Ive got a Nikon itch is the D2X worth it?

Euan

Euan

Messages
2,585
Edit My Images
Yes
I fancy having a go at Nikon, unfortunately a D3(s) is out of my price range, i fancy a pro size body again and am thinking of saving for a 200-400 VR to go with it. The D2x is a good price or is it worth going for a D2Xs? Ive read about flashing the X to the Xs how good is that?

Cheers
 
D2x is a beast of a camera, built to last lol, personally I think you'll find the D300 a better choice, not sure about flashing or if it's possible but there are quite a few differences with the S the screen for one is more visible, the ability to crop in camera, b&w mode etc, I would go for the S out of the 2
 
I've read on here the the d2x once updated via a software update to xs is almost a d2xs (think there were upgrades in camera like bigger lcd or something).

If you want full frame, check the d700. Otherwise the d300s/d7000 for next up. If you don't want the high iso and video , then a second hand d300...

Have you handled them all? See whether the itch just vanishes or gets worse ;)
 
Id love a D700 but again its a bit out my price range to be honest, the d2x is a 1.5 crop factor isnt it? That would help me with the wildlife side of things. I really want a pro style body again, love the 7d features hate it with a grip on though but need it with the 120-300mm.
 
With the v2.0 firmware upgrade you effectively turn the D2x into a D2xs apart from the following:

*High speed crop mask comes as standard on a D2xs
*Viewing angle on the D2xs LCD is wider than on the D2x
*Maximum burst is increased on D2xs (up to 60 from 35 I believe)

Basically, the firmware adapts the software to give B&W mode, 1/3rd stop increments in ISO, plus a few more bits - Thom Hogan's review pretty much says it all.

I have two D2x bodies that I've flashed and both run like a dream. Personally, I'd just get a D2x and flash it - you can buy a D2xs but you'll probably end up spending £850+ for a good one, whereas you can get a good D2x for about £650.

If you're aiming for wildlife then I think you'll like it, mainly due to the 1.5x crop that will get you a bit more reach from a long lens. The crop is one reason why i love DX.

Resolution on the D2x is great, as is colour reproduction. Handling is brilliant and build is also - you're buying a very tough camera. Metering is excellent too in all conditions and AF speed is very, very good.

Many people dismiss the high ISO capabilities, saying anything above 400 is crap; I disagree. There is a ceiling, 800 for exposures that are off by a stop or so, but use the histogram and expose to the right and ISO 1600 (hi1) is fine if you apply NR in software like Lightroom.

Yes, more modern cameras like the D300/300s and the D7000 have much more rounded AF with more points, and the high ISO handling is better. However, the D2 series is still a very relevant body today and has probably aged better than many other high-end bodies because it had a brilliant set of features to begin with. Me and AWP always muse over the fact that if Nikon were to update the D2 it would be an awesome weapon of choice; D300 features with DX crop in that pro body.... I'm going weak at the knees already!! :)

If you've handled a gripped pro body (and liked it) this will be right up your street. I had a gripped D200 and this feels miles better because it's not as tall, and the controls are easier to reach, even in portrait orientation. Also, the EN-EL4 batteries are brilliant. The D2xs had the upgraded battery, the EN-EL4a, which carried more charge - these fit the D2x.

Any questions just PM and my flickr stream is almost exclusively shot on a D2x so you can see for yourself what it can do. :)
 
Last edited:
I've got a D2X and a D300, on paper the D300 is the "better" camera, but I am rapidly prefering the D2X, its just got so many little things that make it a really nice camera to use.
 
Thanks for all the replies, some excellent info and thanks Specialman for taking the time to write what you have. Id spotted the one on MPB and there is one on our well known auction site at the mo (D2Xs) for around £750. Off on holiday at the end of the week so will muse it over then.

AWP i spotted when you got you Xs and was really impressed (and a bit jealous!)

Decisions eh!
 
I own a D2X and a D300s and prefer the the D2X provided I am shooting at 400 iso or below. Have to disagree with above though, I personally think the D2X quality IS significantly inferior (unacceptable for a wedding for instance) above 400 iso but this is the ONLY area where I prefer the D300s over the D2X.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top