Nikon D2Xs vs D2X
The Nikon D2Xs and the Nikon D2X are two professional cameras that were officially introduced, respectively, in June 2006 and September 2004. Both are DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras that are equipped with an APS-C sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 12.2 megapixels.
Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.
Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Nikon D2Xs and the Nikon D2X? 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
An illustration of the physical size and weight of the Nikon D2Xs and the Nikon D2X is provided in the side-by-side display below. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.
In this particular case, the Nikon D2Xs and the Nikon D2X have exactly the same width and height, and, thus, have identically-sized bodies. Moreover, the two cameras also share the same weight. In this context, it is worth noting that both cameras are splash and dust-proof and can, hence, be used in inclement weather conditions or harsh environments.
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. In this particular case, both cameras feature the same lens mount, so that they can use the same lenses. You can compare the optics available in the Nikon Lens Catalog.
As can be seen in the images above, both cameras have a battery grip built in. This facilitates image-taking in portrait orientation and gives it additional battery power.
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.
# | Camera Model |
Camera Width |
Camera Height |
Camera Depth |
Camera Weight |
Battery Life |
Weather Sealing |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D2Xs | 158 mm | 150 mm | 86 mm | 1252 g | 3800 | Y | Jun 2006 | 4,699 | ebay.com | |
2. | Nikon D2X | 158 mm | 150 mm | 86 mm | 1252 g | 3800 | Y | Sep 2004 | 4,999 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon 1D Mark III | 156 mm | 157 mm | 80 mm | 1155 g | 2200 | Y | Feb 2007 | 4,499 | ebay.com | |
4. | Nikon D300S | 147 mm | 115 mm | 81 mm | 938 g | 950 | Y | Jul 2009 | 1,799 | ebay.com | |
5. | Nikon D3 | 160 mm | 157 mm | 88 mm | 1300 g | 4300 | Y | Aug 2007 | 4,999 | ebay.com | |
6. | Nikon D40X | 124 mm | 94 mm | 64 mm | 522 g | 520 | n | Mar 2007 | 729 | ebay.com | |
7. | Nikon D300 | 147 mm | 114 mm | 74 mm | 925 g | 1000 | Y | Aug 2007 | 1,799 | ebay.com | |
8. | Nikon D80 | 132 mm | 103 mm | 77 mm | 668 g | 600 | n | Aug 2006 | 999 | ebay.com | |
9. | Nikon D200 | 147 mm | 113 mm | 74 mm | 920 g | 400 | Y | Nov 2005 | 1,699 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon D2H | 158 mm | 150 mm | 86 mm | 1070 g | 2900 | Y | Jul 2003 | 3,499 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon D1H | 157 mm | 153 mm | 85 mm | 1100 g | 1200 | Y | Feb 2001 | 4,499 | ebay.com | |
12. | Nikon D1X | 157 mm | 153 mm | 85 mm | 1100 g | 1200 | Y | Feb 2001 | 5,999 | ebay.com | |
13. | Nikon D1 | 157 mm | 153 mm | 85 mm | 1100 g | .. | Y | Jun 1999 | 5,499 | ebay.com | |
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders. | |||||||||||
Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The D2Xs was somewhat cheaper (by 6 percent) than the D2X at launch, but both cameras fall into the same price category. 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. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.
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. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better 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 and have a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.5. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.
The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 12.2 megapixels. This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the D2Xs and the D2X have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the D2Xs is a somewhat more recent model (by 1 year and 8 months) than the D2X, and its sensor might have benefitted from technological advances during this time.
The Nikon D2Xs has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 800, which can be extended to ISO 800-3200. The corresponding ISO settings for the Nikon D2X are ISO 100 to ISO 800, 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.
Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service determines an overall sensor rating, as well as sub-scores for low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"), dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), and color depth ("DXO Portrait"). The Overall DXO ratings for the two cameras under consideration are close, suggesting that they provide similar imaging performance. The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.
