Nikon D2H: A Professional Camera Worth Exploring

The Nikon D2H is a reliable and high-performing camera that is popular among photographers. This blog provides a thorough review of its features and performance, along with tips and tricks to help you take the best shots with this camera.

Written by Victor Chan | Updated: Mon May 01 2023

Nikon D2H article cover photo

Key Features

Dec 19 2003

Announced

4 megapixels

Resolution

BrandNikon
Sensor TypeAPS-C
SensorJFET
Weight1200g
MSRP$3499USD

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Overview of the D2H

If you are looking for a professional camera that can handle any shooting situation, the Nikon D2H is the perfect option for you. This camera boasts exceptional image quality, lightning-fast autofocus, and a durable design that can withstand even the toughest conditions. In this blog, we will explore the features of the Nikon D2H in detail, and give you insights into how you can make the most of this camera’s capabilities. So, if you’re ready to enhance your photography game with the Nikon D2H, let's dive in!

Nikon D2H Pros and Cons

Now, we will look more closely at our review of the Nikon D2H camera. We will see what it can do and compare it to other cameras like it. We will tell you what's good about it and what's not so good. This way, you'll know if it's the camera for you!

Pros

High speed shooting
Fast autofocus
Professional build quality
Excellent battery life
High quality image output
Wide dynamic range
Good low light capability
Great compatibility with Nikon lenses

Cons

Heavy and bulky
Limited resolution (4.1 megapixels)
Expensive compared to newer models
No image stabilization
Limited video capabilities
Outdated LCD screen
Slow write speeds for large image files.

Build and Construction

Body and dimensions

Nikon D2H

Weather sealed
Dimensions158 x 150 x 86mm
Weight1200g
Thickness86mm
Weight
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Max
Thickness
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Weather Sealing

The Nikon D2H camera is equipped with environmental seals that make it resistant to weather, preventing water and dust from entering the camera. If you enjoy outdoor photography and need a camera that can handle extreme conditions, the D2H is an excellent choice.

Design and Handling

Main design features

View FinderOptical (pentaprism)
Screen TypeFixed Type
Screen Resolution211k dots
Body typeLarge SLR

Suitable for:

PhotographyAbove Avg.
VideographyAbove Avg.
TravelAbove Avg.

LCD Screen

This camera has a fixed type 2.50" screen, with a display resolution of 211k dots. This makes the Nikon D2H not as suitable for those looking for a vlogging camera as you cannot view yourself while shooting selfies easily. Unfortunately, the camera does not have a touch screen, which may make it less user-friendly.

Viewfinder

D2H includes a optical (pentaprism) viewfinder with no electronic viewfinder of resolution with a coverage of 100% and a magnification of 0.57x. This feature enhances the camera's suitability for outdoor photography in bright conditions.

Image Quality

Nikon D2H has a 4MP sized JFET sensor. You can shoot at maximum resolution of 4 pixels. Nikon D2H has a native ISO range of 200 - 1600 which can be boosted to null - null. It can also save files in RAW format which gives you a wider room for post processing.

Key Features

Dec 19 2003

Announced

200 - 1600

ISO Range

SensorAPS-C
Extended ISOnull - null
Max resolution2464 x 1632 pixels

DXO Sensor Scores

Overall

40 / 102

Color Depth

18.9 / 26.5

Dynamic Range

10 / 14.8

Low Light ISO

352 / 4505

DXO mark sensor scores

The DXOmark rankings indicate that the Nikon D2H camera has average color depth performance, which refers to the number of colors the sensor can distinguish. Additionally, its dynamic range is also average, allowing it to retain low amounts of details in both bright and dark areas of a scene. The camera's low light ISO performance is poor, which is an important factor to consider if you plan to use it in dimly lit indoor environments or at night. Overall the image quality of the D2H is poor

Crop Factor

Camera crop factor (or focal length multiplier) refers to how a camera's sensor size affects the apparent field of view of a lens. Crop factor is determined by comparing the size of a camera's sensor to that of a full-frame sensor, which is a standard reference size for camera sensors.

Size comparison

Medium FormatFull FrameAPS-C (Sony, Nikon)

Crop factor calculator

Crop factor

1x

Full frame equivalent

24mm

This camera: APS-C

24mm

850100150200

Connectivity, storage, battery

StorageCompact Flash (Type I or II)
Battery Life
Battery Model
HDMI
USD
Wireless Connectivity

Storage

The Nikon D2H supports Compact Flash (Type I or II) with 1 slots for storage. This may suffice for everyday use. However, for professional applications such as wedding photography, it is not recommended as a memory card malfunction could lead to the loss of all footage.

Battery

The Nikon D2H uses the undefined model of undefined. This is rated for undefined shots which is high. If you intend to take photos or record videos for an extended period, it might be a good idea to bring along additional batteries.

Photography Features

Flash

The Nikon D2H does not have a built-in flash, but it does offer a flash shoe that allows you to attach external flashes. This provides more versatility in your lighting choices.

Shutter

The Nikon D2H boasts a maximum mechanical shutter speed of 1/8000s, which is ideal for shooting fast-moving subjects in bright environments, such as in sports photography. Faster shutter speeds enable you to freeze the action and capture every detail, making it easier to get the perfect shot.

With a continuous mechanical shutter speed of n/a or an electronic shutter speed of n/a, this camera is not capable of capturing the perfect moment more easily, making it not as suited for wedding, sports, and wildlife photography. Higher shutter speeds make it easier to capture fast-paced action, ensuring that you never miss the perfect shot.

Autofocus

The Nikon D2H includes phase detection autofocus (AF), with null number of focus points.

While contrast detection is generally more accurate and precise, phase detection autofocus is faster and more effective in most situations, particularly when photographing moving subjects.

Phase detection autofocus works by dividing the incoming light into pairs and then analyzing how they intersect on the camera's sensor. This method allows the camera to determine not only if a subject is in focus but also the direction and distance needed to adjust the focus to achieve perfect sharpness.

On the other hand, contrast detection autofocus works by analyzing the contrast of an image and adjusting the focus until the highest contrast is detected. While this method is very accurate, it can be slow, especially in low light conditions or when photographing moving subjects.

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FAQ

What is the sensor size of the Nikon D2H?

The Nikon D2H features a JFET sensor

Is the Nikon D2H weather sealed?

Yes the D2H does have weather sealing.

When was the Nikon D2H announced?

The Nikon D2H was announced on Dec 19 2003

Does the Nikon D2H have in-body image stabilization?

No the D2H does not have in-body image stabilization that can compensate for camera shake, making it easier to shoot handheld in low light conditions.

What is the ISO range of the Nikon D2H?

The D2H has a native ISO range of 200-1600, which can be expanded to ISO null-null for even greater sensitivity in low light conditions.

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