Nikon released information on their new D2H DSLR today. The major new features are:
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.
The D2H is clearly aimed squarely at the action shooter so will be of great interest to
sports photographers and photojournalists. In fact the camera is scheduled to appear in
public for the first time at the 9th annual IAAF World Championships in Athletics, at Stade
de France, Paris starting August 23, 2003.
There is no word yet on price or general availability is the US apart from the
statement in the press release that it should be available during the "4th quarter of
2003", which means the October-December timeframe.
MELVILLE, N.Y., July 22 /PRNewswire/ -- Nikon (http://www.nikonusa.com), the
world leader in photography, today introduced the new D2H(TM) professional
digital SLR camera, designed for photojournalists and sports/action
photographers. Featuring the fastest full system performance in a digital SLR
camera, the D2H sets a new standard in speed and accuracy while achieving
exceptional image quality. Virtually every aspect of the camera's performance
has been designed from the ground up to facilitate high-speed photography
under demanding conditions. The D2H is capable of continuously shooting
8 frames per second and buffers up to a staggering 40 JPEG images. It
incorporates an all new 11-sensor autofocus system with 9 cross type sensors
and versatile performance, a revolutionary new DX format 4.1 effective
megapixel JFET imaging sensor called 'LBCAST' designed by Nikon and Wi-Fi
capabilities for 802.11b wireless transmission of images.
The D2H boasts an extensive new feature set that is designed for extreme
performance at every level. The camera is central to a complete new imaging
system for photojournalism and sports/action photography that includes new
Nikon Capture(TM) 4.0 software, new NikonView(TM) 6.1 software, new i-TTL(TM)
speedlight technology, new WT-1 Wi-Fi transmitter accessory, and three
exciting new lenses including the world's first extreme wide-angle AF DX
Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED lens and the new AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm
f/2.8G IF-ED lens, both designed exclusively for Nikon digital SLR cameras,
and the world's first super-telephoto AF-S VR 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED lens with
Nikon's advanced Vibration Reduction technology designed for Nikon's 35mm and
Digital SLR models.
"Motivated by Nikon's heritage in sports/action photography and
photojournalism, the D2H is introduced to set a new standard for high-speed
digital photography. Every function within the D2H system is optimized for
fast, accurate and extreme performance with Total Image Quality. Using a newly
developed original Nikon imaging sensor, the D2H is able to produce data-rich
files that are compact enough for immediate transmission and rapid workflow,
yet yield dramatically high image quality," said Richard LoPinto, vice
president of SLR camera systems, Nikon Inc. "While photographers routinely
associate image quality and especially image sharpness with mega pixel count
alone, engineers understand that there are a multitude of additional factors
that affect sharpness and total image quality. The D2H's imaging sensor was
developed together with associated support technology, to overcome nearly
every aspect of image quality degradation, including false colors, noise,
'artifacting' and 'jaggies' to name a few. With the D2H system, Nikon is
leading action oriented digital photography into a new realm where Total Image
Quality takes precedence over any individual image specification. With
exciting new wireless compatibly, this new digital SLR system truly sets new
standards for performance and quality," he added.
While the camera retains the familiar look and feel of Nikon's D-series
digital SLR cameras, it is completely redesigned under the hood, and
incorporates a host of new features and technologies that enable it to deliver
sports and action shots with impeccable image quality and detail.
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, moire 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(TM) 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(TM) technology
The D2H features the new Nikon Multi-Cam 2000(TM) 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(TM) 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(TM) Write Accelerated (WA)
technology standard, allowing faster write-to-card speeds when used with
Lexar's WA enabled CompactFlash(R) 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).
Wi-Fi Connectivity
For added speed, convenience, performance and potential, the D2H features
integrated Wi-Fi connectivity when used with the optional WT-1 accessory.
Based on standard IEEE-802.11b technology, the WT-1 can be attached to the
bottom of the D2H, and connected to the camera via its USB 2.0 port. It
transmits images via a local area network to a host computer access-point
using File Transfer Protocol (FTP) method, and can wirelessly transfer data
over a radius of approximately 30 meters (100 feet) with a supplied one-inch
antenna. An optional antenna is available for an extended range of up to
150 meters (approx. 490 feet). To ensure secure wireless data transmission,
the D2H offers multiple levels of security including Wired Equivalent Privacy
(WEP) encryption, MacAddress, and ESS-ID. The camera and optional WT-1
accessory can be set to various transmission configurations, including the
option to save images on the CompactFlash card and transmit simultaneously.
