Nikon D2xs

The Nikon D2xs has been announced today following the success of its predecessor, the award-winning Nikon D2x. The D2xs has a number of improvements over the D2x, in particular a new 12.4 mega-pixel sensor that allows JPEG and RAW (NEF format) capture, and a 3D-Colour Matrix Metering II image processor that ensure captured images keep their colour, detail and have a smooth tonal range.

A feature that will probably appeal to the higher-end of professional photographers is the ability to select three different Adobe RGB colour spaces in addition to the usual sRGB, which allows better colour information to be captured for different working environments. More in-camera creativity is possible with a dedicated Black & White colour mode.

A high-speed Crop function has been introduced that can shoot continuously at 8fps while only recording the central area of the frame at 6.8 mega-pixel resolution. Typically the camera can record at 5 fps at the full 12.4 resolution.

A new battery has also been developed for the camera - the EN-EL4a lithium-ion - which claims to provide 3,800 images on a single charge. It also features a fuel-gauge indicator on the viewfinder. This displays the percentage of remaining shots, the number of shots taken since the last charge and battery life.

Other features on the Nikon D2xs include the D2x's 11-area autofocus system, rapid start-up time, a shutter timelag of a mere 37ms, an LCD with a 170 degree viewing angle, and compatibility with the Nikon Wireless Transmitter WT-2/2A. To cap this all off, the exterior casing has been designed by famed industial designer Giorgetto Giugiaro, he of the Nikon F3,F4 and F5 amongst others.

The D2xs will be available in July 2006, with the RRP set at a whopping £3499.99 for the body only.