Nikon D2X vs Canon 30D

The Nikon D2X and the Canon EOS 30D are two digital cameras that were announced, respectively, in September 2004 and February 2006. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. The Nikon has a resolution of 12.2 megapixels, whereas the Canon provides 8.2 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Nikon D2X		Canon 30D
Digital single lens reflex		Digital single lens reflex
Nikon F mount lenses		Canon EF mount lenses
12.2 MP – APS-C sensor		8.2 MP – APS-C sensor
no Video		no Video
ISO 100-800 (100 - 3,200)		ISO 100-1,600 (100 - 3,200)
Optical viewfinder		Optical viewfinder
2.5" LCD – 235k dots		2.5" LCD – 230k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
5 shutter flaps per second		5 shutter flaps per second
Weathersealed body		not weather sealed
3800 shots per battery charge		750 shots per battery charge
158 x 150 x 86 mm, 1252 g		144 x 106 x 74 mm, 785 g

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Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D2X and the Canon EOS 30D? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The physical size and weight of the Nikon D2X and the Canon 30D are illustrated in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon 30D is considerably smaller (36 percent) than the Nikon D2X. Moreover, the 30D is substantially lighter (37 percent) than the D2X. It is worth mentioning in this context that the D2X is splash and dust resistant, while the 30D does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete since they do not consider the interchangeable lenses that both of these cameras require. Yet, since both cameras are based around an APS-C sensor, their respective lenses will tend to have similar dimensions and heft. You can compare the optics available for the two cameras in the Nikon Lens Catalog (D2X) and the Canon EF Lens Catalog (30D).

Concerning battery life, the D2X gets 3800 shots out of its Nikon EN-EL4a battery, while the 30D can take 750 images on a single charge of its Canon BP-511A power pack. As can be seen in the images above, the D2X has a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power. In order to provide similar functionality for the 30D, Canon provides the BG-E2N vertical grip as an optional accessory (see here on ebay).

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you would like to visualize and compare a different camera combination, you can navigate to the CAM-parator app and make your selection from a broad list of cameras there.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Nikon D2X	158 mm	150 mm	86 mm	1252 g	3800	Y	Sep 2004	4,999	ebay.com
2.		Canon 30D	144 mm	106 mm	74 mm	785 g	750	n	Feb 2006	1,399	ebay.com
3.		Canon 10D	150 mm	107 mm	75 mm	850 g	500	n	Feb 2003	1,999	ebay.com
4.		Canon 20D	144 mm	106 mm	72 mm	770 g	700	n	Aug 2004	1,499	ebay.com
5.		Canon 40D	146 mm	108 mm	74 mm	822 g	750	n	Aug 2007	1,299	ebay.com
6.		Canon XT	127 mm	94 mm	64 mm	540 g	400	n	Feb 2005	899	ebay.com
7.		Canon XTi	127 mm	84 mm	65 mm	556 g	370	n	Aug 2006	799	ebay.com
8.		Nikon D1	157 mm	153 mm	85 mm	1100 g	..	Y	Jun 1999	5,499	ebay.com
9.		Nikon D1H	157 mm	153 mm	85 mm	1100 g	1200	Y	Feb 2001	4,499	ebay.com
10.		Nikon D1X	157 mm	153 mm	85 mm	1100 g	1200	Y	Feb 2001	5,999	ebay.com
11.		Nikon D2H	158 mm	150 mm	86 mm	1070 g	2900	Y	Jul 2003	3,499	ebay.com
12.		Nikon D2Xs	158 mm	150 mm	86 mm	1252 g	3800	Y	Jun 2006	4,699	ebay.com
13.		Nikon D3	160 mm	157 mm	88 mm	1300 g	4300	Y	Aug 2007	4,999	ebay.com
14.		Nikon D3S	160 mm	157 mm	88 mm	1240 g	4200	Y	Oct 2009	5,199	ebay.com
15.		Nikon D200	147 mm	113 mm	74 mm	920 g	400	Y	Nov 2005	1,699	ebay.com
16.		Nikon D300	147 mm	114 mm	74 mm	925 g	1000	Y	Aug 2007	1,799	ebay.com
17.		Nikon D300S	147 mm	115 mm	81 mm	938 g	950	Y	Jul 2009	1,799	ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The retail prices at the time of the camera’s release place the model in the market relative to other models in the producer’s line-up and the competition. The 30D was launched at a markedly lower price (by 72 percent) than the D2X, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be associated with larger, more expensive camera bodies and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an APS-C sensor, but their sensors differ slightly in size. The sensor area in the 30D is 9 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have format factors, respectively, of 1.5 (D2X) and 1.6. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

With 12.2MP, the D2X offers a higher resolution than the 30D (8.2MP), but the D2X has smaller individual pixels (pixel pitch of 5.52μm versus 6.42μm for the 30D). Moreover, the 30D is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 5 months) than the D2X, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels.

