• Variable ISO (200 to 1,600 with "Hi" settings equivalent to 3,200 and 6,400).
• TTL optical viewfinder with detailed information display.
• 2.5-inch, low-temperature polysilicon TFT color LCD with 210,000 pixels.
• Program AE, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, and Manual exposure modes.
• Exposure / Flash / White Balance Bracketing and Interval photography modes.
• Depth of field preview.
• Adjustable Low-Speed (1 to 7 fps) and High-Speed (8 fps) Continuous Shooting modes, plus Single-Shot, Self-Timer and Mirror-Lockup modes.
• Variable White Balance with nine modes, including a manual setting, fine tuning capability and ability to choose a color temperature from 2,500 to 10,000K (31 steps).
• 11-point TTL autofocus with Single-Area (manual), Dynamic-Area, Group Dynamic, and Dynamic-Area w/ Closest Subject Priority options to select AF point(s).
• Topside hot shoe for external flash connection of Nikon Speedlight as well as a second PC-style flash sync socket.
• Flash exposure determined by combination of TTL 1,005 pixel Matrix sensor and Five-Segment Multi sensor.
• Front-Curtain Sync, Red-Eye Reduction, Red-Eye Reduction with Slow-Sync, Slow Sync, and Rear-Curtain Sync flash sync modes. (With compatible external speedlight.)
• 3D-Color Matrix, Center-Weighted, and Spot metering options.
• Adjustable exposure compensation from -5 to +5 exposure equivalents (EV) in one-third, one-half, or one-step increments, in all exposure modes.
• Shutter speeds from 1/8,000 to 30 seconds in one-third, one-half, or one f-stop increments, and a Bulb setting for longer exposures (which doesn't appear to be time-limited - I took test shots as long as three minutes).
• Color Mode, Sharpening, Tone Compensation, and Hue Adjustment options.
• Self-timer with programmable duration from two to 20 seconds.
• Secondary shutter release with lock for vertical-format shooting.
• Image storage on CompactFlash Type I or II, or Microdrive.
• JPEG, uncompressed TIFF (RGB), and NEF (RAW) data file formats.
• 10-pin remote terminal for optional remote control accessory.
• Optional wireless transmitter accessory for wireless image transfer to a computer. (FTP protocol over 802.11b wireless LAN.)
• NTSC / PAL-compatible A/V Out jack and included video cable for connection to a television set.
• DPOF (Digital Print Order Format) compliant.
• Powered by EN-EL4 lithium-ion rechargeable battery pack (battery and charger included), or optional AC adapter.