I recently purchased a new D2Xs and I am very happy with it. It has many features that I really like that were not in D2X. Many people asked me if there is any improvement in the noise and I did a mini review here comparing files from both cameras.
Main Observation: I have not seen much difference in the image quality between D2X and D2Xs. I am using ADOBE CAMERA RAW (ACR) to view and convert RAW files as it is one of the fastest RAW coverters I have seen till now. However when I view or convert the images from RAW to JPEG using Nikon NX the files are much much better. There is a significant difference between the ACR and Nikon NX converted files. I cannot stress enough how beautiful the files looked when using Nikon NX. Bad thing about NX is its too slow. My plan was to buy a Canon 5D just for shooting images at higher ISOs but instead I opted to go with Nikon D2Xs and there are no regrets.
Update: I recently upgraded Nikon NX 1.0 to 1.0.1 and its much better now. I am able to convert more than 1000 raw files to JPEGs without any problems.
| Settings (85/1.4 lens) | D2X | D2XS |
| ISO 800, F5.6, 1/8second | JPG, NEF | JPG, NEF |
| ISO 1600, F5.6, 1/15second | JPG, NEF | JPG, NEF |
| ISO 3200, F5.6, 1/30second | JPG, NEF | JPG, NEF |
Currently I own D2H, D2X, D2Xs and a couple of D70 (converted to IR) cameras ( I sold my D200 ) 70-200/2.8 VR lens, 17-55/2.8, 10.5mm, 12-24mm, 85/1.4, 50/1.4 and few other not so fast lenses.
I could’nt agree with you more. I have tryied many RAW converters trying to do away with the VERY slow Capture 4 . I have only owned the NX program for about a month and find it much better but still not very fast. BUT…you just can’t beat it for converting a NEF file. The skin tones and colors are so much better than anything I have tried. Luckily I do not have to process anywhere near the amount that you do.
Terri, The only other RAW converter that I have tested extensively that comes close to Nikon NX captureOne from Phase One. Try the demo version and see if you like it. It has no problem converting several hundred files.
regeti
So do you shoot weddings RAW? Will I have access to those as well or only the JPGs?
Angel, I do shoot in RAW, however it doesnt make sense for you to have the RAW files because it really depends a lot on what type of viewer or converter you are using. The results vary a lot. More over I shoot close to 20 to 30 Gigs worth of images (RAW) so space is going to be an issue too.
srinu regeti
What if I promise to bring my own 70 GB external hard drive? 😉 I understand though. Playing with RAWs are so fun, not that I’m anywhere as good with them as you are. I love your work and I know you’ll do a wonderful job. RAWs are just fun to play with. I’ve been playing Adobe PS CS2 and Canon’s Camera Raw. So much to learn about photography . . .
Angel,
There is a program called Bibble which is also one of the fastest RAW converters. You might want to try a demo version of that as it allows same kind of controls on a JPEG file that you can have on a RAW file. Bibble is mch better than ACR.
One more thing you might want to take a look at is Phase One’s Capture1 which is really good and that comes very close to Nikon’s NX. Capture1 is really fast and the best thing about it is that its free if you get any Sandisk Extreme III cards. Otherwise is $99 software. The professional version is about $400 I think.
Hope the above information helps.
regards,
srinu regeti
I do, in fact, have an Extreme III card. I will have to check that out. Thanks for all the great tips, Srinu!
Srinu,
What kind of camera do you suggest for the average “joe”, that doesn’t cost as much as the D2Xs? I’m looking for a new camera but I don’t have thousands of dollars to spend on one.
Thanks
Jennifer