TOKYO -- Nikon Corporation is
pleased
to announce the introduction of a professional digital SLR camera that
delivers
high speed, high resolution, and improved handling for action
photography: the Nikon D2
H.
Since the launch of the D1 series and successful introduction of the
Nikon
DX Format in September 1999, Nikon has been conducting extensive
research into the needs of photographers in every field and discipline.
This research, coupled with painstaking analysis of feedback from Nikon
users worldwide, has led to a string of technological and design
innovations for the Nikon DX Format aimed at enhancing system
performance for the serious photographer.
The D2
H showcases a skillful integration of
such
innovations. The first of a new generation of Nikon Digital SLR
cameras,
the D2
H offers an impressive array of exclusive
features
to improve speed, response, resolution and handling that will establish
it
as the professional's choice in photojournalism and sports photography.
The D2
H is the first digital SLR in the world
capable
of continuous shooting at 8 frames per second for up to 40 consecutive
JPEG
or 25 RAW (NEF [Nikon Electronic Image File]) full-resolution (2,464 x
1,632-pixel)
images.
Performance is further enhanced by the remarkably short 37ms shutter
time
lag -- currently the shortest for a Digital SLR -- making the D2
H as responsive as the Nikon F5 professional film
SLR. Instant power-up means the D2
H is ready to
shoot
as soon as you are.
Together, these high-speed functions give the photographer exceptional
control over moving subjects and rapidly unfolding events.
 |
| JFET imaging
sensor LBCAST |
Image resolution of 4.1 effective megapixels was chosen as the right
combination
for optimum performance on the D2
H. Nikon's
exclusive
new JFET imaging sensor
LBCAST combines performance
innovations
to reduce power consumption and minimize dark noise, all while
increasing
speed and image quality. The new sensor is built to read 2 channels of
data
from each pixel at once to achieve maximum speed in image reproduction,
while
it also eliminates the need for fixed pattern noise correction at
power-up
to deliver the instant responsiveness professionals need to capture the
moment.
The LBCAST imaging sensor also inherits the advantages of the DX
Format,
bringing together the right combination of high speed, image quality,
power
efficiency, and optical performance of the lens to realize total system
performance.
The format also maintains consistency of the angle of view across the
Nikon
DX Format SLR lineup.
The sensor's thinner Optical Low Pass Filter (OLPF) moreover
effectively suppresses moire patterns without compromising the camera's
high resolution.
 |
| AF system
features 11 sensors
of which 9 are cross-type |
Another milestone technology in the D2
H is
Nikon's
new Multi-CAM 2000 Autofocus (AF) Sensor Module, which ensures quick
response
and razor-sharp focus in all shooting conditions. This high-speed,
high-precision
AF system features 11 sensors of which 9 are cross-type sensors that
effectively
cover the majority of the image area.
The D2
H further incorporates image-processing
technologies
that raise Nikon's Total Image Quality to new heights. The camera's 3D
Matrix
Image Control delivers subtle color gradations and smooth diagonals,
while
minimizing the appearance of color fringes and reducing false colors.
Thanks
to three separate sensors, the D2
H achieves
highly
refined Auto White Balance (AWB) and Auto Tone Control (ATC) under
different
light conditions. And thanks to Nikon's Color Reproduction System,
photographers
can also select from three optimized color modes. The result of these
innovations
is increased versatility, easy-to-use metering, and exceedingly
faithful
color reproduction with clean, crisp details -- for all subjects and
workflow
environments.
Despite being a powerhouse of Nikon technologies, the D2
H
comes in a compact, lightweight, easy-to-handle magnesium alloy body
that is tightly sealed to resist exposure to dust and water drops - and
sturdy enough to withstand the rigors of globe-trotting
photojournalism. Photographers will especially appreciate the large
buttons and controls, all logically placed
for smooth, intuitive handling. The design of the camera's ergonomic
styling
is adopted from one created by famed industrial designer Giorgetto
GIUGIARO*
exclusively for a new generation of Nikon camera.
| * |
 |
 |
| w/ optional
Wireless Transmitter
WT-1 |
Other components of the Total Imaging System designed to deliver
optimal
performance with the D2
H have been newly
designed
or redesigned to expand the shooting and post-processing possibilities.
The new optional Wireless Transmitter WT-1 interfaces directly with
IEEE
802.11b compatible access points to realize wireless transfer of image
and
sound data to FTP servers, and mark a major advance in freeing the
photographer's movement and in the ability to deliver timely photos
promptly.
The new
Nikon Speedlight SB-800 forms the
core
of the new Creative Lighting System supported by the D2
H
to add new creative possibilities that are easy to use. The new i-TTL
system supports Advanced Wireless Lighting and versatile functions for
up to four groups of Speedlights, with 3 remote i-TTL speedlight groups
controlled through the master SB-800. New features include advanced
i-TTL flash control for optimum
results from Auto Balanced Fill-Flash, Flash Value Lock (FV Lock), AUTO
FP
High-Speed Sync, and a Wide Area AF Assist Illuminator that is tailored
to
the new D2
H's 11-area Multi-CAM 2000 AF Sensor
Module.
Nikon Capture 4 is a comprehensive image-editing and remote camera
control software package that fully supports NEF (Nikon Electronic
image File), TIFF and JPEG images from the D2
H.
Features of the new
version include Image Dust Off sensor dust & particle shade removal
control,
Digital DEE
TM scene-specific
automatic
dodge and burn control, a transformation function that creates two
varieties
of ultra-wideangle image from those shot using the
AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED,
as well as improved batch processing.
