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Nikon D2X By: Dave Etchells and Shawn Barnett Nikon introduces a 12.2 megapixel hybrid pro SLR that can be either high resolution or high speed as the job requires. Select a topic Reference: Datasheet D2X Test Images! In-depth Image Analysis D2X Photo Gallery! --------------------------------- 1. Intro and Highlights 2. User Report 3. Design 4. Viewfinder 5. Optics 6. Exposure & Flash 7. Shutter Lag & Cycle Time Tests 8. Operation & User Interface 9. Camera Modes & Menus 10. Image Storage & Interface 11. WiFi Connection 12. Video, Power, Software 13. Test Results & Conclusion --------------------------------- Print-Friendly Review Version Additional Resources and Other Links Reader Comments on D2X Review --------------------------------- Digital Camera Comparometer (TM) --------------------------------- <-- Digital Cameras (Home) <-- Digital Camera Reviews Index <<WiFi Connection :(Previous) | (Next): Test Results & Conclusion>> Page 12:Video, Power, Software Review First Posted: 04/14/2005, Updated: 06/10/2005

The D2X comes with an A/V cable for connection to a television set or VCR, and the video signal can be set to NTSC or PAL (at a slightly reduced resolution) through the LCD menu. This allows images to be played back on the TV screen and recorded to video tape, with all the menu options available.

 

Power

The Nikon D2X uses an EN-EL4 lithium-ion battery pack (11.1 volts, 1900mAh that communicates a variety of information to the camera. Both a battery and charger come with the camera. You can also purchase an EH-6 AC adapter separately (100-240 V AC) which is useful for saving battery power when working in the studio, or performing mundane tasks such as reviewing or downloading large numbers of images. An indicator on the status display panel lets you know approximately how much battery power is left and if no segments appear in the indicator at all, the battery is completely exhausted. (You can also view battery details through the Set-Up menu.)

The D2X can also be run on AC power through a DC IN terminal located under a rubber cover on the left side of the camera. The battery pack is held in the camera by a latching cover that's normally attached to the battery itself, but which can be removed, making the battery fit into an equipment bag pocket more easily. In addition to the primary battery pack, there's also a small Lithium coin cell located in the top of the main battery compartment. (The coin cell apparently does nothing more than provide backup power to preserve camera settings and date/time data when the main battery is removed, so it should last more or less indefinitely.)

Because the Nikon D2X uses a custom external power connector, we couldn't conduct the direct power-consumption measurements on it that we normally do. That said though, the D2X's battery life throughout our testing was exceptionally good. Battery life with SLRs is a little hard to peg, because it's going to vary all over the place, depending on what lens is in use, how much the lens' focus motor is used, how much the rear-panel LCD is used, whether you're writing JPEGs or NEF raw-format files (RAW and TIFF files take more power, probably just because they keep the CF card circuitry humming longer for each file), use long shutter speeds (holding the shutter open consumes power), or use the optional WiFi transmitters. In the manual, Nikon offers two different battery-life projections, based on two different scenarios, with claimed battery life ranging from 850 to 2600 shots. We didn't conduct any formal test, but easily got a thousand or more shots per charge in our own usage.

 

Included Software

The D2X ships with the Nikon's PictureProject software, which provides basic manipulation and cataloging capabilities for images captured by the camera, and which can interpret the raw CCD format "NEF" files. A much more advanced package called Nikon Capture is available separately, which offers comprehensive capabilities for RAW-file manipulation as well as camera control. For other options, readers may want to check out various third-party software for RAW file manipulation and conversion. Eric Hyman's Bibble currently (v4.2.2) supports the D2X, and it's likely that Mike Chaney's Qimage will do so in future versions since it currently supports other Nikon cameras. Finally, commercial software like Phase One's Capture One (C1) and Adobe's Photoshop CS that supports other Nikon RAW files may also support the D2X in future versions. (Phase One has announced that Capture One will support the D2X in its next release, v3.7, and Adobe has stated that their Camera Raw filter will support the D2X in early May, 2005.)

 

In the Box

Included in the box with the Nikon D2X are the following items:
(Note that included items may vary by country or region.)

• Nikon D2X body with body cap and LCD monitor cover
• Neck strap
• EN-EL4 battery and MH-21 charger
• Battery chamber cover
• USB cable
• Audio/Video cable
• Transparent LCD monitor cover
• Type V focusing screen
• PictureProject CD-ROM
• Quickstart guide
• Instruction manual
• Registration kit