Nikon’s Enhanced DX2s DSLR Camera

By Geoff Duncan June 1, 2006

Camera maker Nikon is rolling out enhanced versions of its DX2 digital SLR cameras this July, adding features and capabilities to increase the camera’s appeal to high-end and professional photographers. The camera’s features (and $4,700 suggested price tag) put it out of consideration for the point-and-shoot crowd, but if you’re looking for a reliable, fully-featured DSLR the DX2s is a strong competitor.

The Nikon DX2s still offers a 12.4 megapixel CMOS DX sensor, but sports an improved 2.5-inch LCD display which is viewable through 170 degrees. Also on board: electronic masking of the focusing screen in a high-speed crop mode, a black-and-white mode, support for Adobe RGB across all three color modes, an in-camera trim function, and improved battery life. The DX2x also extends the camera’s continuous shooting mode, enabling it to capture up to five frames per second in JPEG or RAW mode at a full 12.4 megapixels (and eight frames per second at 6.8 megapixels).

In addition, Nikon has tweaked the autofocus performance, added 1/3-step ISO boost settings, simplified the camera’s interface and settings management, enables information about latitude, longitude, altitude, and heading to be transferred from a GPS device and stored with individual images (via an optional GPS Adapter Cord), and the capability to save and load settings between multiple DX2s cameras. And, of course, the camera sports oodles of other high-end features, including compatibility with Nikon’s wireless lighting system and Nikkor lenses, USB 2.0 data transfer, and wireless image transfer and control via 802.11b/g networking. The DX2s will be spendy, but an argument could be made that customers will get what they pay for.

Editors' Recommendations

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Geoff Duncan writes, programs, edits, plays music, and delights in making software misbehave. He's probably the only member…

Photography

Insta360’s next camera could be amazing for lowlight photography

Inspired imaging teaser image featuring swirling stars over a dark landscape.

Insta360 has a new camera on the horizon, the latest in what has been something of a hot streak this year for the company. The new teaser image it just released depicts a landscape with swirling star trails in the sky overhead, and features the phrase “inspired imaging,” possibly hinting at a connection to astrophotography.

The teaser video, titled “Our Next Camera," also heavily features astrophotography and other lowlight imagery, which backs up that initial impression. Swirling stars, floating lanterns, a concert/party, nighttime amusement park rides, the aurora borealis, and dimly lit hallways are all displayed in passing. I’m always looking to up my lowlight photo and video game, and gear that helps me capture astrophotography footage is definitely appealing.

Photography

GoPro Hero 10 Black vs DJI Action 2 vs. Insta360 One RS: Clash of the action cameras

The Insta360 One RS with the 360 lens mod, DJI Action 2, and GoPro Hero 10 Black in a snow bank.

Some circumstances call for a camera that can survive whatever the world can throw at it, and for such situations, the clear choice is an action camera. While a DSLR or smartphone may shatter when dropped, or fizzle out and die when dunked in the briny deep, an action camera will endure all but the most extreme catastrophes. GoPro is by far the best known and most established action camera company -- so much so that you most likely identify action cameras as "GoPros."

However, there are more options available to consumers, with DJI and Insta360 throwing their hats in the ring with cameras that rival GoPro for the action camera crown. It’s a shockingly even match, and more a matter of which is right for you than which is best. I've spent the past year extensively testing the GoPro Hero 10 Black, DJI Action 2, and Insta360 One RS so that I can help you pick the ideal action camera.
Usability
With action cameras, an important factor to consider is how easy they are to use in the field. It’s important to be able to start and stop recording quickly and easily in adverse conditions. In this regard, the Hero 10 Black is the clear winner for a couple of reasons. Primarily, that great big record button on top is by far the easiest to find by feel, even with thick ski gloves on. The other two are fine in this regard, but I was never as sure of whether I had actually activated or ended recording with them.

Photography

Nikon’s new 800mm lens for Z-mount cameras lightens the load

nikons new 800mm lens for z mount cameras nikon 800m

Nikon has announced the Nikkor Z 800mm f/6.3 VR S lens aimed primarily at sports and wildlife photographers,

At 5.3 pounds and 15.2 inches, the lens is notable for being half the weight and 16% shorter than the equivalent 800mm f/5.6 lens for Nikon's long-established F-mount SLR cameras, making it much easier to lug around, and also to shoot with if you’re working sans tripod.