All the configurations and settings for wireless transmission can be written
separately in a computer text file and applied to multiple cameras by
downloading the file to a CompactFlash card and loading the settings into each
camera. The WT-1 draws its power supply from the D2H battery, consuming
roughly 20% of its charge during normal usage. Its robust magnesium chassis
construction and water resistant connectors match the camera's construction
and durability.
Comfortable, Logical Design for Faster Handling
The D2H features significant improvements in user interface design that
facilitate faster and easier handling of the camera. The most noticeable
difference on the back of the D2H is its oversized LCD monitor that is
50% larger than previous models and centrally positioned on the camera's back.
The 2.5-inch (diagonal) screen has an anti-scratch surface and displays
larger, easier-to-read fonts. A new 8-way multi-selector enables diagonal
movement and makes scrolling through menus and panning over images easier and
faster. New larger controls and oversized buttons make operating the camera
with gloves effortless. An improved vertical shutter release interface offers
photographers greater control and handling while the camera automatically
detects orientation and tags vertical images to be rotated in Nikon View
software.
New Battery System Geared For Power, Accuracy
The D2H utilizes a new Lithium-Ion based battery system that not only
powers the new technology and extreme performance in the camera very
effectively, but also offers new automatic calibration and comprehensive
performance monitoring features. The D2H battery meter indicates accurate
battery life on a percentage scale, with 5 percent increments, while a picture
meter indicates the number of images taken on a single battery charge.
Additionally, the battery information screen also specifies calibration status
and overall battery life in five stages, giving ample notice to photographers
to replace a battery that is exhausted and is unable to hold a charge. The
high-powered Li-Ion battery has a reduced memory effect, is lighter in weight
and provides improved cold weather performance.
If the Picture Matters, The Camera Matters
The D2H is central to a growing system of cameras, software, lenses,
speedlights and accessories that not only enhance performance, but also offer
photographers potential for immense postproduction image control, faster
workflow and innovative new features. Highlights of the new system include:
Capture 4.0 Software
New software that significantly extends the capabilities of the D2H and
unlocks the full power of NEF (Nikon Electronic Format) files while offering a
degree of NEF image control unmatched by other third-party software. Capture
4.0 also boasts unique new features including Image Dust Off(TM) technology
that automatically eliminates the appearance of sensor dust from a series of
images.
SB-800 Speedlight Featuring New i-TTL Advanced Wireless Lighting:
An entirely new generation of speedlight technology was developed to
realize the full potential of the D2H. Featuring new wireless i-TTL flash
control, the SB-800 offers advanced wireless control of up to 3 remote groups
with any number of SB-800's in each group, providing photographers a new
dimension in multiple flash photography. The SB-800 also incorporates advanced
flash control including Flash Value Lock (FV-Lock), Auto FP High Speed Sync,
and Flash Color Information communication, for extreme color accuracy. The
SB-800 provides standard D-TTL functions when used with other D-series Nikon
digital SLR cameras.
DX-Nikkor Goes Wider With Two New Wide-Angle Lenses:
Nikon defies convention by introducing two new DX-Nikkor wide-angle
lenses, designed exclusively for Nikon D-series digital SLR cameras. The AF DX
Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED is the world's first extreme wide-angle
fisheye lens designed for a digital SLR camera, offering a groundbreaking
180 degree angle-of-view coverage (diagonally). Also, the new AF-S DX
Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED significantly expands the range of DX-Nikkor
lenses, expected to become the standard lens for Nikon digital SLR camera
users. By virtue of being DX-Nikkor, designed exclusively for DX-format image
sensors in Nikon's digital SLR cameras, these new lenses are not only compact
and light-weight, but also offer outstanding edge-to-edge sharpness and image
quality. DX Nikkor lenses now cover the angles of view from 180 degrees to
28 degrees 50'!
World Premiere D2H Appearance
The D2H will make its first public appearance at the 9th annual IAAF World
Championships in Athletics, at Stade de France, Paris starting August 23,
2003. This worldwide public appearance will be followed shortly by a series of
appearances at prolific U.S. sporting events. A schedule will be announced
shortly.
The Nikon D2H digital SLR camera is compatible with over 40 world-class
Nikkor lenses, and now three new DX Nikkor lenses designed exclusively for
Nikon's D-series digital SLR cameras. The D2H will be available in the 4th
quarter of 2003. The new WT-1 wireless transmitter accessory, new SB-800
speedlight, new DX Nikkor lenses and Capture 4.0 software are scheduled for
release with the D2H.
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 35mm film and digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights
and System Accessories; Advanced Photo System cameras; 35mm compact cameras;
Nikon Coolpix(R) compact digital cameras; Coolscan(R) digital film scanners;
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.
SOURCE Nikon, Inc
