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A TTL phase detection AF system is employed, as on the D1 series, F5 and F100 cameras. However, the number of focus areas was increased from 5 to 11 (of which 9 are cross-type sensors), allowing coverage over a wider area, whether shooting horizontal or vertical.
11
AF points superimposed through the viewfinder system
The Nikon D2H incorporates four AF Area Modes:
In Group Dynamic AF Mode, 3 to 5 of the 11 focus areas are selected and Dynamic AF with Closest Subject Priority is limited to those areas. There are two sets of focus area patterns available, which can be selected in the custom settings menu. Taking the Nikon D2H's 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. Recording OptionsNew JPEG and RAW (NEF) Combination Filing System: The system enables simultaneous recording of RAW (NEF) and JPEG data for the same shot to the camera's CompactFlash™ media to optimize and accelerate workflow operations. Images that are needed immediately can be downloaded in JPEG format, while high-quality images needed for printing can be converted from NEF at a later time.
Image quality and Image size selected in Shooting Menu Note:
All menu screen shots are from an initial production D2H. The D2H's recording and reading speed is faster than that for the D1 series. Recording speed of raw is approximately three times faster. FAT32 is supported, so CF cards over 2GB can be used. Nikon recommends that the initialization be done on the camera and not on personal computers using the Windows XP OS. Lexar Media's WA (write acceleration) technology is also supported, so even faster recording and reading is possible with these specific memory cards.
For storing compressed images, a 8-bit JPEG standard format is used. (Compression of approximately 1/4, 1/8 or 1/16 can be selected.) For uncompressed images, images can be saved and read in 8-bit RGB-TIFF or in the NEF file format (12-bit raw data: raw output data from the CCD), Nikon's proprietary image format. The NEF (raw file) is virtually as good as having an original negative and can be post processed after shooting using Nikon Capture 4. This enables image processing that offers higher image quality than that offered by JPEG and TIFF formats.
Innovative Image ProcessingImproved Processing Algorithm: The advanced image-processing engine features 3D Matrix Image Control and innovative technologies to deliver subtle color gradations, reduce false colors, and minimize the appearance of jaggies on diagonal lines and around color edges. Color Reproduction System: A choice of three color modes to best match different subjects, assignment and conditions:
Precise, easy-to-use Auto White Balance/Auto Tone Control 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 (Ambience Light Sensor) 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.
An ideal white balance is even possible in situations where white cannot be detected because, for example, only greens or reds are coming through the lens. In such instances, data regarding the available light is collected from the Ambience Light Sensor. The system also features new easy-to-use preset WB controls.
There are nine possible settings: Auto (approximately 3,500 - 8,000K), Incandescent, Fluorescent light, Sunlight, Speedlight, Cloudy, Shade, Preset (five settings can be saved) and Color Temperature. The white balance can be adjusted up or down three levels except in the preset and color temperature modes. The preset white balance can be determined in a number of different ways. The WB settings can now be based on a standard grey card reading, on previously captured images stored on the cameras CompactFlash memory card, or on white balance values created and adjusted with Nikon Capture 4. There are 31 possible color temperature settings: 2,500, 2,550, 2,650, 2,700, 2,800, 2,850, 2,950, 3,000, 3,100, 3,200, 3,300, 3,400, 3,600, 3,700, 3,800, 4,000, 4,200, 4,300, 4,500, 4,800, 5,000, 5,300, 5,600, 5,900, 6,300, 6,700, 7,100, 7,700, 8,300, 9,100 and 10,000 (all figures K). The spacing grows numerically larger to maintain fairly even spacing that is based on MIRED units. Note: MIRED unit expresses the reciprocal number of the color temperature multiplied by 1,000,000. Even with the same difference in color temperatures, the change in the color increases as the color temperature decreases and conversely decreases as the color temperature increases. For example, suppose there is a difference of 100K. At around, 6,000K there is little change, but the light's color changes greatly at around 3,000K. MIRED is a measure that expresses this change evenly. It is also used as the unit for color temperature correction filters. With the Nikon D2H, White Balance bracketing is also possible. 2 to 9 frames can be selected and bracketing is adjustable in 10, 20, 30 MIRED steps.
Image
sharpening settings
Through the
shooting menu it is possible to select the desired degree of
in camera sharpening. Settings range from -2 to +2.
Tone
compensation settings
Tone compensation is also selectable through the shooting menu. The settings include:
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2003
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