Nikon D2Xs User Manual

D I G I T A L S L R C A M E R A

The True Nature of Photography

The goal was straightforward; take a truly versatile professional tool to new levels of response, handling
efficiency and fine control over the results. The strategy was clear; apply the feedback gained by
working hand in hand with professional photographers in the field to refine the already stellar operation
and performance of Nikon’s flagship digital SLR camera. At the heart of the system is a proven 12.4
million-pixel image sensor, advanced image processing engine, and optimized systems that blend
high levels of resolution with superb image quality, pure color rendition, and class-leading speed.
The 11-area AF system is tuned to deliver even finer precision and higher performance. An improved
view in High-speed Crop mode makes composition easier. The host of enhancements also includes
significantly increased battery life per charge, an improved menu interface, and a new color calibrated

2.5-inch LCD with ultra-wide viewing angle. The Nikon D2Xs hits the mark – freeing photographers to
explore the true nature of photography.

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Smooth control and usability Performance you can trust

Vic Huber

“Every decision I make as a photographer impacts the

outcome of an image. The D2Xs handles intuitively and

make s exce llent techn ical decisi ons for me so I c an

focus on the dynamics of the image.”

Image quality mode: RAW (NEF) • Lens: AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED • Exposure mode: [A] 1/40 second, f/13

• White balance: Cloudy • Sensitivity: ISO-equiv. 100

Passive quality —

Uncompromising craftsmanship and optimum in-field efficiency

Understanding the importance of intuitive handling and tough reliability in the field, Nikon designed every button, control and
function for maximum ease of access, intuitive operation, handling efficiency and reliability. Meet the professional digital SLR
solution truly equipped to extend creative freedom and business productivity; the Nikon D2Xs.

Ergonomic design and button layout

The size, layout and operation of each customizable button, control and
function is designed for intuitive operation and feedback, minimizing the need to
remove the eye from the viewfinder while shooting. This combines with instant,
predictable response to free the photographer to concentrate on composition.
Operation remains consistently comfortable for either horizontal or vertical
orientation. The convenient Function button on the front of the body can be
programmed for simpler switching such as in and out of High-speed Crop mode
when using continuous shooting.
The eye-level viewfinder features frame coverage of vir tually 100% and a

19.9mm eyepoint. Information bars along the bottom and right edges display
the current white balance mode, image quality and size settings, ISO setting
and more. Updated for the D2Xs, the viewfinder also features an improved view
within the High-speed Crop mode frame for faster and easier composition.

Valuable feedback from information displays

The D2X s’s new 2.5-inch high-resolution LCD with up to 27x magnification
permits effective evaluation of sharpness, expression and exposure, and quick
confirmation of exposure using the Histogram or RGB Histogram displays.
The color-coded menu displays and large type have been refined for easier
recognition and access. The top and rear control panels are also designed to
convey essential status and settings information at a glance.

Menus that maximize practicality and versatility

Custom Settings menus are grouped according to basic features for fast and
easy access. Up to 4 complete selections of Custom Settings can be stored
in the camera’s memory bank, allowing instant switching to the optimized
selection for the given assignment.
In addition to displaying the last 8 settings made using the Shooting menus
and Custom Settings menus, further evolution of the Recent Settings list adds
the ability to delete the current settings, or lock them to prevent accidental
changes. A new menu option also allows camera settings to be saved to or
loaded from a memory card, making it convenient to share settings between
D2Xs cameras that will be used in similar conditions.
A new feature available from the Shooting menu is the ability to download up
to 3 custom tone curves for a wider range of gamma choice to accommodate
the diverse demands of different assignments.

Magnesium alloy body with enhanced sealing system

Housed in a lightweight yet highly durable magnesium alloy body, the D2Xs is built
to perform reliably under the tough working conditions of professional photographic
assignments. Nikon’s enhanced sealing system protects every possible seam and
exposed part, making the body resistant to dust and drops of water.
A new locking mechanism holds the USB cable’s connector securely and prevents
it from being accidentally pulled out of the USB port.

New

Lithium-ion battery system with even greater power

The new EN-EL4a rechargeable lithium-ion battery retains the same form,
but features significantly increased capacity that delivers enough power for
up to 3,800 shots per charge. It can be recharged at any time or any level,
features extended service life, and per forms well at low temperatures. The
system’s real-time status display gives accurate feedback on the percentage
of remaining battery charge, the number of shots taken since the last charge,
the overall status of ser vice life, as well as notification when calibration is
recommended. The D2Xs can also be powered by EN-EL4 batteries, and EN-EL4a
batteries are compatible with earlier Nikon D2 series cameras.

Proven shutter unit for reliability and speed

Mechanical systems throughout the camera are enhanced to fully support the
speed, precision and durability required by professionals. The double-bladed
shutter unit, refined from the field-proven systems on high-end Nikon SLRs, is
tested to well over 150,000 cycles. It employs a mirror balance mechanism that
completes its motion cycle and reaches a full stop with virtually no mirror bounce,
achieving maximum stability and speed as well as smoother AF detection.

Custom Settings menus

C Bank se lect
R Menu r eset
a Autofoc us
a1 A F-C mode p riorit y
a2 A F-S mode pr iorit y
a3 G roup dyn amic AF
a4 L ock-on
a5 A F activat ion
a6 F ocus area I llum
a7 F ocus area
a8 Ve rtical A F-ON

b M etering /exposur e
b1 ISO auto
b2 ISO s tep value
b3 EV s tep
b4 Ex posure co mp. EV
b5 Ex posure co mp.
b6 Cen ter weight
b7 Fine tun e exposure
c Timer s/AE & AF lo ck
c1 A E lock
c2 A E-L/A F-L

c3 A uto meter-of f
c4 Sel f-timer
c5 M onitor of f
d S hooting /display
d1 Sho oting spe ed
d2 Ma ximum sho ts
d3 Ex p. delay mod e
d4 Fil e No. Seq.
d5 Cnt rl Panel / fin der
d6 Ill uminatio n

e Bracke ting/fl ash
e1 F lash sync s peed
e2 F lash shut ter speed
e3 A A flash mode
e4 M odeling fl ash
e5 A uto BKT se t
e6 M anual mod e bkting
e7 A uto BKT or der
e8 A uto BKT se lection

f Contr ols
f1 Center button
f2 Multi s elector
f3 Photo in fo/playb ack
f4 FUNC. b utton
f5 FUNC. + com mand
f6 Command d ials
f7 Button s and dials
f8 No CF card?

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