The resolution advantage of the Nikon D2X implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the D2X for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 21.4 x 14.2 inches or 54.5 x 36.2 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 17.2 x 11.4 inches or 43.6 x 28.9 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 14.3 x 9.5 inches or 36.3 x 24.1 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon 30D are 17.5 x 11.7 inches or 44.5 x 29.7 cm for good quality, 14 x 9.3 inches or 35.6 x 23.7 cm for very good quality, and 11.7 x 7.8 inches or 29.7 x 19.8 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Nikon D2X has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 800, which can be extended to ISO 100-3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon EOS 30D are ISO 100 to ISO 1600, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 100-3200.

Technology-wise, both cameras are equipped with CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensors. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service assesses and scores the color depth ("DXO Portrait"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports") of camera sensors, and also publishes an overall camera score. The Overall DXO ratings for the two cameras under consideration are close, suggesting that they provide similar imaging performance. The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of comparator-cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Nikon D2X	APS-C	12.2	4288	2848	none	22.1	10.9	476	59
2.		Canon 30D	APS-C	8.2	3504	2336	none	21.5	10.8	736	59
3.		Canon 10D	APS-C	6.3	3072	2048	none	21.1	10.9	571	57
4.		Canon 20D	APS-C	8.2	3504	2336	none	21.9	11.0	721	62
5.		Canon 40D	APS-C	10.1	3888	2592	none	22.1	11.3	703	64
6.		Canon XT	APS-C	8.0	3456	2304	none	21.8	10.8	637	60
7.		Canon XTi	APS-C	10.1	3888	2592	none	22.1	11.0	664	62
8.		Nikon D1	APS-C	2.6	2000	1312	none	..	..	..	..
9.		Nikon D1H	APS-C	2.6	2000	1312	none	..	..	..	..
10.		Nikon D1X	APS-C	5.9	3008	1960	none	..	..	..	..
11.		Nikon D2H	APS-C	4.0	2464	1632	none	18.9	10.0	352	40
12.		Nikon D2Xs	APS-C	12.2	4288	2848	none	22.2	10.9	489	59
13.		Nikon D3	Full Frame	12.1	4256	2832	none	23.5	12.2	2290	81
14.		Nikon D3S	Full Frame	12.1	4256	2832	720/24p	23.5	12.0	3253	82
15.		Nikon D200	APS-C	10.0	3872	2592	none	22.3	11.5	583	64
16.		Nikon D300	APS-C	12.2	4288	2848	none	22.1	12.0	679	67
17.		Nikon D300S	APS-C	12.2	4288	2848	720/24p	22.5	12.2	787	70

Feature comparison

Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The D2X and the 30D are similar in the sense that both have an optical viewfinder. The latter is useful for getting a clear image for framing even in brightly lit environments. The viewfinder in the D2X offers a wider field of view (100%) than the one in the 30D (95%), so that a larger proportion of the captured image is visible in the finder. In addition, the viewfinder of the D2X has a higher magnification (0.57x vs 0.56x), so that the size of the image transmitted appears closer to the size seen with the naked human eye. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Nikon D2X and Canon 30D in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Max Shutter Speed *	Max Shutter Flaps *	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Nikon D2X	optical	Y	2.5 / 235	fixed	n	1/8000s	5.0/s	n	n
2.		Canon 30D	optical	Y	2.5 / 230	fixed	n	1/8000s	5.0/s	Y	n
3.		Canon 10D	optical	Y	1.8 / 118	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
4.		Canon 20D	optical	Y	1.8 / 118	fixed	n	1/8000s	5.0/s	Y	n
5.		Canon 40D	optical	Y	3.0 / 230	fixed	n	1/8000s	6.5/s	Y	n
6.		Canon XT	optical	n	1.8 / 115	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
7.		Canon XTi	optical	n	2.5 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
8.		Nikon D1	optical	Y	2.0 / 120	fixed	n	1/16000s	4.5/s	n	n
9.		Nikon D1H	optical	Y	2.0 / 120	fixed	n	1/16000s	5.0/s	n	n
10.		Nikon D1X	optical	Y	2.0 / 120	fixed	n	1/16000s	3.0/s	n	n
11.		Nikon D2H	optical	Y	2.5 / 211	fixed	n	1/8000s	8.0/s	n	n
12.		Nikon D2Xs	optical	Y	2.5 / 230	fixed	n	1/8000s	5.0/s	n	n
13.		Nikon D3	optical	Y	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/8000s	11.0/s	n	n
14.		Nikon D3S	optical	Y	3.0 / 921	fixed	n	1/8000s	11.0/s	n	n
15.		Nikon D200	optical	Y	2.5 / 230	fixed	n	1/8000s	5.0/s	Y	n
16.		Nikon D300	optical	Y	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/8000s	6.0/s	Y	n
17.		Nikon D300S	optical	Y	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/8000s	7.0/s	Y	n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

