Professional workhorse
I replaced a Fuji S2 Pro with a Nikon D2Xs in 2006. The D2Xs is in an entirely different league. Mostly, one has a lot of superlatives and a few quibbles to say about the D2Xs. The one drawback to the D2Xs is that as a Nikon professional product, pretty much everything that is an accessory specific to the D2** line is priced professionally, too.
The Nikon D2Xs uses a 12MP Sony imager. The color performance of the imager is neutral and has good color accuracy. If you like eye-popping color, be prepared to do a fair amount of post-processing. The dynamic range is good, being slightly wider than one may be used to from shooting slide film. Even Fine JPEG output results in files that withstand fair amounts of digital editing without horrid artifacts. The custom color balance facility is excellent, and should be used for any situation that does not fit one of the preset color balance options. The automatic white balance works for some mixed lighting conditions, but not others. Checking a test shot is prudent for any critical work.
The D2Xs has reasonable noise characteristics, though outdone by the D3. I commonly use up to ISO 800 for shooting action without qualms. If shooting for enlargements over 8x10", though, you will likely want to use lower ISO settings. The ISO range above 800 produces prominent noise, requires careful attention to exposure, and noticeably reduces resolution of images.
The D2Xs has a "crop mode" that yields about half the currently-set megapixels per image. I have found this useful for dog sport action photography, as the maximum frame rate increases from 5 fps to 8 fps when in crop mode. When one does not intend maximum-size enlargements, crop mode becomes a handy tool. The reduced taking area is masked in the viewfinder with selection of crop mode. Essentially, Nikon obviated most needs for the D2Hs camera by providing crop mode on the D2Xs. It provides a frame rate on a par with the D2Hs in this mode, though it reduces the view angle of whatever lens is attached. The D2Xs can thus perform almost all the functions of the D2Hs as well as its own.
The D2Xs has typical Nikon pro build quality. This means environmental seals to help deal with inclement weather and bad locations, a strong metal frame, and heavy-duty user control interfaces. It also means it is a heavy camera. I'm 6'3" and about 200#, and this camera is a bit taxing to carry around for me. Especially when paired with a killer lens like the Nikkor 70-200mm VR, one is talking about serious weight. I commonly use at least a monopod if I will be taking photos for any extended length of time.
What Nikon has provided over the years are ergonomics suited to the professional photographer. Most of the things that are needed for shot-to-shot adjustment on the D2Xs have operable controls or at least dedicated menus, as in the ISO, quality, and color balance controls on the rear of the camera. The menu system allows a plethora of tuning adjustments to the behavior of the camera and how the images are produced and processed. Despite the ultimate complexity, I was able to get acquainted with my D2Xs within a couple of days and successfully shot a day-long event with it.
While an inspired photographer can make art with a Holga point-and-shoot, the inspired photographer will find in the Nikon D2Xs a complement to achieve images with the highest technical perfection as well. What it takes away are excuses for sub-par performance.Read full review
