8 frames per second
40 JPEG buffer (25 NEF/RAW)
11 sensor AF (9 cross sensors)
4.1 MP "LBCAST" sensor (2484 x 1636 pixels)
"Wi-Fi" wireless transmssion capable (802.11b)
USB 2.0 interface
Better white balance
WA (write acceleration) compatible
It looks like this camera is not meant to compete with the Canon 1Ds full frame DSLR, but rather seems to go head to head with the Canon EOS-1D. The 1D also has a 4.1 megapixel sensor (actually 4.15, but who's counting), 8 frames per second and can store 25 frames (Hi-res JPEG). Pretty similar specs, don't you think! The Canon has a slightly larger sensor (1.3x multiplier vs. 1.5x), but the Nikon clearly benefits from the newer USB 2.0 and wireless 802.11b technology and a larger memory buffer.
Image Quality That Surpasses Every Camera In Its Class
There are many factors that affect a digital camera’s final image quality. These include color rendition, color accuracy, tone, contrast, sharpness, pixel count, dynamic range, white balance, exposure accuracy, noise, digital artifacts, false coloring, moirй patterns and the appearance of ‘jaggies.’ The D2H achieves unparalleled image quality in its class by aggressively addressing each of these issues and utilizing new technologies to overcome them. As a result, the D2H produces highly refined digital images that have visibly noticeable superiority in image sharpness, detail, color and resolution compared to other cameras in its class.
Exclusive New Nikon 4.1 megapixel JFET Imaging Sensor LBCAST
The D2H features a new 4.1 effective megapixel (2484 X 1636) DX format JFET (Junction Field Effect Transistor) Imaging Sensor, called LBCAST (Lateral Buried Charge Accumulator and Sensing Transistor Array). The new sensor’s technology and performance, as developed by Nikon meets the challenging needs of photojournalists and sports/action photographers, and provides the foundation for the D2H system’s advanced performance. The new sensor is not only capable of producing high image quality, but also delivers high-speed performance. The sensor reads 2 channels of data from each pixel – while also handling brightness data in the same process to achieve maximum image reproduction speed.
Additionally, its JFET technology, combined with a host of new innovations, enables this sensor to render extremely low noise performance with extraordinary color accuracy, detail, sharpness and overall quality that is unparalleled by any other similarly sized sensor. A new ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) design significantly reduces color artifacts and ‘jaggies’ on oblique lines, while helping improve overall image sharpness. Next generation signal processing algorithms improve automatic functions such as auto white balance, auto tone control and auto color correction to ensure optimal accuracy for each scene. A new color-processing engine minimizes false colors, while maintaining superior color rendition, accuracy and consistency. A high signal-to-noise ratio combined with high-level image processing offers enhanced performance at high ISO settings.
With a new sensor design, powerful algorithms and new total image quality control technologies, the D2H produces images far superior compared to other 4-mega pixel cameras. With the added convenience of producing both NEF (Nikon Electronic Format raw files) and JPEG files simultaneously, photographers will find it easier than ever to harness the full power of NEF using Capture 4.0 software.
Advanced New White Balance System
The D2H features an intelligent new white balance system that accurately measures and calculates color temperature and white balance settings for complex conditions and thereby supports the highest total image quality. It achieves this by employing Triple Sensor metering, and determines values from three different sources: a “third eye” incident meter located on the prism of the camera measures environmental light, Nikon’s exclusive 1,005 pixel RGB color meter sensor continuously measures reflected light from the viewed image, and the DX image sensor measures color temperature in real-time during the actual exposure. Advanced algorithms process the perfect white balance setting for any given scene, using analysis of values from each of the three sources. The D2H’s white balance system has a wide color range of 2,500K to 10,000K, and is able to detect and compensate for artificial light flicker.
For additional convenience, the D2H features five preset-memory settings that can be alphanumerically labeled in the camera so photographers can store white balance settings for venues they frequent, like stadiums, indoor courts, etc. They can even extract white balance settings from a picture taken by the camera, and using the white balance preset functions, apply it to subsequent images.
Fast, Accurate, Responsive – It’s All About Timing
The D2H is the world’s most responsive digital SLR camera. It has virtually no start-up lag time, and is ready to shoot the instant it is turned on. Its shutter lag time is a mere 37ms – the lowest among all digital cameras, and comparable to Nikon’s legendary F5™ 35mm film SLR camera. The D2H is capable of a continuous shooting rate of up to 8 frames per second at full resolution and all file formats and ISO settings. The frame rate remains consistent when any combination of the D2H’s focus points is selected, or even when older, non-CPU based Nikkor lenses are used. The D2H’s enormous buffer allows photographers to shoot up to 40 continuous images in JPEG mode and 25 in NEF (RAW) mode, rendering buffer-stall virtually a non-issue.
All New Autofocus System: Nikon Multi-Cam 2000™ technology
The D2H features the new Nikon Multi-Cam 2000™ next generation autofocus system that is not only fast enough to keep up with the camera’s rapid continuous frame rate, but it is remarkably accurate in detecting focus even in challenging situations, including dim lighting conditions as low as EV –1. This new autofocus system consists of 11 AF sensors, 9 of which are cross-type sensors laid out consistently with the rule of thirds for composition, and an additional two sensors placed at the horizontal ends of the frame. This ensures that the D2H has over 75% horizontal autofocus coverage – the widest cross-type sensor coverage in its class. Photographers have the option of setting preferences for AF sensor selection, including choosing each sensor individually or combining them into groups to ensure ideal coverage in diverse picture taking compositions. The D2H also features enhanced Dynamic AF and a new Group Dynamic AF detection option, as well as Focus Tracking with Lock-On™ technology to ensure razor sharp pictures.
Taking the D2H’s remarkable autofocus system one step further is its capability for ‘extreme focus detection.’ A typical camera can detect focus in a scene up to a certain ‘defocus’ limit, beyond which the camera enters a scanning mode. During this mode, the camera’s autofocus system scans through the entire focusing range of the lens before detecting a focus point. This process can waste precious time, especially when photographing high-speed action. The D2H’s autofocus system can detect focus in scenes with about twice the defocus limit of other cameras, ensuring more accurate and consistent operation.
High Speed Image Transfer For Faster Workflow
Not only does the D2H process images faster, it is also equipped with high-speed image transfer options that ensure the quickest transfer from camera to workflow. The D2H has Lexar Media’s™ Write Accelerated (WA) technology standard, allowing faster write-to-card speeds when used with Lexar’s WA enabled
CompactFlash® cards. The D2H features Hi-Speed USB 2.0 remote connectivity as well as compatibility with Wi-Fi for image transfer over a wireless Local Area Network (LAN).
Photojournalists!! NIKON D2H !