One difference between the cameras concerns the presence of an on-board flash. The 30D has one, while the D2X does not. While the built-in flash of the 30D is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the D2X and the 30D write their files to Compact Flash cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Nikon D2X and Canon EOS 30D and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Mic / Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Nikon D2X	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
2.		Canon 30D	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
3.		Canon 10D	Y	- / -	-	-	-	1.1	-	-	-
4.		Canon 20D	Y	- / -	-	-	-	1.1	-	-	-
5.		Canon 40D	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
6.		Canon XT	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
7.		Canon XTi	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
8.		Nikon D1	Y	- / -	-	-	-	FW	-	-	-
9.		Nikon D1H	Y	- / -	-	-	-	FW	-	-	-
10.		Nikon D1X	Y	- / -	-	-	-	FW	-	-	-
11.		Nikon D2H	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
12.		Nikon D2Xs	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
13.		Nikon D3	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
14.		Nikon D3S	Y	stereo / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
15.		Nikon D200	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
16.		Nikon D300	Y	- / -	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
17.		Nikon D300S	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-

Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.

Both the D2X and the 30D have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D2X was replaced by the Nikon D2Xs, while the 30D was followed by the Canon 40D. Further information on the features and operation of the D2X and 30D can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D2X Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon 30D Manual.

Review summary

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Nikon D2X better than the Canon 30D or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Reasons to prefer the Nikon D2X:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (12.2 vs 8.2MP) with a 22% higher linear resolution.
• More complete view: Has a viewfinder with a larger field of view (100% vs 95%).
• Larger viewfinder image: Features a viewfinder with a higher magnification (0.57x vs 0.56x).
• More portrait friendly: Features an integrated vertical grip for easier portrait shooting.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (3800 versus 750) on a single battery charge.
• Better sealing: Is weather sealed to enable shooting in dusty or wet environments.
• More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in September 2004).

Advantages of the Canon EOS 30D:

• Better low-light sensitivity: Can shoot in dim conditions (0.6 stops ISO advantage).
• More compact: Is smaller (144x106mm vs 158x150mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 467g or 37 percent) and is thus easier to take along.
• Easier fill-in: Has a small integrated flash to brighten shadows of backlit subjects.
• More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (72 percent cheaper at launch).
• More modern: Was introduced somewhat (1 year and 5 months) more recently.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the D2X comes out slightly ahead of the 30D (7 : 6 points). However, the relevance of individual strengths will vary across photographers, so that you might want to apply your own weighing scheme to the summary points when reflecting and deciding on a new camera. A professional wildlife photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a family photog, and a person interested in architecture has distinct needs from a sports shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Nikon D2X and the Canon 30D place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera listing whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance when actually working with the D2X or the 30D. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews

This is why hands-on reviews by experts are important. The following table reports the overall ratings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DCW   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price (USD)	Street Price
1.		Nikon D2X	..	..	..	+ +	..	..	Sep 2004	4,999	ebay.com
2.		Canon 30D	..	+ +	..	+ +	o	..	Feb 2006	1,399	ebay.com
3.		Canon 10D	..	..	..	+ +	..	..	Feb 2003	1,999	ebay.com
4.		Canon 20D	..	..	..	+ +	..	..	Aug 2004	1,499	ebay.com
5.		Canon 40D	..	+ +	..	+ +	4.5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2007	1,299	ebay.com
6.		Canon XT	..	80/100	..	+ +	o	..	Feb 2005	899	ebay.com
7.		Canon XTi	..	+ +	..	+ +	o	4/5	Aug 2006	799	ebay.com
8.		Nikon D1	..	..	..	+ +	..	..	Jun 1999	5,499	ebay.com
9.		Nikon D1H	..	..	..	+ +	..	..	Feb 2001	4,499	ebay.com
10.		Nikon D1X	..	..	..	+ +	..	..	Feb 2001	5,999	ebay.com
11.		Nikon D2H	..	..	..	+ +	..	..	Jul 2003	3,499	ebay.com
12.		Nikon D2Xs	..	..	..	..	..	..	Jun 2006	4,699	ebay.com
13.		Nikon D3	..	..	..	+ +	5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2007	4,999	ebay.com
14.		Nikon D3S	5/5	..	..	89/100	4.5/5	5/5	Oct 2009	5,199	ebay.com
15.		Nikon D200	..	+ +	..	+ +	o	..	Nov 2005	1,699	ebay.com
16.		Nikon D300	..	+ +	..	+ +	5/5	4.5/5	Aug 2007	1,799	ebay.com
17.		Nikon D300S	5/5	+ +	..	82/100	4/5	4.5/5	Jul 2009	1,799	ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings are only valid when referring to cameras in the same category and of the same age. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. As an alternative, you can also directly jump to any one of the listed comparisons that were previously generated by the CAM-parator tool.

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