Nikon D2Xs

    59
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    Highlights

    • 12.4 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
    • 100 - 800 Native ISO
    • 2.5" 235k dot Fixed Screen
    • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
    • 8.0 fps Continuous Shooting
    • Wheather Sealed Body
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Nikon D2Xs was announced in 2006 and is an APS-C (23.7 x 15.7 mm) DSLR camera with 12.4 Megapixel CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 100 to 800 and expands to 100 - 3,200 in boosted mode. The camera has a Fixed 2.5" screen with 235k dot resolution and built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Predecessor
    4. Successor
    5. Screen and Viewfinder
    6. Sensor
    7. Photography Features
    8. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
    9. Other Features
    10. Physical Parameters
    11. For Different Types of Photography
    12. Evaluation
    13. Specifications  

    Here is the Nikon Dx series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Nikon Dx series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Nikon D6
    Compare
    		February
    2020    		 20.8 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 102,400 Fixed 3.2"
    2,359k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Nikon D5
    Compare
    		January
    2016    		 20.8 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 102,400 Fixed 3.2"
    2,359k dot
    Touchscreen
    Image cannot be found Nikon D4s
    Compare
    		February
    2014    		 16.2 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 25,600 Fixed 3.2"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D4
    Compare
    		January
    2012    		 16.2 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 12,800 Fixed 3.2"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D3S
    Compare
    		February
    2010    		 12.1 MP
    Full Frame    		 200 - 12,800 Fixed 3.0"
    921k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D3X
    Compare
    		February
    2009    		 24.5 MP
    Full Frame    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 3.0"
    920k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D3
    Compare
    		April
    2008    		 12.1 MP
    Full Frame    		 200 - 6,400 Fixed 3.0"
    922k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D2Xs June
    2006    		 12.4 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 800 Fixed 2.5"
    235k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D2X
    Compare
    		June
    2005    		 12.4 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 800 Fixed 2.5"
    235k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D2Hs
    Compare
    		February
    2005    		 4.1 MP
    APS-C    		 200 - 1,600 Fixed 2.5"
    235k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D2H
    Compare
    		December
    2003    		 4.1 MP
    APS-C    		 200 - 1,600 Fixed 2.5"
    211k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D1H
    Compare
    		September
    2001    		 2.7 MP
    APS-C    		 200 - 1,600 Fixed 2.0"
    130k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D1X
    Compare
    		June
    2001    		 5.3 MP
    APS-C    		 125 - 800 Fixed 2.0"
    130k dot
    Image cannot be found Nikon D1
    Compare
    		November
    2000    		 2.66 MP
    APS-C    		 200 - 1,600 Fixed 2.0"
    130k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Nikon D6 vs D5 vs D4s vs D4 vs D3S vs D3X.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Nikon D2Xs.

    PROS

    •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Orientation Sensor

    CONS

    •   No Video Capture
    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.4 Megapixel
    •   800 Highest Native ISO
    •   No Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
    •   No Live View
    •   Low DxO Overall Score - 59
    •   No HDMI Output
    •   No Built-in Microphone
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth
    •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   Screen Size - 2.5"
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Nikon D2Xs to its predecessor D2X and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Nikon D2Xs vs Nikon D2X
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 489 vs 476
    Higher DxO Color Depth 22.2 vs 22.1

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Nikon D2Xs vs D2X.

    Successor

    In 2009 Nikon D2Xs was replaced by Nikon D3X. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Nikon D2Xs and its successor.

    UPGRADES Nikon D3X vs Nikon D2Xs
    Larger Sensor Full Frame vs APS-C
    Higher Sensor Resolution 24.5 Megapixel vs 12.4 Megapixel
    Higher Native ISO 1,600 vs 800
    Higher Boosted ISO 6,400 vs 3,200
    Max Image Resolution 6048 x 4032 vs 4288 x 2848
    Higher Bit Depth 14-Bit vs 12-Bit
    Live View Autofocus vs
    Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
    Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.5"
    Higher Resolution Screen 920k dot vs 235k dot
    Live View vs
    Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.70x vs 0.57x
    Multi-Segment Metering vs
    Center Weighted Metering vs
    Average Metering vs
    Spot Metering vs
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 1992 vs 489
    Higher DxO Color Depth 24.7 vs 22.2
    Higher DxO Dynamic Range 13.7 vs 10.9
    Higher DxO Overall Score 88 vs 59
    HDMI Output Mini Type C vs
    More Storage Slots 2 vs 1
    DOWNGRADES Nikon D3X vs Nikon D2Xs
    Lower Max Continuous Shooting 5.0 fps vs 8.0 fps
    Heavier 1260 g (2.78 lb / 44.45 oz) vs 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Nikon D2Xs vs D3X.

