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TechRevu |
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Model: Nikon D2H
Product Website / Spec/PR /
First off, let's get the resolution out of the way. It's 4 MP, which may not seem like a lot to you if you've already got a 5MP prosumer camera, but if you're a press photographer you already know that 4 is more than adequate for any newspaper in the world, way more than you need for web publications...and pretty decent for glossy magazines like Sports Illustrated, or anything else where they are likely to care about fast moving news and newsmakers. That being said, the new DH2 is so packed full of advanced features that it makes my head spin. It's got a new lighter body, thank fully, a 12 point focus/metering system that's totally upgraded, a bigger LCD (2.5-in.) combined NEF(Raw) and JPEG imaging, a new 3 sensor white balance system, upgraded battery technology and even a wireless base option so that you can upload shots to your computer as soon as you've taken them. The implications for news coverage and event photography are incredible. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that they're out to take back the technological lead from Canon, who had several of these features already incorporated in the 1Ds, but it's also clear that there is a lot of really original thinking going on here, done by very bright folks. The "DX format" JFET sensor used shows Nikon's dedication to smaller than film sensors, unlike the folks at Canon, and they're furiously working on wider lenses to make up for the multiplier effect that they cause. The JFET sensor with its dual data channels, low power consumption and increased noise reduction deserves an article of its own, and I may write one later. What's interesting about the D2H is that Nikon is starting to move away from its effort to mimic their 35mm cameras. When they first introduced the D1 and later the D1X, it was all about how closely the experience matched the film camera experience, right down to the 65 ms shutter lag. Now, with a 37ms shutter lag and a new form factor, they're letting go of the limitations of film and capitalizing on the strengths of digital. Price isn't available yet, but if you have to ask you don't need one. If you want to get a look at one of these, check Nikon's website for events where they'll have photogs shooting with them, starting with the 9th annual IAAF World Championships in Athletics, at Stade de France, Paris starting August 23, 2003. The announcement of the D2H raises a lot of interesting questions. When can I get one? Just how fast is 8 frames per second? And the really big question......how far behind can a D2X announcement be? |
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