The Nikon D2Hs, like the D2H (announced in July 2003) before it, features a 4.1 effective megapixel Nikon JFET LBCAST image sensor, in a rugged moisture / dust-sealed magnesium alloy body. Changes from the D2H include a new image processing engine (said to offer finer gradations and lower noise), a greater burst depth of 40 RAW or 50 JPEG frames, a new 3D-Color Matrix Metering II system, fine-tuned white balance, an improved autofocus system (said to be faster and more precise), a new sYCC color space, and a slightly higher resolution LCD display. As with the D2X, and D1X / D1H, the Nikon D2Hs supports GPS connectivity, which was absent in the D2H

Speed is the main purpose of the D2Hs, with an 8 frame per second shutter and a buffer that can handle 40 RAW images or 50 JPEGs, and Nikon is betting that its target market of reporters and sports photographers will still want and need such a speed demon. The JFET LBCAST sensor and firmware were redesigned to remove some of the noise that was a problem on the D2H, and a faster, more precise AF system has been employed. The body is sealed against dust and moisture, among other improvements. It is set for release in March 2005 for $3,499.95.