    Screen and Viewfinder

    Fixed screen

    Nikon D2Xs has a 2.5" Fixed screen with 235k dot resolution which is quite low by today's standards.


    Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder

    Camera has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. It has a 100% coverage and 0.86x (0.57x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

    Sensor

    Nikon D2Xs features a 12.4 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 23.7 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 372.1 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 800 and expands to 100 - 3,200 in boosted mode.


    Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how Nikon D2Xs's APS-C sensor compares with other types of sensors:

    Sensor size chart
    Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
    Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
    Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.7 x 15.7 mm372.1 mm23:21.5x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 mm23:21.6x
    Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
    Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

    Photography Features

    Camera can take pictures up to 4288 x 2848 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolutions like 3216 x 2136, 2144 x 1424 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


    Lens Mount

    Nikon D2Xs has Nikon F lens mount. Due to APS-C sensor its crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is 1.5x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


    No In-Body Image Stabilization

    The camera does not have in-body image stabilization (IBIS) so it needs lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Nikon D2Xs.

    Nikon D1
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    APS-C

    2.66 MP

    Nikon D4s
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    16.2 MP

    Nikon D2Hs
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    4.1 MP

    Nikon D6
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    20.8 MP

    Nikon D3S
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    12.1 MP

    Nikon D2X
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    12.4 MP

    Nikon D5
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    20.8 MP

    Nikon D4
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    16.2 MP

    Nikon D3X
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    24.5 MP

    Nikon D1H
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    2.7 MP

    Nikon D2H
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    4.1 MP

    Nikon D1X
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    5.3 MP

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    USB Input

    Nikon D2Xs has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer.


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has a single CompactFlash (Type I/II, compliant with UDMA), MicroDrive card slot.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Nikon D2Xs has Electronically-controlled vertical-travel focal plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/8000 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 8.0 fps.


    Flash

    Nikon D2Xs has no built-in flash but an external flash may be connected via Standard ISO hot-shoe contact with safely lock. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/250 sec.

    Physical Parameters

    Nikon D2Xs has dimensions of 158 x 150 x 86 mm (6.22 x 5.91 x 3.39"). It weighs 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz), so it is a heavy camera.

    158 mm (6.22")

    150 mm (5.91")

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    150 mm (5.91")

    Image cannot be displayed

    Nikon D2Xs dimensions

    Nikon D2Xs for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Nikon D2Xs is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    GOOD
    76

    Nikon D2Xs gets a score of 76 and is GOOD choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
    •   No Live View
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    AVERAGE
    57

    Nikon D2Xs gets a score of 57 and is AVERAGE choice for Sports photography.

    •   800 Highest Native ISO
    •   No Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
    •   No Live View
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Wildlife Photography

    AVERAGE
    60

    Nikon D2Xs gets a score of 60 and is AVERAGE choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   800 Highest Native ISO
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
    •   No Live View
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Portrait Photography

    GOOD
    72

    Nikon D2Xs gets a score of 72 and is GOOD choice for Portrait photography.

    •   No Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Size - 2.5"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
    •   No Live View
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Street Photography

    GOOD
    71

    Nikon D2Xs gets a score of 71 and is GOOD choice for Street photography.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
    •   No Live View
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)

    Travel Photography

    AVERAGE
    69

    Nikon D2Xs gets a score of 69 and is AVERAGE choice for Travel photography.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)

    Nikon D2Xs Evaluation

    We evaluate Nikon D2Xs and give score of 59 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    59

    Sensor

    AVERAGE
    66

    We give Nikon D2Xs a score of 66 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.4 Megapixel
    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   800 Highest Native ISO
    •   Low DxO Overall Score - 59

    Photo

    AVERAGE
    67

    We give Nikon D2Xs a score of 67 for Photo parameters.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   High Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/8000 sec
    •   Max Continuous Shooting - 8.0 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/250 sec

    Video

    BAD
    0

    We give Nikon D2Xs a score of 0 for Video parameters.

    •   No Image Stabilization

    Focusing

    GOOD
    75

    We give Nikon D2Xs a score of 75 for Focusing parameters.

    •   No Face Detection

    Screen and Viewfinder

    AVERAGE
    68

    We give Nikon D2Xs a score of 68 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Screen Size - 2.5"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 235k dot

    Connectivity

    POOR
    40

    We give Nikon D2Xs a score of 40 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   No HDMI Output
    •   No Built-in Microphone
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    GOOD
    74

    We give Nikon D2Xs a score of 74 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   Environmental Sealing
    •   Heavy - 1200 g (2.65 lb / 42.33 oz)


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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