# | Camera Model |
Sensor Class |
Resolution (MP) |
Horiz. Pixels |
Vert. Pixels |
Video Format |
DXO Portrait |
DXO Landscape |
DXO Sports |
DXO Overall |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D2Xs | APS-C | 12.2 | 4288 | 2848 | none | 22.2 | 10.9 | 489 | 59 | |
2. | Nikon D2X | APS-C | 12.2 | 4288 | 2848 | none | 22.1 | 10.9 | 476 | 59 | |
3. | Canon 1D Mark III | APS-H | 10.1 | 3888 | 2592 | none | 22.7 | 11.7 | 1078 | 71 | |
4. | Nikon D300S | APS-C | 12.2 | 4288 | 2848 | 720/24p | 22.5 | 12.2 | 787 | 70 | |
5. | Nikon D3 | Full Frame | 12.1 | 4256 | 2832 | none | 23.5 | 12.2 | 2290 | 81 | |
6. | Nikon D40X | APS-C | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | none | 22.4 | 11.4 | 516 | 63 | |
7. | Nikon D300 | APS-C | 12.2 | 4288 | 2848 | none | 22.1 | 12.0 | 679 | 67 | |
8. | Nikon D80 | APS-C | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | none | 22.1 | 11.2 | 524 | 61 | |
9. | Nikon D200 | APS-C | 10.0 | 3872 | 2592 | none | 22.3 | 11.5 | 583 | 64 | |
10. | Nikon D2H | APS-C | 4.0 | 2464 | 1632 | none | 18.9 | 10.0 | 352 | 40 | |
11. | Nikon D1H | APS-C | 2.6 | 2000 | 1312 | none | .. | .. | .. | .. | |
12. | Nikon D1X | APS-C | 5.9 | 3008 | 1960 | none | .. | .. | .. | .. | |
13. | Nikon D1 | APS-C | 2.6 | 2000 | 1312 | none | .. | .. | .. | .. |
Feature comparison
Beyond body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. The D2Xs and the D2X 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 viewfinders of both cameras offer the same field of view (100%), as well as the same magnification (0.57x). The following table reports on some other key feature differences and similarities of the Nikon D2Xs, the Nikon D2X, and comparable cameras.
# | 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 D2Xs | optical | Y | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
2. | Nikon D2X | optical | Y | 2.5 / 235 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
3. | Canon 1D Mark III | optical | Y | 3.0 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 10.0/s | n | n | |
4. | Nikon D300S | optical | Y | 3.0 / 920 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 7.0/s | Y | n | |
5. | Nikon D3 | optical | Y | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 11.0/s | n | n | |
6. | Nikon D40X | optical | n | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
7. | Nikon D300 | optical | Y | 3.0 / 922 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 6.0/s | Y | n | |
8. | Nikon D80 | optical | n | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/4000s | 3.0/s | Y | n | |
9. | Nikon D200 | optical | Y | 2.5 / 230 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 5.0/s | Y | n | |
10. | Nikon D2H | optical | Y | 2.5 / 211 | fixed | n | 1/8000s | 8.0/s | n | n | |
11. | Nikon D1H | optical | Y | 2.0 / 120 | fixed | n | 1/16000s | 5.0/s | n | n | |
12. | Nikon D1X | optical | Y | 2.0 / 120 | fixed | n | 1/16000s | 3.0/s | n | n | |
13. | Nikon D1 | optical | Y | 2.0 / 120 | fixed | n | 1/16000s | 4.5/s | n | n | |
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one. |
Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the D2Xs and the D2X 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 D2Xs and Nikon D2X and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.
