D2x: Nikon's Michael Corrado talks

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|| SportsShooter.com: News Item: Posted 2004-09-16

D2x: Nikon's Michael Corrado talks
Corrado, a SportsShooter.com member and Nikon employee, is finally able to talk publicly about the new D2x.

By Michael Corrado

After some intense speculation, some exciting rumor mills and great anticipation, I'm excited to officially introduce the Nikon D2x to the SportsShooter community. Hopefully the arguments are over and the facts can tell the story. One big fact is that Nikon has developed a camera that is unique to the industry and I expect that it will be a workhorse for so many photographic disciplines. I'm sure you understand how one day you might be shooting high-speed action yet the next day might be a portrait of an athlete. So, if you're looking for a camera that answers the call for high-resolution or high-speed shooting, you have it in the D2x.

I don't want to bog you down with a bunch of specs but here are some of the cool things you can expect from the camera. There is so much that goes into the launch of a camera like the D2x and the toughest part of all of this is having to read the threads on SportsShooter and not be able to respond. Especially with some of the off-the-wall things I've heard suggested or rumored.

Michael Corrado with the new Nikon D2x.

The D2x incorporates a 12.4 effective megapixel DX CMOS sensor with a new high-speed 4 channel readout and fast image processing engine that helps drive the camera at 5 frames per second at full resolution but that's not all. With the quick touch of a button and turn of a dial a photographer can activate, even while the camera is at your eye, a new High-speed Cropped mode that allows for shooting at a resolution of 8 frames per second at 6.8 megapixels. What's great about this is that you have the ability to make decisions on the fly for high resolution or speed without reaching into your bag to change cameras. In either setting you get high quality and high resolution so the choice is yours based on the specific situation.

Another cool advantage to having a DX size sensor is you have full lens compatibility with all of the same lenses you might be using on the D2H, D100 or D70, yet you can still capture images at well over 12 megapixels.

A new color engine promises more faithful color reproduction and smoother color gradations than ever before. More cool technology is delivered by way of the WT-2A Wireless transmitter, which has also been introduced with the D2x. Now supporting IEEE 802.11g, WiFi compatibility for up to 54mbs data transfer rate. With new Nikon Capture 4.2, slated to hit the streets around January with the camera, you can now fire the camera wirelessly from your laptop with all of the controls you need on your keyboard. Remote shooting in sports photography has always created an opportunity to make dramatic and unique actions shots and as seamless and easy as the setup will be with Nikon's commitment to the PTP/IP protocol, this should be easy for any photographer to set up and use. The 11 Area AF system with enhanced performance is still in tact, as well as the full compatibility with Nikon's i-TTL wireless Speedlight system, and an advanced 3D Color Matrix Metering II round out the power of the D2x.

If you like what you might have seen with the 200mm f/2 AF-VR Nikkor lens then you'll be excited to know that a new 300mm f/2.8 AF-VR has also been announced. I've handled and shot the 200mm f/2 and it is phenomenal. It's incredibly fast, sharp and at f/2 low light shooting night sports shooting is incredible.

I have always been a fan of the SportsShooter site and, in fact, have been a member for many years. I'm constantly running around the site to learn more about the mind of the sports shooter. It's pretty fascinating so come January not only will you have a chance to own the D2x, you will see Nikon step up to the plate with the SportsShooter website. I'll also be at the SportsShooter Luau if anyone would like to chat. Stay tuned!

You can link to www.nikondigitalusa.com to find out more details on the camera and lens.

Michael Corrado is Senior Product Manager, Digital SLR System and Accessories at Nikon USA. He has been a member of SportsShooter.com since August, 2002.

Related Links:

Nikon Digital Website

Nikon USA

Mike's member page