So I postulate that, the built-in computer and the algorithms (calculation procedures) that are built into the camera, are even more important than the finite number of pixels, but they are hard to quantify. Given that the lens is the same quality, it is easy to see that the better the interpretation of that signal, the better the picture. Therefore, buy the camera with the latest “technology” and you get the finest pictures.

Tomorrow they will build even better cameras, as camera designers continue to build on today’s technology. The only way we can even humbly approach to appreciate, how much work that had been expended to create the technological wonders in this cameras, is to view the finished product. It was easy to see that my older D1 with 2.7 MP put out better pictures than many point and shoots with much higher pixel counts.

I do not even claim to scratch the surface of knowledge of how these cameras work, above a superficial gloss over of the processes, but I do have enough knowledge to be totally amazed and appreciative. The D2X is definitely one of these technological wonders, and it is here today.

This camera is a natural for many walks of the photography realm. Because of it's speed in many areas, and increased “magnification factor”, it is a natural for the sports photographer and the nature photographer, shooting moving, inaccessible or off limits subjects. With it’s wireless capabilities it is the fastest link to the news desk possible through a remote computer.

The output size at 300 DPI was configured to be slightly larger than the 8 ¾ X 11 ½ in size, for a full bleed magazine page; so small product and magazine publication are slam dunks. The smooth gradations, and yet contrast with out harshness, and the ability to output a print at full 8X10 or 8 ½ X 11, and the large body size -which says “professional”- is an easy choice for the wedding photographer. When I was shooting, people would walk up to me and ask if I was a professional (It must be the haggard looks). Funny how with the shrinking of the point and shoot, a full size SLR with an attached battery pack, is now a “professional” size to the general public.

The Nikon D2X produces a 19.8 meg Raw file, that gives me a sharper, with better color characteristics image, than I get from a 210 meg , Velvia 100 35mm image, scanned at high resolution (5400 dpi, 16bit) with the same lens and printer. Is film dead? No, but since I already have a high-resolution digital projector, it is going to be very difficult buying film for my F6 now. Every one that I have shown the end product prints to have been very impressed with the quality, pro and non-photographer alike.

If you haven’t already guessed, I feel the Five Grand is already worth it. I am my only commercial customer and I figure the pay back on this body is about eight months over the D1 and then that much goes to the bottom line every eight months thereafter. That is a no brainier. The real question is not what each feature does to what degree, it is: does it do what I really need it to do?

If your present camera does what you need it to do then you may not need a Nikon D2X. There is no need for a D3 in my future. It will take many years and many venues to test all of the D2X’s benefits and features. This one does what I need it to do, now. The future is here for me, and it is … the Nikon D2X.

I am going to shoot part of the sand hill crane migration next week on the Platt River in Nebraska and again the first of May in Kansas USA. I will enjoy the no wait, as one can just keep on shooting until the card is full most of the time. I have already tried the “select nearest object” with my Nikon F6 and it is great for panning with birds in bright light (especially if you have ever tried manual focusing in these situations). I should get a chance to try out the increased “magnification factor”, follow-predictive focus and closest focus lock on, in the low early, misty light of morning. If I get any decent pictures I will try to share them here. I wish you good shooting.

Thank you,
Jerry Burnell

Burnell's
Wichita, Kansas USA