Nikon D2x
Introduction
In 2004, Nikon released its then-latest high-resolution flagship model – the 12mp D2x. With 12mp it was catering to professional photographers who wanted more resolution for print applications.
In 2021 I decided to get a Nikon D2x – and now, a year after shooting with this camera both in professional and “free” scenarios, I am ready to review this legend.
Nikon D2x - front view
Review
Specifications
Digital SLR
12.2 MP CMOS DX Sensor
11-point Multi-CAM 2000 AF-module
5 fps at full resolution, 8fps at 6.8 MP crop
Single CF-card slot
Nikon D2x - rear view
Imaging Performance
What can one expect in terms of image quality from a 2004 digital camera? Coming from the excellent Olympus E-1 DSLR, I already know that these old DSLRs are not be underestimated. And the Nikon D2x is no exception.
At its lowest ISO 100 setting, the 12 MP Sony-Sensor delivers enough resolution for almost anything and two stops of underexposure can be recovered in post production without any issues. The ISO can be increased to ISO 800 and extended to 1.600 and 3.200. I would not recommend the extended settings, but ISO 800 is still usable. Only if you zoom in too much, the noise becomes apparent.
Nikon D2x at ISO 800
Nikon D2x at ISO 800 / close-up
What I like the most about the Nikon D2x are the saturated, warm colors that come out of the camera. If the files are processed with Nikon’s proprietary NX Studio software, the legacy color profiles of the D2x can be utilized. The skin tones that come out of this camera are a dream.
Nikon D2x JPG - no edit
Digital cameras from the early 2000s often struggled with setting a proper white balance when in auto-white balance mode. An interesting feature of the Nikon D2x was designed to overcome this issue. In the viewfinder hump, a small translucent window covers an additional white balance sensor. Interestingly, this really helps in outdoor scenarios when photographing colorful objects. The white balance indeed remains very consistent no matter what is in the frame. In indoor scenarios, the results are mixed. Sometimes it works fantastic, sometimes the camera is thrown off completely – better set it manually.
Nikon D2x - white balance sensor
Auto-Focus
The 11-point AF-system of the Nikon D2x is the same as in the Nikon F6, and I really love it. It is accurate, reasonably fast and because it has only 11 select-able points, one can get “to the correct point” very quickly.
As the Nikon D2x is a DX camera, the whole frame is covered with AF-points. So there is usually no need for the focus-recompose method.
In continuous AF mode, it seems that it takes the camera a split second to calculate, before accurately setting the focus. I like that, because the AF is sticky once it has acquired the subject.
Maybe the following point is just me being biased, but it seems that the system works exceptionally well with screw-driven Nikkors.
Nikon D2x - top view
Shooting Experience
Probably the most important aspect of a camera is that you like working with it. And although I cannot explain why, the Nikon D2x feels so special. The body has the right size, and integrated vertical grip, the buttons are of high quality and the control layout is a pleasure to use.
Nikon D2x - the control layout resembles that of the Nikon F6
All in all, the camera feels like a very reliable tool.
With 5fps, the camera is fast enough for most shooting scenarios, but when enabling the high-speed crop (app. 2x crop compared to full frame with 6.8 MP), the camera shoots 8fps, which is a lot.
What I especially like about the D2x is its 100% viewfinder. It has just the right magnification to allow viewing of the whole matte screen without having to move the eye around like I have to do when shooting with a full frame camera.
When shooting manual focus lenses, I recommend using the digital rangefinder, as the viewfinder image tends to be a little too small for this purpose.
Nikon D2x - detail view
Reliability
First and foremost, we are talking about a camera that is almost 20 years old. I would not use the D2x as my single body for professional work, as the camera is just too old to guarantee flawless operation.
Having said that, the camera is still being serviced by Nikon, although they no longer have all the parts available.
Also, I am not aware that the D2x is prone to “bricking” or something, and my body works absolutely flawless. Quality electronics!
The D2x also takes only one CF-card (up to 32GB). I never had a CF-card fail, but there is a certain risk involved.
Recommended Operational Purposes
The Nikon D2x shines as a studio camera – the great skin tones and moderate resolution make it a great portrait camera for professional photographers in 2022, at incredibly low cost.
Shooting in a studio, the risk of loosing an image due to a defect can be mitigated by having a spare body at hand and simply reshooting.
Also, the D2x might be a good travel camera for high-risk environments where there is a high chance of having equipment stolen or being damaged by circumstances (and believe me, it takes a lot to break a D2x).
Nikon D2x - built-in vertical grip
Verdict
For photographers looking for a capable DSLR, who also want to experience the Nikon one-digit feeling at the lowest possible price, the Nikon D2x is the perfect choice. Even almost 20 years after it came out.