# | Camera Model |
Hotshoe Port |
Internal Mic / Speaker |
Microphone Port |
Headphone Port |
HDMI Port |
USB Port |
WiFi Support |
NFC Support |
Bluetooth Support |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D2Xs | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
2. | Nikon D2X | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
3. | Canon 1D Mark III | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
4. | Nikon D300S | Y | stereo / mono | Y | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
5. | Nikon D3 | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
6. | Nikon D40X | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
7. | Nikon D300 | Y | - / - | - | - | mini | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
8. | Nikon D80 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
9. | Nikon D200 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
10. | Nikon D2H | Y | - / - | - | - | - | 2.0 | - | - | - | |
11. | Nikon D1H | Y | - / - | - | - | - | FW | - | - | - | |
12. | Nikon D1X | Y | - / - | - | - | - | FW | - | - | - | |
13. | Nikon D1 | Y | - / - | - | - | - | FW | - | - | - |
Both cameras feature a PC Sync terminal to control professional strobe lights, which will be appreciated by studio photographers.
Both the D2Xs and the D2X have been discontinued, but can regularly be found used on ebay. The D2X was replaced by the Nikon D2Xs, while the D2Xs was followed by the Nikon D3X. Further information on the features and operation of the D2Xs and D2X can be found, respectively, in the Nikon D2Xs Manual (free pdf) or the online Nikon D2X Manual.
Review summary
So what is the bottom line? Is there a clear favorite between the Nikon D2Xs and the Nikon D2X? Which camera is better? A synthesis of the relative strong points of each of the models is listed below.
Arguments in favor of the Nikon D2Xs:
- More modern: Is somewhat more recent (announced 1 year and 8 months after the D2X).
Reasons to prefer the Nikon D2X:
- More heavily discounted: Has been on the market for longer (launched in September 2004).
If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the match-up finishes in a tie (1 points each). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional sports photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a street photog, and a person interested in family portraits has distinct needs from a landscape 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 D2Xs and the Nikon D2X 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 D2Xs or the D2X. 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.
# | Camera Model |
AP score |
CL score |
DCW score |
DPR score |
EPZ score |
PB score |
Camera Launch |
Launch Price (USD) |
Street Price |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1. | Nikon D2Xs | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Jun 2006 | 4,699 | ebay.com | |
2. | Nikon D2X | .. | .. | .. | + + | .. | .. | Sep 2004 | 4,999 | ebay.com | |
3. | Canon 1D Mark III | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | .. | Feb 2007 | 4,499 | ebay.com | |
4. | Nikon D300S | 5/5 | + + | .. | 82/100 | 4/5 | 4.5/5 | Jul 2009 | 1,799 | ebay.com | |
5. | Nikon D3 | .. | .. | .. | + + | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2007 | 4,999 | ebay.com | |
6. | Nikon D40X | .. | 79/100 | .. | + + | 4/5 | 4/5 | Mar 2007 | 729 | ebay.com | |
7. | Nikon D300 | .. | + + | .. | + + | 5/5 | 4.5/5 | Aug 2007 | 1,799 | ebay.com | |
8. | Nikon D80 | .. | + | .. | + + | o | 4.5/5 | Aug 2006 | 999 | ebay.com | |
9. | Nikon D200 | .. | + + | .. | + + | o | .. | Nov 2005 | 1,699 | ebay.com | |
10. | Nikon D2H | .. | .. | .. | + + | .. | .. | Jul 2003 | 3,499 | ebay.com | |
11. | Nikon D1H | .. | .. | .. | + + | .. | .. | Feb 2001 | 4,499 | ebay.com | |
12. | Nikon D1X | .. | .. | .. | + + | .. | .. | Feb 2001 | 5,999 | ebay.com | |
13. | Nikon D1 | .. | .. | .. | + + | .. | .. | Jun 1999 | 5,499 | ebay.com | |
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available. |
The above review scores should be interpreted with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. 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.
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. Alternatively, you can follow any of the listed hyperlinks for comparisons that others found interesting.
