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Sept
3rd, 2003
Nikon digital
SLR cameras have earned highest accolades from professionals
since the initial release of the D1 and through the subsequent
releases of the D1X and D1H. Developed from the ground up as
the next-generation professional digital SLR and latest addition
to the series, the new Nikon D2H incorporates valuable feedback
taken primarily from photojournalists and sports photographers
with the latest in technical innovations.
The main targets
are photojournalists and sports photographers, so it has the
features professionals want, including 4.1-megapixel resolution
and continuous shooting of up to 40 shots at a rate of 8 frames
per second. Optional professional features include a wireless
LAN adapter. The camera is fitted with Nikon's exclusive new
LBCAST imaging sensor for superb reproduction and high-speed
performance.
Nikon
D2H Major Features
- New Nikon
DX format JFET imaging sensor LBCAST. Developed solely by
Nikon.
- Effective
4.1 megapixels (recording pixels: 2,464 x 1,632 pixels).
- High-speed
continuous shooting at 8 fps: Up to 40 shots at a rate of
8 frames per second (in JPEG). Up to 35 in TIFF. Up to 25
NEF (Nikon Electronic Image File) full-resolution images (RAW).
- 37ms shutter
time lag: The 37ms shutter time lag is the shortest in the
industry,* and gives the D2H a responsiveness that rivals
that of the Nikon F5 professional film SLR.
*As of July 2003.
- New AF
sensors that enable fast, highly accurate 11-area focusing
(of which 9 are by cross-type sensors).
- Instant
power-up: The D2H is ready to take pictures the instant it
is turned on.
- Image signal
processing engine that delivers D2H-optimized color reproduction.
- 3D Digital
Matrix Image Control that delivers more precise color reproduction
and smoother gradation.
- New Ambience
Light Sensor that delivers white balance that responds to
a wide range of color temperatures.
- Simultaneous
recording in NEF (raw) and JPEG, for both immediacy and image
formation.
- High-speed
shutter (1/8000 of a second).
- Ergonomic
design; magnesium body that offers higher levels of resistance
to moisture and dust.
- USB2.0
Hi-Speed Interface that enables high-speed connection to personal
computers.
- Large 2.5-inch
211,200-dot LCD monitor.
(50% larger than the D1H)
- Easy-to-see
viewfinder that offers coverage of about 100%.
- Automatically
detects image orientation and tags vertical images to be rotated
in Nikon View software
- Intelligent
rechargeable Li-ion battery; precise readings of its remaining
charge and degradation can be confirmed in the LCD monitor.
- Voice memo
function that can record comments up to 60 seconds long and
play them back through a built-in speaker.
- Optional
wireless transmitter that enables wireless image transmission
to ftp servers via access points.
- Nikon View
6.1 (provided) that includes an easy-edit feature and printing
feature in addition to transmission and browsing capabilities.
- Optional
Nikon Capture 4 that offers extended editing possibilities
for NEF (RAW) and other formats, and also enables remote camera
control.
- Combined
with the new optional Speedlight
SB-800 enables numerous lighting possibilities,
including i-TTL flash control and wireless flash. High speed
sync flash is also possible.
- Compatible
with a wide range of interchangeable lenses, including those
of the DX Nikkor series, which are designed specifically for
digital cameras, and the AF Nikkor series.
Breakthrough
Image Sensing
New Nikon
DX format JFET imaging sensor LBCAST: Nikon's exclusive
imaging sensor features higher speed, lower power consumption,
and greatly minimizes dark background noise. The sensor's innovative
design also eliminates the need to perform fixed pattern noise
correction at power-up. The new DX format
LBCAST sensor is capable of delivering 4.1 effective megapixels
of resolution.
The
LBCAST image sensor can draw the signal through two channels
to enable high-speed reading. (It
has two signal paths as opposed to the EOS 1D's, which generates
left and right signals).
A
process to generate an electric charge to draw out the signal,
like that in a CCD, is not needed, so drawing the signal from
the image sensor occurs faster.
Additional
features that help achieve faster performance include optimizing
the method for sending the image to the buffer (Double Buffer
Control) for image processing and reducing the finder “black-out
time” by using a high performance “mirror balancer”
to stabilize the finder image (Same as Nikon F5).
Mirror
Balancer on the Nikon D2H
The
LBCAST imaging sensor also inherits the benefits of the DX Format,
bringing together the right combination of high speed, image
quality, power efficiency, and optical performance of the lens
to realize total system performance. The format also maintains
consistency of the angle of view across the Nikon DX Format
SLR lineup.
The sensor's
thinner Optical Low Pass Filter (OLPF) moreover effectively
suppresses moiré patterns without compromising the camera's
resolution.
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