- Canon 5DS vs Nikon D2Xs
- Canon T7i vs Nikon D2X
- Fujifilm X-T100 vs Nikon D2Xs
- Fujifilm X-T2 vs Nikon D2Xs
- Nikon D2X vs Nikon D7000
- Nikon D2X vs Nikon P900
- Nikon D2X vs Olympus E-PL5
- Nikon D2X vs Panasonic GF3
- Nikon D2X vs Ricoh GR III
- Nikon D2Xs vs Olympus E-PM1
- Nikon D2Xs vs Panasonic LX100
- Nikon D2Xs vs Sony A9
Specifications: Nikon D2Xs vs Nikon D2X
Below is a side-by-side comparison of the specs of the two cameras to facilitate a quick review of their differences and common features.
Camera Model | Nikon D2Xs | Nikon D2X |
---|---|---|
Camera Type | Digital single lens reflex | Digital single lens reflex |
Camera Lens | Nikon F mount lenses | Nikon F mount lenses |
Launch Date | June 2006 | September 2004 |
Launch Price | USD 4,699 | USD 4,999 |
Sensor Specs | Nikon D2Xs | Nikon D2X |
Sensor Technology | CMOS | CMOS |
Sensor Format | APS-C Sensor | APS-C Sensor |
Sensor Size | 23.7 x 15.7 mm | 23.7 x 15.7 mm |
Sensor Area | 372.09 mm2 | 372.09 mm2 |
Sensor Diagonal | 28.4 mm | 28.4 mm |
Crop Factor | 1.5x | 1.5x |
Sensor Resolution | 12.2 Megapixels | 12.2 Megapixels |
Image Resolution | 4288 x 2848 pixels | 4288 x 2848 pixels |
Pixel Pitch | 5.52 μm | 5.52 μm |
Pixel Density | 3.28 MP/cm2 | 3.28 MP/cm2 |
Moiré control | Anti-Alias filter | Anti-Alias filter |
Movie Capability | no Video | no Video |
ISO Setting | 100 - 800 ISO | 100 - 800 ISO |
ISO Boost | 800 - 3,200 ISO | 100 - 3,200 ISO |
DXO Sensor Quality (score) | 59 | 59 |
DXO Color Depth (bits) | 22.2 | 22.1 |
DXO Dynamic Range (EV) | 10.9 | 10.9 |
DXO Low Light (ISO) | 489 | 476 |
Screen Specs | Nikon D2Xs | Nikon D2X |
Viewfinder Type | Optical viewfinder | Optical viewfinder |
Viewfinder Field of View | 100% | 100% |
Viewfinder Magnification | 0.57x | 0.57x |
Top-Level Screen | Control Panel | Control Panel |
Rear LCD Size | 2.5inch | 2.5inch |
LCD Resolution | 230k dots | 235k dots |
LCD Attachment | Fixed screen | Fixed screen |
Shooting Specs | Nikon D2Xs | Nikon D2X |
Focus System | Phase-detect AF | Phase-detect AF |
Continuous Shooting | 5 shutter flaps/s | 5 shutter flaps/s |
Shutter Life Expectancy | 150 000 actuations | 150 000 actuations |
Fill Flash | no On-Board Flash | no On-Board Flash |
Storage Medium | CF cards | CF cards |
Single or Dual Card Slots | Single card slot | Single card slot |
Connectivity Specs | Nikon D2Xs | Nikon D2X |
External Flash | Hotshoe | Hotshoe |
Studio Flash | PC Sync socket | PC Sync socket |
USB Connector | USB 2.0 | USB 2.0 |
HDMI Port | no HDMI | no HDMI |
Wifi Support | no Wifi | no Wifi |
Body Specs | Nikon D2Xs | Nikon D2X |
Environmental Sealing | Weathersealed body | Weathersealed body |
Battery Type | Nikon EN-EL4a | Nikon EN-EL4a |
Battery Life (CIPA) | 3800 shots per charge | 3800 shots per charge |
Body Dimensions |
158 x 150 x 86 mm (6.2 x 5.9 x 3.4 in) |
158 x 150 x 86 mm (6.2 x 5.9 x 3.4 in) |
Camera Weight | 1252 g (44.2 oz) | 1252 g (44.2 oz) |
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